Categories: Dorm Life

Kitchen Supplies You Actually Need In Your Dorm

There are so many kitchen supplies we think we will need in a dorm, but end up wasting money or having it take up space that we already don’t have a lot of. When going off to college, most freshmen tend to overpack. It is normal; shopping for college is supposed to be a fun thing to do! Knowing what is worth bringing to your dorm and what you should wait to bring for an apartment is crucial in packing for college. We don’t want you to overshop for a dorm where you might not be needing all of the kitchen supplies that you might think!

Mini-Fridge

A mini-fridge is one of the first things you will want to buy for your dorm. It is a must-have purchase for living in a small space where you have limited resources. Having a never-ending supply of drinks and a spot for your leftovers is crucial for dorm life. Some dorms or universities have the option of renting a mini-fridge from the residence hall for the year, and personally, that is the easiest way to go about this. You might be able to use your mini-fridge in your future apartment, especially if you have multiple roommates, but if not, renting a mini-fridge for one year is a good idea to save money. It is also a great purchase that can be given to younger siblings as they each go off to college, so it won’t be costing too much.

Small Set Of Utensils

Since you won’t be cooking too many meals in a dorm room, you will not need to buy a lot of kitchen supplies that are not appliances. Buying a small set of utensils is one of the small purchases that isn’t an appliance that you will need for your dorm. An inexpensive necessity for all your late-night meals and meals in between classes. Make sure to buy a small set, and since you will be handwashing them after every use, there is no need to have a large number of utensils. Getting just two or three of each utensil is the best way to go about this purchase.

Water Purifier

Since your only option besides water bottles is the tap water from your bathroom sink, having a water purifier in your fridge is a key purchase. Of course, you could stock up on water bottles, but that is not great for the environment and can get expensive and inconvenient over time. Purchasing a water purifier that goes directly in the fridge is the best way to go about this. You probably won’t be able to get a purifier that goes on the sink because of limited options in a dorm. If you have a bathroom shared with suitemates, you might be able to purchase a purifier that goes on the sink, but if not, you will need to make sure to buy one that goes in the fridge. This water purifier is one of the great kitchen supplies you will actually need in a dorm.

Microwave

Depending on the hall you live in, you might be given a temporary microwave that you can rent for the year. If not, this will be a crucial item to go out and purchase for your dorm room. Some dorms don’t allow microwaves in the rooms and have one in a common area that is accessible to residents, so you will have to make sure you can have one before buying this. Most meals you have in the dorms are going to be microwavable, so this is one of the top purchases you should make before moving into your dorm. Another one of the kitchen supplies that, if not rented, can be given to younger siblings as they go off to college as well.

Blender

Buying a blender is not going to be on the top of everyone’s must-have list for a dorm, but it can be very useful to have on hand. It’s perfect for the college student who is trying to get in better shape and wants to try out new smoothie recipes while in a dorm. Smoothies also make the perfect snack or meal for when you need something to keep you going throughout the day but don’t have enough time to sit down for a meal. It can also be used for protein shakes for students who are going to be utilizing the student recreation center that’s now available to them. Having a blender can a useful tool for college freshmen who are navigating a new schedule and a new home.

Microwavable Set Of Bowls And Plates

Chances are, most of the meals that you eat in your dorm are going to be microwavable. Ramen and leftovers: the two college freshmen go-to meals. Most meals in the dorms are cheap and simple, and not a whole lot of actual cooking goes on in the dorm rooms. Going out and buying nice bowls and plates would honestly be a waste of money if you are living in a dorm room. They won’t be put to good use until you have an apartment with an actual kitchen, so purchasing a small set of inexpensive, microwavable plates and bowls is the best way to prepare for eating in your dorm.

Coffee Maker

Not everyone is a coffee lover, but if you are, it will be an essential purchase in your kitchen supplies. Getting used to a new college schedule can be grueling on any freshman, and you will probably be more exhausted than you were in high school. Having a coffee maker in your dorm room will help for those early morning classes you signed up for thinking it wouldn’t be too bad. You will also most likely have late-night study sessions and need some caffeine to keep you going. Buying a coffee maker for your dorm room might be the key to staying awake in the classes you are required to take freshman year!