College Dorm Essentials from a Nutritionist
Moving into a dorm room or first apartment is so exciting but also requires a new responsibility that many are not prepared for: making meals! Although you may have access to a cafeteria at school and space may be limited, you may still want to make some of your own meals.
It’s been awhile for me since my awesome Marquette University days, but if I were to go back in time and have a few food essentials, this is what I would recommend.
I don’t think I drank much water in the “Beer Center of America” but if I could go back in time I would! With unique inspirational quote and time marker on it, this water bottle is great for measuring your daily intake of water, reminding you stay hydrated and drink enough water throughout the day.
2. 1.6 Cu. Ft. Compact Refrigerator
$129.99 on AMAZON
Every dorm room needs a refrigerator. This cute little fridge is small but offers plenty of room and great for small spaces!
3. Blender
$55 Amazon
I’ve always been someone that needs a lot of sleep. I strategically had my classes start as late as possible in college! lol Not a morning person! My breakfasts were always “on the run”. From bananas and toast in high school to unhealthy cereal bars in college, a blender would of been an awesome option for a healthy breakfast on the go. The NutriBullet is the fastest, easiest solution for making nutrient- packed smoothies. Load it up with your favorite whole foods like nuts, berries and spinach, then push, twist and blend your way to a healthier lifestyle.
4. Bento Box Lunch Essentials
$23 AMAZON
For easy storage on the go, try this 3-IN-1 COMPARTMENT LUNCH BOX: The bento box is made of high-quality BPA-free food grade wheat fiber composite material, which is safe and does not have any health risks. The stackable lunch box has enough space to accommodate lots of food and can separate vegetables and fruits to maintain the flavor of the food. Easy to bring with to class or work.
5. Coffee Maker
$34.99 AMAZON
I didn’t drink coffee in college. See #1 about beer drinking capital… just kidding. If I did drink coffee in college, I probably would of wasted A LOT of money at coffee shops. Save time and money with your own coffee maker and make a pot so you can have extra to take with you so you don’t spend more on coffee later. A few cups of coffee a day are usually OK. Just watch the sugar and creamers!
6. Microwave
$64.57 AMAZON
Another essential is a microwave. This commercial Chef Countertop Small Microwave Oven, is 9.5 Inches and comes in White. SMALL, COMPACT DESIGN: Kitchen countertop microwave is great for small living spaces such as dorm rooms and apartments. Ideal for small kitchens with limited countertop space.
7. Cold Brew Coffee Maker
$24.99
COLD BREWING AT HOME - It produces 9 cups of smooth cold brew with coarse coffee grounds and is less acidic than traditional coffee brewing. Also great for iced tea and infused beverages, or your innovative coffee brewing method!
8. Clips for food storage
$8.99
Every household needs these smart little beauties! You will be able to use it in your kitchens for all types of things. The large clip 6 inch is convenient to use on bags of all sizes.
KEEPS FOOD FRESH - These sturdy bag chips are useful for sealing plastic bags to keep potato chips or most any other kind of food fresh like dry pet food, as their large gripping surface seals bags tightly to keep out air and moisture.
WELL PACKED IN A BOX - 3 Colors you will be find in this package , rose red,blue and green.
9. Microwave Soup on the Go Mug
$7.99
My roommate loved soup! She always had some on hand for an easy lunch, dinner or snack. Try this Progressive Microwave Soup on-the-go which is great for cooking and reheating soups, ramen and more! This container features cool-touch handles for easy retrieval from the microwave. The included toppings cup and snap-on spoon nest in the lid for secure transport. The included topping cup has a Capacity of 3 tablespoons. The main bowl has a Capacity of 3.5 Cups and is made from high heat polypropylene, ABS and silicone. This microwave soup on-the-go is BPA-free and dishwasher safe.
10. Microwaveable Mug
$23.79
Want something a little more stylish beyond soup? This is great for heating and eating soup, pasta, roasted veggies, lasagna, mac & cheese.. so many things! It insulates extremely well, especially with the lid on. The large handle is super comfortable, and the ridges on the edge of the cup make it easy to grip. The colors on these are very pretty -nice and vibrant!
11. Simple Modern Classic Insulated Tumbler with Straw and Flip Lid Stainless Steel Water Bottle Iced Coffee Travel Mug Cup, 24oz
$22.59 AMAZON
Every college kid needs a tumbler! The design is sleek and cute, the cup is insulated, and it is easy to clean. The Simple Modern Classic Tumbler is double walled and vacuum insulated to keep your drink hot or cold for hours. The cup comes with two lids, a straw lid and a flip lid so you can enjoy your favorite beverage the way you like. The Classic is made from 18/10 stainless steel and fits most cupholders.
12. Teivio 24-Piece Kitchen Wheat Straw Dinnerware Set, Dinner Plates, Dessert Plate, Cereal Bowls, Cups, Unbreakable Plastic Outdoor Camping Dishes (Service for 6 (24 piece with flatware)
$39.99
Great to have a few dishes around for a meal, snack, or leftober pizza. This dinnerware has a bright color and brings you a fresh look. Safe and healthy for everyone to use. Provides a healthy and sustainable alternative to foam or plastic products.
LIGHTWEIGHT AND UNBREAKABLE: Sturdy and durable, will not break or chip like porcelain or ceramic.
13. Pyrex Simply Store Meal Prep Glass Food Storage Containers (24-Piece Set, BPA Free Lids, Oven Safe)
$44.99
An assortment of glass containers to keep you organized in fridge or counter. Great for leftovers or even for extra’s from the cafeteria! shhhh
Includes (3) 1-Cup Round Containers with Lids, (3) 2-Cup Round Containers with Lids, (3) 3-Cup Rectangular containers with Lids and (3) 4-Cup Round Containers with Lids
Durable high-quality tempered glass is dishwasher, freezer, microwave and preheated oven safe
Nonporous glass won’t absorb food odors, flavors, or stains
BPA free secure-fit plastic lids are freezer, microwave and top-rack dishwasher safe
14. Toaster
$13.70
One of the best foods to eat is a piece of toast with peanut butter and jelly or a piece of toast with eggs. This BRENTWOOD TOASTER 2 SLICE in BLACK does the trick. Nothing better than toasted bread on a cold day.