Essential cooking skills for student life
Heading to university or preparing to live independently for the first time? This hands-on 4-hour student cooking class is designed to help you build confidence in the kitchen and learn the essential cooking skills needed to cook healthy, affordable meals from scratch.
Perfect for beginners and developing cooks, you’ll learn practical kitchen skills including knife techniques, cooking rice and pasta, building flavour with herbs and spices, meal planning, food safety, batch cooking and making the most of everyday ingredients. We’ll also share tips for shopping on a budget, reducing food waste and creating simple, balanced meals that fit around busy student life.
Designed as a cooking experience for two, this class is ideal for a parent and young person preparing for university, two friends moving into shared accommodation, siblings, partners or anyone wanting to learn together. Cooking side-by-side makes the experience fun, supportive and a great way to build confidence before living independently.
By the end of the class, you’ll have prepared four versatile plant-based meals, discovered plenty of ideas for using leftovers, and gained the confidence to cook for yourself, your housemates, friends and family.
Whether you’re leaving for university, starting an apprenticeship, moving into your first flat or simply looking to become more independent in the kitchen, this class will give you practical skills you’ll use for life.
You’ll learn how to:
- Use a chef’s knife safely and confidently
- Cook pasta and rice successfully
- Build flavour using everyday ingredients
- Cook healthy, budget-friendly meals from scratch
- Adapt recipes using ingredients you already have
- Batch cook and store food safely
- Reduce food waste and make the most of leftovers
Suitable for ages 16+ and anyone preparing for independent living.
You’ll be able to make the recipes you learn on this class at home, time and time again. After your cookery experience, you will be emailed a pack for you to keep containing all of the recipes you learned on the day.
On the menu:
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Speedy Tomato and Lentil Ragu with Pasta
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Veggie Soy and Sesame Stir-Fry with perfectly cooked Rice
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Chickpea and Coconut Curry
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Smoky Roasted Veg and Black Bean Fajitas
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Meet your tutor
Maz is a passionate chef, tutor, and street food trader with over 30 years of experience in the catering industry. Her Mauritian heritage inspires her love of bold, exciting flavours, which she brings to life in a wide range of courses at COOK! with the Vegetarian society, including Thai and Vietnamese Cookery, Vegan Street Food, and training courses for professional caterers. Maz has worked with a variety of organisations, from Manchester University to the LGBT Foundation, and has even cooked alongside royals. Maz also leads on The Vegetarian Society’s community work bringing cookery workshops to local hubs across Greater Manchester.
Whether she’s leading a cookery class or catering a royal engagement, Maz brings warmth, expertise, and a deep commitment to sharing her culinary knowledge with others.
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More info
What is included?
- Expert tuition from a friendly COOK! tutor
- All ingredients, recipes and equipment
- A COOK! apron to wear in the class
- Digital copies of all recipes
- On full day courses you will be having what you cook for lunch
- Complimentary refreshments on arrival (further refreshments will be available to purchase throughout the class)
Do I need any prior experience?
Not at all. Please don’t worry if you are a beginner as this class is completely suitable for all levels. All you need is a willingness to learn and give things a go!
What if I have a food allergy?
If you have any food allergies or intolerances, please contact our friendly team before booking to check whether the course is suitable for you.
Email: cook@vegsoc.org
Call: 0161 925 2000
What to expect on the day
Tutors will guide you through the preparation of various dishes, teaching you essential cooking skills and techniques while introducing you to key ingredients.
You’ll work mainly individually, allowing you to gain hands-on experience.
You’ll enjoy a relaxed and interactive learning environment with plenty of tastings, and you can take everything you make home with you.
What do I need to bring?
Please bring containers for taking food away with you
There will be the opportunity to purchase additional refreshments and merchandise such as aprons.
Please note that we are a cashless establishment and only accept card payments.
Accessibility info
There is a platform lift to the 1st floor where COOK! is located and step-free access to the building
We have lower work stations available for seated use
Blue badge/accessible parking is available on site, please contact us to book cook@vegsoc.org
Pacemakers: Our hobs are induction. If you have a pacemaker, please get in touch before booking. We can provide portable gas hobs; however, it may not be possible to maintain a safe distance in busy classes, so advance discussion is essential.
How to find us
COOK! is based in the heart of Ancoats and is extremely easy to get to:
COOK! with the Vegetarian Society
15 Jersey Street
Ancoats
Manchester
M4 6EZ
If you are driving there are several nearby carparks:
- SIP Car Parks Limited, 27 Gun Street (3 min walk)
- Ancoats Mobility Hub, 21 Poland Street (6 min walk)
- NCP Jersey Street (6 min walk)
If you are attending a class on a Sunday, there is free street parking on surrounding streets (Jersey St, Redhill St, Blossom St)
Nearest Metrolink: Shudehill (12 min walk)
Nearest Train station: Manchester Piccadilly (15 min walk)
Contact COOK!
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our friendly team:
Tel: 0161 925 2000
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