Where to Heat Up: A Student’s Guide to Microwaves and Easy Meals on Campus

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Campus life often means rushing from class to class with little time to spare for a proper meal. Between lectures, labs, and study sessions, eating well can easily slip down the list of priorities. Yet, a warm meal can make all the difference in a long day. Your campus has made it easier for students to reheat homemade food or store-bought leftovers by providing microwaves in convenient spots. 

Microwave Map: Your Warm Meal Destinations 

If you have ever wandered around campus with a cold lunch in hand, you are not alone. Great news! There are plenty of microwave spots around, so you will not have to search far to grab a quick bite. 

• Queen’s Centre, 1st Floor – Ideal for students frequenting the gym or central student hub. 

• Queen’s University International Centre (QUIC) – A welcoming space for international and all students needing quick access to a microwave. 

• The School of Medicine Building, 4th Floor – Great for health-science students in labs and lecture blocks. 

• Law Building, 1st Floor – Handy for late evenings, case-brief marathons and quick reheats. 

• John Deutsch University Centre (JDUC)h, 3^rd Floor – Ideal for students frequenting the gym or central student hub. 

See the map below for exact locations. 

These microwave stations mean that wherever your schedule takes you, a hot meal is only a few minutes away. 

Easy Microwave-Friendly Dishes for Busy Students 

Access to a microwave is only part of the equation. The real benefit comes when you know what foods work best for quick reheating. Here are some simple, budget-conscious dishes that turn a packed lunch into a satisfying warm meal. 

• Rice bowls: Combine instant or pre-cooked rice with canned beans, frozen vegetables, and any leftover protein (chicken, tofu, etc.). Finish with soy sauce or a hot sauce for a flavour boost. 

• Pasta in a mug: use pre-cooked pasta, add a spoonful of sauce, sprinkle in cheese, microwave; hello, quick comfort food. 

• Burrito wraps: Lay rice, beans, and salsa into a tortilla, roll, and microwave until warm. Simple, portable, and filling. 

• Soup & bread combo: Reheat a can (or homemade) soup and pair it with a slice of bread. A classic warming option. 

• Steamed veggies and grains: Keep frozen veggies on hand; microwave them alongside a portion of grain for a fast, nutritious side or main. 

  
  

Warm meals are never far away thanks to the well-placed microwave stations across campus. You will save time, money, and stress by using microwave-friendly dishes and employing easy techniques for bread, vegetables, and desserts. Taking a few minutes to heat up a satisfying meal does more than fill your stomach; it fuels your studies, supports your wellness, and lets you stay on top of campus life with confidence. 

Source Links 

1. How to steam vegetables in the microwave: Serious Eats: https://www.seriouseats.com/how-to-steam-vegetables-in-the-microwave 

2. The best method for reviving stale bread in the microwave: The Kitchn: https://www.thekitchn.com/best-method-for-reviving-stale-bread-23499468 

3. How to microwave-steam fresh vegetables: Food Hero: https://foodhero.org/recipes/microwave-fresh-vegetables?