by Molly Lindstrom

Grabbing breakfast at the dining hall is not always ideal. It can sometimes be a hassle and leave you unsatisfied with the same options everyday. If you are looking for an alternative breakfast, oatmeal is the perfect solution. Yes, at first some may find oatmeal to be boring, dull, or tasteless. But it doesn’t have to be. 

The plainness of oats provides the perfect versatility for a flavorful breakfast. With the right toppings, you can mix any flavors you desire for a sweet or savory meal that will leave you satisfied. Here is our step by step guide on how to create your own perfect oatmeal breakfast: 

STEP 1: The Oats

In dorm living conditions, microwaveable oats are the most convenient. You can either buy one large bag of rolled oats, or oats that come in packs, depending on your portion size preference. In addition to the standard plain oats, there is a large variety of flavored oatmeal to choose from if you are looking for a bit of pre-made flavor. You can likely find any of these options in one of the campus stores or at an off-campus grocery store (instacart is also a great option for the lazy or car-less readers out there!). 

STEP 2: The Base

To make oatmeal, you must pair the oats with a base of your choice. Typical options include water, milk (or any milk-alternative), or creamer. There are also some more creative bases you can try, such as melted nut butter, maple syrup, mashed bananas, or even applesauce if you are feeling fancy. 

STEP 3: The Toppings 

Now for the best part. There are so many fun toppings to choose from, and so many ways to mix and match to create the perfect flavor. Below is a list of a some possible toppings: 

• Brown Sugar 
• Nut butters 
• Honey
• Granola 
• Fruit (fresh or dry)
• Nuts 
• Coconut Flakes 
• Yogurt 
• Spices 
• Chia Seeds
• Chocolate Chips 
• Pumpkin Puree 
• Vanilla 

If you are struggling to pair flavors, here are some combinations you can try: 

• Cinnamon + Apples + Walnuts 
• Banana + Peanut Butter + Chocolate Chips 
• Pumpkin Puree + Cinnamon + Almond Butter + Craisins 
• Coconut Flakes + Chocolate Chips + Blueberries 
• Maple Syrup + Brown Sugar + Bananas + Chia Seeds 
• Hazelnuts + Nutella + Bananas + Strawberries 

Oatmeal is the ideal quick and easy breakfast for a college student, with added benefits of being both healthy and filling. With so many different possible combinations, oatmeal should never be boring.