It's that time of year again, the semester has just begun and the new school year is about to get busy. Spending time making food can be a struggle for some students and a welcome break for others during a busy semester. No matter what your take is, it's important to dedicate time for food.

University students have a rep for living on take-out and frozen pizza for a reason, but microwave cooking is a great way to have a more balanced diet for those who lack time to cook. Below are some meals and snacks that you can make in your microwave for the days when cooking is just too much.

1. Chocolate Chip Cookie in a Mug

This Chocolate Chip Cookie in a Mug should be in everyones repertoire. It only takes one minute to make, and it will definitely satisfy a sweet tooth.

2. Fried Eggs

egg yolk, egg, fried egg, bread, milk, cream, dairy product, coffee, butter
Helena Lin

The best way to start your morning off is with breakfast. Don't worry if you're in a rush for early classes, you can always fry an egg in the microwave.

3. Spaghetti Dinner 

soup, chili, rice
Hannah Cather

If you're worried that you won't make it to your evening class, try this easy Spaghetti Dinner. It takes less than 15 minutes to make, and it's delicious. 

4. Popcorn

popcorn, corn, cereal, kettle corn, salt, sweet
Sara Carte

Popcorn is the perfect snack for students. You can make popcorn even without the microwavable bags, as long as you have a brown paper bag and kernels. Add a quarter cup of kernels to a brown bag and fold the bag at the top. Remove the air, leave some room for the kernels to pop, and then microwave for 2 to 5 minutes.

5. Rice Krispies 

marshmallow, candy, sweet
Avery Nicholson

If you're a fan of Rice Krispie squares but don't have a stove top, this recipe is perfect for you. It takes about a minute for these gooey microwavable treats to be in your hands.

6. Baked Cinnamon Apples 

butter, cinnamon
Kelsey Emery

These Baked Cinnamon Apples are great for a last-minute dessert. Find the recipe here to enjoy this sweet treat that only takes a few minutes to prepare. 

7. Banana Pancake in a Mug

sweet, cream, strawberry, milk, pudding, berry
Natsuko Mazany

If you'e in a rush to make it to your early lectures and don't have time to break out the frying pan, try this 5 minute Banana Pancake recipe. 

8. Vegetables

vegetable, tomato, carrot, pepper
Christin Urso

When living in residence, not every student has the luxury of having a stove or oven in their dorm. If you want to add more veggies to your diet and but don't have a stove, buying frozen vegetables and cooking them in the microwave is a great alternative. 

9. Microwave Mug Lasagna

coffee, beer, tea, beans
Leanna Smith

If you're missing moms lasagna, this recipe is for you. It's perfect for students who are on a tight schedule but still want to feel like they're eating a homemade meal. 

10. Brownie Peanut Butter Mug

If you are craving a sweet dessert but don't want to spend an hour making it, try this Peanut Butter Brownie Mug. This is a great option for when you just need a chocolate-y pick me up. 

No matter what, being a student is busy, and taking the time to cook can be a challenge. Next time you're thinking about eating cereal for dinner, remember that the microwave was invented for a reason. These recipes are quick, easy to make, and are great for when you're on the go.