My late-night go-tos

It’s only the second week of classes, and the typical Hopkins experience of “staying up to study” has already become an integral aspect of my daily routine. But no late-night study session (read: watching Valorant streams with my roommates and attempting not to cry over my courseload) is complete without the right late-night munchies. After all, everyone gets hungry when they stay up too late. 

Snack 1: Yogurt drinks

Borrowed from my roommate, Chobani yogurt drinks are flavor-packed, calcium-rich and have just the right amount of fruity flavor to make the perfect refreshing snack for any work session. Though technically a beverage, these drinks are so nutrient-dense that they keep me full enough to get through the last of my work and are surprisingly healthy for a late-night snack. 

Snack 2: Late night noodles 

Ramen, Maggi, Indomie, instant jjajangmyeon… every regional variation of the instant noodle trend is probably a top choice when you’re in a pinch and need something quick and easy. My all-time favorites have been Maggi and Indomie; my most recent ramen night involved stir-fried bok cho and perfectly fried eggs with jammy yolks — all atop a base of artificial spicy chicken flavor of Buldak Ramen (it was so spicy). 

Snack 3: Snack food salad 

Inspired by the TikTok candy salad trend and my friends’ suggestions for late-night foods, “snack food salad” represents an amalgamation of every processed, packaged, boxed goodie thrown in a huge bowl. Try mixing together popcorn, honey-nut Cheerios, Goldfish and candy (Reese’s Peanut Butter is my personal favorite) — the possibilities are endless! Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or savory, this is a perfect quick-and-easy study snack! 

Snack 4: Chocolate-covered strawberries

These may sound fancy at first glance, but in reality, chocolate-covered strawberries are quick and easy and make a perfect addition to your Instagram feed! The recipe I used was microwave-friendly, and they gave me a fun little sweet treat to reward myself after tackling a long problem set. 

Snack 5: Fried eggs and rice (a Shreya original!) 

Last, but not least, I present y’all with my go-to late-night snack. This one is probably the most prep-heavy, but it still only involves a few simple ingredients you can find at the dining halls or in your fridge and takes just 15 minutes to whip up! I throw in my favorite veggies (onions, green chilis, scallions, etc.) and fry some leftover rice with them, adding perfectly sunny-side-up eggs seasoned with sea salt and red chili flakes at the end. I add a drizzle of sriracha for a spicy kick, and if you’ve done it right, the runny, jammy yolks break at the first touch of your fork, mixing with the rice. Eggs and rice have been my comfort late-night dish in times of stress, whether during finals season or after an emotionally draining day. It’s my personal favorite on this list, and I encourage everyone to try this one out.