How to Set Up a College Dorm Room Kitchen

Let’s face it. At some point, every college student is either going to get tired of eating dining hall food or start to run low on funds. No matter the reason, having the ability to whip up great meals in a dorm room can be a lifesaver. The trick is to plan a dorm room kitchen and stock it before you start to get hungry.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Credit card or money
• Shopping list

1. Purchase appliances for your kitchen.
   
   Some suggestions include:
   • Microwave oven
   • Crock Pot or slow cooker
   • Electric burner or hot plate
   • Mini- refrigerator

2. Pick up utensils such as:
   • Microwave-safe bowls and dishes with lids
   • Plates, bowls, cups and utensils
   • Manual can opener
   • Pot holders

3. Go to the grocery store:
   
   A sample shopping list might include:
   • Ramen noodles
   • Peanut butter and jelly
   • Whole milk
   • Soup
   • Canned Tuna, chicken, or ham
   • Beans
   • Microwavable rice
   • Canned vegetables
   • Boxed macaroni and cheese
   • Spaghetti noodles and sauce
   • Spices – A basic spice list would include: Salt, black pepper, garlic power (not garlic salt), oregano, parsley, onion powder and cinnamon.
   • Condiments such as mayonnaise, mustard and ketchup

Tips & Warnings

• As an emergency backup, put two slices of bread into a plastic bag and place into the freezer. If you get the late night munchies, and realize that you’re out of bread, simply pull the bag out of the freezer and thaw in the microwave.
• You can stretch your milk by purchasing whole milk and a gallon of spring water. Pour half the water into a bowl and then fill the half-empty water jug with whole milk. Then pour the water from the bowl into the milk still left in the original container and you’ll end up with two gallons of “skim” milk. Trust me, with four kids I’ve used this trick for years and they’ve never noticed.
• If you can afford one with a turntable and a roasting feature, your menu options will grow exponentially.
• Be sure that you get a refrigerator with a freezer compartment to make ice and store frozen dinners and leftovers.
• Heavy duty plastic forks, knives and spoons are very durable and your best option for long-term use.
• Some other suggestions, depending on your dorm rules and available space, would be a coffee maker, toaster oven or electric hot pot.
• Keep a general purpose fire extinguisher nearby at all times.
• Pick up a large ceramic or marble tile to place under your microwave or other appliance to protect your furniture from burns.
• Check the temperature of your refrigerator often to make sure it’s below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Refrigerate leftovers immediately to prevent bacteria grow or spoilage.
• Baking soda can be used to put out small fires or mixed with a little water to make a paste for burns.
• Be sure to check your college rules before setting up a dorm room kitchen
• Don't leave dirty dishes or old food out as it will attract bugs and rats.
• Don't use extension cords to power your appliances.

Resources

• Real Men Use Coupons
• Back to School Recipes
• Back to School Recipes, Part 2
• Jeff O'Kelley.com