Welcome to the freshman survival guide, providing you with all the information, tips, and tricks you need to navigate your freshman year. If you’re a part of the majority living in a dorm, the days of having 24/7 access to a kitchen stocked with your favourite foods are over. While the cafeteria can have good options, they can also get very repetitive and may not be the healthiest, especially when it comes to breakfast. 

Whether you have 8:30 classes, are tired of caf omelettes and muffins, want something healthier, or simply like the aesthetic, these recipes are for you! Below, here are 10 easily customizable recipes which use very different flavours and ingredients that are bound to satisfy all moods and palettes. 

1. Fig Tahini Overnight Oats 

In the mood to try something new? This recipe's for you! While figs and tahini may not be two of the most common ingredients, they make the perfect combination - especially when mixed into creamy oats. If fresh figs aren’t in season, try dried figs for an equally yummy alternative. 

2. Cold Brew Chia Seed Pudding 

coffee
Kristine Mahan

No time for both breakfast and your morning coffee? Why not combine them? Soaking the chia seeds in cold brew gives all the flavour (and caffeine) of your morning latte without having to spend the extra 10 minutes in the Starbucks line. 

3. Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats

pineapple
Nicole Laszlo

Because you can never go wrong with a classic. 

4. Coconut Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding 

milk, sweet, cream, coffee, chocolate
Jamie Hegg

Chocolate for breakfast? Yes please! Chia pudding is a grain-free alternative for people who want something a little lighter or a change from the classic overnight oats. Soaking the chia seeds overnight causes them to turn gelatinous and have a pudding-like consistency. 

5. Pumpkin Spice Overnight Oats 

muesli, milk, cereal, porridge, rice, oatmeal
Christin Urso

The leaves are beginning to change and the weather is finally cooling, which means pumpkin spice season is upon us. Sure, you can go to Starbucks to get your fix, but this overnight oats recipe has all the flavour with a fraction of the sugar.  

6. Tropical Overnight Oats

Pretend you’re still on a beach and not about to suffer through 5 (ish) months of winter with this tropical-inspired breakfast. 

7. Matcha Chia Seed Pudding 

parsley, garlic, herb, cream, soup, vegetable
Elizabeth Furiga

Okay, it’s been almost a month, why am I still sick? Fuel your immune system with matcha – it is loaded in antioxidants bound to keep your cough at bay and nose unblocked well into the winter. Honey is an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal remedy that will soothe your sore throat.  

8. Zucchini Bread Overnight Oats 

Tired of avocado toast, but still looking for a way to sneak in a serving of vegetables at breakfast? This zucchini bread oatmeal’s for you! By shredding the zucchini and allowing it to soak overnight, the texture blends in with the oats so you barely even know it’s there.

9. Peanut Butter Jelly Chia Pudding 

This is one of my go-to breakfast staples because it’s extremely satisfying and tastes like everyone’s childhood favourite. For a few variations, try using a different nut butter or for a lower sugar alternative, try adding some frozen berries.

Do-It-Yourself Overnight Oats/Chia Pudding

  • Prep Time:5 mins
  • Cook Time:0
  • Total Time:5 mins
  • Servings:1
  • Easy

    Ingredients

  • Overnight Oats:
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1 tbsp. chia seeds
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 3/4 - 1 cup liquid choice non-dairy milk water...
  • Chia Pudding:
  • 3 tbsp. chia seeds
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 3/4 - 1 cup liquid choice non-dairy milk water...
  • Toppings:
  • any fruit you have on hand fresh or frozen
  • nuts seeds or nut butter
  • granola
Joelle Weinerman

  • Step 1

    Combine all ingredients in a mason jar and shake to combine. You can add the toppings here if you'd like, or you can add them right before eating.

  • Step 2

    Let sit in the fridge overnight (4 hours minimum).

  • Step 3

    Enjoy!