All you Need to Know About Dorm Room Cooking

Dorm rooms and on-campus apartments tend to be tight on space. With some creativity, you can still do all the cooking you enjoy right from your dorm room.

By Samantha Bockoven — October 19, 2022

Tags: college life, cooking, dorm living, food

All you Need to Know About Dorm Room Cooking

Graduating high school and heading off to college is an exciting time in life. It's a time full of changes and endless opportunities. Navigating the process of making new friends, cohabiting in a small dorm room, and taking college courses can be stressful. Another lesser-talked-about cause of stress is navigating food sensitivities, eating habits, and preferences. Likely, the dining halls will not serve your favorite family recipe or even foods you normally enjoy in your culture. This article will provide some helpful kitchen tips to replicate that home-cooked meal.

Although dorm rooms and on-campus apartments tend to be tight on space, you can create a small makeshift kitchen area with some creativity. Several compact appliances have many functions that will give you the freedom you need to make all the foods you love. Remember to check your dorm's rules before purchasing any of these items.

Mini Fridge

Mini fridges are a college essential. Not only are they suitable for storing drinks and late-night treats (who doesn't love some ice cream), but if you try to cook some of your favorite recipes, this appliance will give you a place to store a mals worth of perishable food items and leftovers. Make sure to check with your university to see if they supply fridges.

Mini Airfryer

Think of an air fryer as a mini oven. Basically, most things you can cook in an oven can be cooked in an air fryer. You can use the air fryer for a variety of tasks, like roasting chopped vegetables or cooking protein like chicken, steak, or different types of fish like salmon. You can do things like hardboil eggs or make snacks like roasted chickpeas. Best of all, you can make a variety of desserts: mini pies, donuts, sm ores, cookies, cakes, and more!

Hot Water Pot

If you are a hot drink person like me, this must be at the top of your list! One way to save money on coffee is to make coffee right from your dorm room. If you have a French press coffee maker, you can bring some water to a boil, let it sit a bit to cool to the right temperature, and then pour it into your French press. In addition, the hot water pot is also necessary for making tea, different noodles, cooking rice, boiling eggs, and making oatmeal.

Blender

A blender is also a great and versatile appliance to have. I love the Ninja because, in addition to blending my smoothies and margaritas, it can also mix dough, chop vegetables, and blend soups. Warning...do not use this appliance while your roommate is sleeping!

Microwave

Do not forget a microwave. Not only is it great for making popcorn for your movie night, but also it is great for heating leftovers. If you're limited on counter space, consider investing in a cart where you can keep this on a shelf.

Supplies Box

To stay organized in a tight space, consider buying a small storage bin where you can keep other necessary kitchen supplies. Some items you may put in this storage container include: two sets of silverware, bowls, plates, and cups; a cutting board and knife; measuring cups and spoons; a mixing bowl; storage containers for leftovers, and any other utensils you use regularly.

One thing to consider for your contained is seasoning, especially if you want to take your dorm room cooking to the next level. I do not know about you, but I do not like bland food. Because of that, make sure you bring salt, pepper, and all your other favorite and most used spices. In addition, if you like fresh herbs, you might grow a little herb garden near your window. Throwing some basil, mint, parsley, cilantro, dill, and whatever other herbs you enjoy into pots will not only elevate your cooking experience but will also enhance your dorm room decorations.

Some Other Considerations

By now, you may have some ideas on which appliances you could find most beneficial for your space. A couple of other things to keep in mind are: how will you get your ingredients? Not all college students live within walking distance of a store or have a car to get there. If this is you, keep in mind that you still have options like ordering groceries for delivery or using a meal kit system. Ordering groceries can be done easily through an app. Meal kit systems are beneficial in several ways too. Many offer student discounts. These services also cut down on food waste, giving you meal ideas with the convenience of being delivered right to your door.

Second, consider how you will clean up after yourself. If you do not have a sink in your room, you might want to create a little cleaning kit with dish soap, a scrub brush, a sponge, a towel, and some disinfectant wipes. You should also buy a collapsible bucket to transport your dishes in. Do not leave food out or unattended in a dorm room.

As you can see, if you get creative, you can still do all the cooking you enjoy right from your dorm room. Not only will you enjoy the food you are used to eating, but it is also a great way to spend time with your friends and get to know each other.

Samantha Bockoven

Samantha Bockoven graduated from Villanova University in 2019 with a degree in Peace and Justice and a minor in Global Health. She went on to get her master’s in public health with a concentration in disaster health and emergency preparedness. Since then, she has worked in a variety of public health jobs in the United States and around the world.

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