Students often exist on a diet of ready-meals and takeaways.
It’s expensive and unhealthy – and now student accommodation is smarter and more luxurious than ever, is there an excuse?
Sheffield’s healthy fast-food independent Street Food Chef decided to challenge students at two of the city’s most stylish accommodation blocks to take a cookery lesson.
SFC’s Abi Golland took her expertise into the communal kitchens at Jonas, the University of Sheffield’s newest student hotel residence in the Endcliffe Village, and those at the purpose-built LIV Student accommodation block on Ecclesall Road, which opened in the summer.
“Our take on Mexican food is packed with fresh, nutritious ingredients and with knowhow, is fast and easy to make at home,” said Abi.
“We want students to realise that cooking the Mexican way could have a big positive effect on their diets. So we took along a load of fresh, wholesome ingredients, passed out the pinnies and challenged them to cook up our tacos and salsas,” said Abi, who also gave out food hygiene safety tips.
SFC recently expanded its cantinas on Arundel Street and Sharrowvale Road with a pop-up outlet in Orchard Square.
Abi, who runs the award-winning business with husband Richard, added: “I couldn’t believe the luxurious surroundings the latest student accommodation offers now. Both sites boast kitchens as sleek and well-equipped as a showhome’s.
“All their students need is a bit of encouragement and advice and I hope that’s what we have been able to provide.”
Around 20 first-year students living at Jonas enjoyed their cookery session with Abi, said Sophie Strong, Residence Life Coordinator for University of Sheffield.
“We encourage our students to adopt healthy lifestyles and want to teach them skills that will equip them for life, not just their studies,” said Sophie.
“Sharing a meal they’ve been taught to prepare facilitates positive community-building within students’ flats, which is what we aim for. We received some great feedback.”
Tyrone Jerron-Quarshie, Sales & Partnership Manager at LIV Student, commented: “We try to ensure we have a range of events which will encourage different types of students to engage. This cooking class did just that. It was so much fun and the students definitely learnt some new skills!”
