If I have time in the morning like on weekends, I prefer to cook oats rather than just add hot water. 10 minutes on the stove on a low heat in milk, water, butter, cinnamon, a touch of nutmeg and sometimes vanilla essence and flaked almonds makes them creamy and delicious and adequately soaks the oats. Sometimes it's also nice before adding the oats to cut up an apple and fry it in butter and sugar for a few minutes, then add the oats and the rest of it. It's crucial to stir them quite often because otherwise they stick to the bottom and char which is revolting.
At work I eat instant oats because I don't have time or equipment for all that. Then I snack on apples during the morning to feel sated before lunch.