I had a book many years ago called "The Impoverished Student's Guide to Cookery, Drinkery and Housekeeping". It was more about sutvival than epicurean delights, bit some of the things in it I remember as being valid - have a good range of spices and herbs, get a good big cast iron frying pan. This might not apply to your friend, if they are mature and financially sedure, but it's a good start.

Where to find the book? Don't look at me. This was forty-odd years agp.