9 Dorm Room Essentials for Food-Loving College Students
Make the most of even the smallest dorm kitchens.
Gourmet dining is pretty out-of-the-question in a dorm room, but you can make the most of your new digs with a few kitchen essentials. If your college does not provide your dorm room with a microwave or mini-fridge, invest in those first. Once you’ve got the must-haves, here are some examples of our favorite small — and dorm-approved — kitchen tools can make all the difference when you need something a bit more edible than the dining hall special.
Forget buying yet another electronic. Dorm rooms have limited outlets that will often be occupied by multiple chargers and that mini-fridge cord. Get your caffeine fix cord-free with a cold-brewer. Pick one that can brew in your fridge overnight, so you can grab-and-go on your way to your 8 a.m. class.
Don’t waste precious dining points on water bottles. Invest in a BPA-free reusable bottle (like this TikTok-famous one!) that can claim residence on the side of your backpack. College campuses are scattered with water fountains so you shouldn’t have a problem refilling it. Just make sure to wash it out with mild soap and water every day to avoid getting sick.
When your mom sends a care package with your favorite snack foods, she’ll stock you up for a few weeks. Invest in some durable chip clips to keep your half-eaten chips and cookies from going stale and to keep any unwanted critters out of your room.
On those days when you feel like giving dorm room cooking a shot, you can make a variety of dishes in a mug. Think: mug cake, chicken pot pie in a mug, mug mac and cheese, even an omelet. Invest in a mug that’s large enough for mixing ingrediens and microwave-safe. It’ll even double as a handy bowl for soup and ramen.
Speaking of bowls, you can skip investing in plates. Bowls are easier to eat out of while sitting on a bed and can be used to mix ingredients for anything else you’re making like no-bake cookies, fruit salad or soup. Invest in ones that you can hold easily to avoid spilling on your sheets.
This might be one of the most versatile appliances to have on-hand. You can use it to brew hot water for tea, French press coffee (invest in one of these for all your to-go coffee needs), hot cocoa and instant ramen. Save the manual to prove your kettle does automatically shut off so it’s not confiscated during dorm checks. Finally, don’t be surprised when your floor mates ask to borrow it all the time.
Leftovers are a huge part of your campus survival guide. Glass containers are great for storing (and reheating!) the rest of that nice dinner with mom and dad.
A paring knife comes in handy for more than slicing up fruit and vegetables. Don't be surprised if you reach for it when prepping sandwiches or re-slicing takeout pizza.
Along with your paring knife, you’ll want a cutting board to avoid messing up your desk. We totally understand if this doubles as a plate, too.
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