It’s been two months since I moved into the University of Zaragoza dormitory, and as someone who enjoys cooking, I wanted to share my real experience with cooking here. I hope this helps those who are about to move in or are considering whether to cook in the dorms.
Dormitory Kitchen Equipment
I live in Colegio Mayor Universitario, and the communal kitchen is fairly well-equipped. Basically, there are induction cooktops, ovens, microwaves, and refrigerators, but you need to bring your own pots, pans, and utensils. I recommend going to Carrefour or El Corte Inglés when you first arrive to buy a basic set of cookware, which costs around 30-40 euros. It’s worth noting that the induction cooktops here aren’t particularly powerful, so the heat is a bit weaker when stir-frying, which takes some getting used to.
Nearby Shopping Options Comparison
Regarding grocery shopping, I’ve summarized several places I frequently visit, each with pros and cons:
| Supermarket Name | Distance from Dorm | Price Level | Recommendation | |
|---|
| Mercadona | 10-minute walk | Medium | ★★★★★ |
| Carrefour Express | 5-minute walk | Higher | ★★★☆☆ |
| Día | 15-minute walk | Cheap | ★★★★☆ |
| Mercado Central | 20-minute bus ride | Fresh & Affordable | ★★★★★ |
I personally recommend Mercadona the most, as it has everything and consistent quality, with special deals every Wednesday. If you want to buy fresh vegetables and meat, going to Mercado Central on weekends is the best choice—prices are much cheaper than supermarkets, and at the University of Zaragoza dormitory you can find some Asian ingredients.
Practical Recipe Recommendations
Considering the kitchen equipment and time constraints, the dishes I usually make are quite simple. Tomato scrambled eggs is always the quickest option, done in 5 minutes. Spanish tomatoes are particularly delicious, so it turns out great. I also recommend trying a complicated simplified version of seafood paella—using supermarket seafood mix, adding saffron and rice, you can make it in 20 minutes, and it tastes as good as restaurant versions.
When I have time on weekends, I make a large pot of stew or soup, portion it out and refrigerate it, then just heat it up on weekdays. Potatoes, carrots, and onions here are very cheap—a pot of vegetable stew with meat can last three or four days, saving both time and money.
Important Notes
Finally, a few reminders: Always clean up after using the communal kitchen—it’s basic courtesy. Refrigerator space is limited, so I suggest labeling your food with your name and date. Also, try to avoid using the kitchen after 10 PM to avoid disturbing other students. Be mindful of cooking fumes—although there’s a range hood, stir-frying peppers and similar foods will still create odors, so opening windows for ventilation is recommended.
Cooking in University of Zaragoza dormitories is totally feasible—it saves money and allows you to eat healthily. It might seem troublesome at first, but once you get used to it, you’ll find the process quite enjoyable. Feel free to leave comments if you have any questions!
