Whether you're a hardworking student or a hard-up work-hunting graduate, you probably don't have the time or the money to whip up a flan. Who does? Save both time and money by cooking things in mugs. In the microwave. In under five minutes. You're so welcome. 

CHOCOLATE CAKE (IN A MUG)

Put 3 tablespoons of milk, 3 tablespoons of flour, 3 tablespoons of instant hot chocolate powder, 3 tablespoons of sugar and an egg in a mug. 

Mix it with a fork (if you're fancy, try a whisk). 

Put in the microwave for two minutes. 

Eat. 

MAC AND CHEESE (IN A MUG) 

Mug proportions: 1/3 cup of pasta, 1/2 cup of water, 1/4 cup of milk, bloody loads of shredded cheddar. 

Mix it up and microwave on high for two minutes. 

Stir. 

Repeat x 2 (ok so that's slightly over five minutes, but come on. It's still wizardry) 

Believe you're a wizard. 

POACHED EGG (IN A MUG) 

Regardez the following:

Have a rollicking great time. 

(NB: you don't have to incorporate muffins or toast. You can stick a mug of beans in the microwave five minutes before adding the poached mug egg and you've got yourself an english breakfast, albeit a depressing one) 

MUFFIN (IN A MUG)

Put 1 egg, 1/4 cup of oats, 1 tsp of sugar and a sprinkling of blueberries (or any fruit of your choice) in a mug. 

Mix it up. 

Put it in the microwave for two minutes. Watch it in case it overflows and transforms your microwave into a giant muffin. 

Have a mouthparty. 

MEATLOAF IN A MUG

Put 2 tablespoons milk, 1 tablespoon ketchup, 2 tablespoons quick-cooking oats and 1 teaspoon onion soup mix in a mug. 

Mix. 

Add 1/4 pound lean ground beef and pat it all down. 

Microwave for three minutes (until the meat isn't pink) 

Congratulate yourself on not being vegetarian.