Protein contains essential amino acids necessary for growth and repair. Meat and fish can be quite expensive, but lean minced beef is reasonably priced, as are canned fish and fish fingers. Vegetarian students should make sure they eat alternative sources of protein, such as eggs, dairy products, pulses and cereals. Baked beans on toast provide you with just the right ratio of all the essential amino acids, so it's a great student snack. Claire Williamson