Nothing marks out a fresher more than the malnourished pallor of an 18-year-old who hasn’t mastered the basics of feeding themselves. You can provide college-bound kids with survival skills by enrolling them on a crash course in cooking simple, healthy meals on a budget. The aptly-named Beyond Baked Beans will teach basic cooking techniques and skills as well as training in health and safety, essential store cupboard ingredients, budgeting and shopping. The course runs from August 24th to 28th at The Kitchen in the Castle in Howth Castle, Co Dublin. It costs €590 and includes a daily lunch. Tel: 01-8396182 or see www.thekitcheninthecastle.com.