You will thank yourself when you’re hungry and far from home.

Congratulations! You have made it to *insert amazing foreign country* for your semester abroad. Naturally, you want to go to every café, restaurant and dessert hotspot, which you probably should do – after all, you need to keep up the Instagrams for your fans back home.

One thing to keep in mind while studying abroad is that it is sometimes okay to skip the best gelato place in Rome, because, honestly, they all start to taste the same after a while. And for all those times when you just want to relax in your apartment or dorm and not go out, these are some essential snacks and easy-to-prepare meals you should have readily available.

1. Trail Mix

This is a great snack to have when you are studying abroad. It is perfect for when you are traveling throughout the day and need something to hold you over before dinner, or whatever your next meal is. It is also a great snack to bring to class. There are so many different kinds, so find one that you love and stock up on it!

2. Pasta

You can buy pasta almost anywhere, and it is the easiest meal to make. You should always have a box on hand in case you need a quick meal or just something different. On those days when you don’t feel like spending a lot for dinner, boil some pasta and bon appétit!

3. Eggs

Eggs should seriously be your best friend, if they aren’t already. Like pasta, you can find them almost anywhere for relatively cheap prices. Eggs are an essential for any apartment or dorm; you can eat them for any meal and make them in a variety of ways so you don’t get bored.

4. Popcorn

An all-time favorite, popcorn really fills you up and is super easy to travel with.

5. Protein Shakes and Smoothies

Protein shakes and smoothies are great because you can make them in the morning and they will keep you full for a while. Additionally, by buying fruits and vegetables at local farmers markets, you can guarantee their freshness. This is a great option for breakfast, and saves you from going out all the time for brunch.

♦

Going abroad is super fun and exciting – there are going to be so many memories and adventures and stories. What is also exciting is not starving and not breaking the bank while you’re having the time of your life!

Alicia Barillari is a junior at the University of Maryland and a contributor at GlamSalad.com. When she is not obsessing over celeb gossip and pop culture, she can be found tagging her friends in memes or eating chocolate cake. 

Cover photo captured by Frankie Cordoba.