11 Kitchen Essentials to Buy for Your Dorm
Make your dorm life a little bit easier with these essentials.
Graduated high school and thinking about you next big step into the “real world?” There are countless things to consider, plan, and prepare for to get ready for your higher education journey, so we’ve compiled a list of college dorm room kitchen essentials to get you started.
Although you’ll most likely have a dining hall at your campus, you don’t always have time to grab a bite with your busy every day schedule. Whether you want lunch or a late night study snack, having the necessary essentials in your own dorm room will make your food cravings a lot more convenient while saving you time!
1. Dinnerware
This means plates, bowls, and mugs in varying sizes. You don’t need an entire fancy set to serve four people, but have at least one or two of each item for yourself. This is a must if you want to eat your own meals in your dorm. Avoid using plastic or paper plates and bowls to reduce trash and save the environment!
A dinnerware set option to consider here.
2. Utensils
Along with dinnerware, keep a few spoons and forks in your room. You don’t want to get ready to eat dinner only to realize you don’t have any utensils. Some other useful utensils to keep with you are metal straws, chopsticks, or even measuring spoons. It’s also a good idea to keep sharp and sturdy kitchen scissors if you aren’t allowed to keep a kitchen knife in your dorm room.
Check out this set for example here.
3. Paper towels and disinfecting wipes
This is a must for your dorm regardless of whether or not you want to eat in your dorm. You most likely will be enjoying your meals, snacks, and drinks on the same desk you study on and do everything else, so make sure you keep your space clean. Not only for your sake, but for your roommates’ sake as well. Disinfecting wipes are also great for cleaning the microwave and mini refrigerator (If your dorm is lucky enough to have one, of course).
4. Personal blender
Okay, we know. This might not be the *best* idea if you have roommates and thin walls, but if everyone is fine with it and you use it during reasonable hours, this is a good tool to have. You can throw in some fruits for a healthy smoothie in the morning. If you want, you can get really creative with how you use your personal blender such as making soups, salsas, and sauces.
This blender has more than 10,000 reviews. Check it out here.
5. Electric kettle
This is super handy for making tea, coffee, or even ramen noodles! You’ll be using it a lot more than you think, and it’s much more efficient than microwaving water. It’s something your roommates can use as well! (Sharing is caring) It’s easy, safe to use, and the perfect size. Not much more you can ask for here.
This cordless kettle could be a great option. Get it here.
6. Instant coffee
If you have early morning classes, you’re going to want some coffee. Buying coffee at a cafe is rather expensive, and that money spent really adds up overtime. You probably don’t have your own coffee maker in your dorm either (or let alone the space for one). Plus, you wouldn’t have all the time in the world to wait for your coffee to brew.
The solution? Instant coffee! It’s easy to store and you can bring a pack with you wherever you go on campus. All you need is some hot water and your favorite mug. You don’t need any special tools or skills to make this either if you’re a beginner.
If you’re not a black coffee person, also make sure to have milk, milk alternatives, and sweetener with you!
7. Coffee tumbler
A coffee tumbler is really great for when you’re on the go or even when you’re staying in your room. It keeps your tea and coffee warm and avoids spills and stains! It’s sealed tight so you can just toss it in your backpack on your way to class.
8. Storage Items
If you have leftovers, snacks, or just way too much clutter, storage items are the answer! Tupperware is inexpensive, seals well, and not to mention compact. Tupperware is especially helpful if you’re the kind of person who meal preps for the week. Mason jars and reusable silicone bags are also useful to keep your snacks, soups, fruits, and any other foods you need to store. You can also keep a small storage box for all your bagged and boxed snacks.
Check out this set of mason jars here.
9. Easy and long shelf life foods
This is helpful for when you need a last minute meal. These foods are relatively cheap and you can keep these in your drawers and shelves without having to worry too much about it expiring soon. Some examples include:
- Pasta: a typical go-to easy meal that still makes you look like a chef
- Ramen: the typical college meal that requires no skill or effort
- Cereal: you can eat them dry or with some milk!
- Canned foods: beans, soup, tuna, chili… whatever you need!
Important tip: Look through your snacks and foods regularly and check the expiration dates! It’s always a good idea to avoid spoiled food and a stenched up dorm room by taking the time to sift through your food stash.
10. Snacks
Of course, you can’t go through your everyday college life without having some snacks. There are more to snacks than just chips, and at the end of the day, it’s always important you’re putting the right foods in your body to get your brain going and body functioning. But of course, everyone has a different preference on what they like to munch on throughout the day, but here are some examples to inspire you:
- Fruits & Dried fruits
- Crackers
- Popcorn
- Trailmix
- Pretzels
- Granola bars
- Beef jerky
11. Sauces and spices
You can easily enhance your meals and food with common sauces and spices such as salt, pepper, sugar, chili powder, ketchup, ranch, and sriracha! They’re small enough to store in your drawers and make such a big difference!
