Living in the glorious age of the internet, there is a wealth of knowledge easily accessible online for learning new recipes, learning basic fundamental skills to make your cooking process run smoother or even to brush up on more complicated skills and recipes. On YouTube there are full channels dedicated to the process made by professionals as well as amateur cooks who have full menus of meals that they can walk you through step by step. They range from top rated chefs (Yes, even Gordon Ramsey) to other people who are just learning to get by on what they have and with the skills they can develop or innovate from their surroundings. 

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These videos aren't just helpful for learning to make meals and practicing skills (especially since you can pause and rewind at any point) but can also offer a sense of comfort when you live on your own. A lot of these YouTubers have been doing this for a long time and know how to make the experience fun, interactive and entertaining especially if you're like me and you realize you haven't been getting out or seeing many people under the circumstances of the pandemic. And when you've learned a meal you really like or put your own spin on one you can prepare them for roommates, friends or family and make it a fun group activity. YouTube can also offer a huge step up for cooking international or fusion meals that can make cooking more of a fun hobby or adventure when you're at home a lot and let you travel from the convenience of your kitchen, and there are style and nationality focused channels to help you realize your cooking goals. While I my self do not do a lot of baking, the opportunities to learn how to are also abundant on YouTube and for when it comes down to it especially when you're just getting started these all these videos can really help you build skills and get to a functional and confident place with your cooking. Cook books and online recipes absolutely rock but for the how to parts, detailed instructions and skill building and demonstrations, YouTube is essentially the single biggest asset you can dive into. 

Here are a few of the videos I've found most helpful, interesting or relevant as a college student. Take a look through and don't hesitate to find a channel that you really like the style or methods of and dig in! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydbMAFaA6Uw
Great simple meals on a budget/limited kitchen. He does other cool videos too, check out the whole channel if you're into the style and meals he makes. 
 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVpBQPw6xTk
Gordon Ramsey running through some good staple meals that might look super impressive but are really easy to make. If you really just need a laugh though, watch part of the video on mute and just watch Gordon's face.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJy1ajvMU1k
This one is especially helpful for those of you who might hate cutting onions. Gordon Ramsey is really well known for a reason, his whole channel is really helpful if you like his style.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQm9Bk2bA_Q
This is another great run through some basic meals for the week. This channel has a lot more to offer, so look for a video that suits your tastes or needs after this one or if you're not as into these recipes. NOTE: There is an incredible set of videos on basic skills that could make your life a lot easier if you're less familiar in the kitchen, or if you're looking to work on some technique and speed up your prep work. Also, if you're under 21, obviously don't stress over the recipes that require liquors. There are a TON of alternatives if you look them up.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_5wHw6l11o
There is really no one I've met who hasn't seen one of Tasty's videos. They're quick, easy and can save you some time if you're really in a pinch or caught off guard. There's not a lot of soul to it, but I like to take these and alter them to my taste when I need something quick or I'm practicing skills.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhQqfw8UAUY
Hey there tofu lovers, vegetarians and vegans. This is a super fun quick learning channel dedicated to Vegan cooking that gives good advice for cooking, especially Asian foods. She's a lot of fun, and gives lots of energy to her videos.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ahDVqlsSs4
Kitchen tools are really helpful and if you or a roommate has an airfryer and don't know where to begin check out this video. I haven't tried them yet, but they look REALLY good. :P