So, I'm a guy and absolutely know nothing about cooking! I have to learn fast so that I can be prepared when I'm finally in school next year. Anyone in a similar situation? Any tips?? :/
If you're talking about staying on a budget then definitely look into meal prep - make a weeks worth of food on the weekend and consume throughout the week. The most important thing for me was variety. I get bored eating the same thing pretty easily so I need to make a few different options that I alternate from.
After a bit you'll learn what flavors make good combinations. For example, now when i'm cooking any basic protein I can improvise ingredients without using a recipe. Also, even the basics can be really impressive to others. I hosted tons of dinners in undergrad all the time!