Dorm Room Food Essentials
By Madison Deluca
Whether you have access to a kitchen or are only working with a mini-fridge, microwave, or maybe a Keurig, dorm room cooking definitely comes with challenges. But keeping your dorm stocked up with healthy and satisfying foods can be essential especially if you cannot stand dining hall food or need a quick easy-to-go breakfast.
To help you get started, I have come up with a few grocery store items and meal ideas. This list contains some of my favorite foods to always have in my dorm room.
Cereal. Cereal is not just a great breakfast, but it can also be a yummy snack paired with your favorite milk. It can even act as dinner, in desperate times.
Granola bars. Granola bars are such a quick and easy grab-and-go breakfast or snack. I usually run out the door with a granola bar before my 8:30 am classes.
Oatmeal. Oatmeal is another great option for a healthy and yummy breakfast. I really like oatmeal cups or packets where you just add hot water, and I usually get the hot water from my Keurig.
Yogurt. Make some space in your mini-fridge for yogurt. My roommate and I live off of yogurt and always fight for the last one. Whether it be paired with granola, fruit, or just plain, it is a perfect breakfast or snack.
Nut butter. Nut butters can be utilized in many different ways. For example, it can be added to your oatmeal and paired with bread to make a sandwich. I love to put peanut butter on rice cakes or a piece of toast bread. I usually slice a banana to add on top and sprinkle cinnamon over it…it is so good. And of course, a spoonful of peanut butter never fails to hit.
Bread. Whether it be to make toast in the morning or a sandwich for lunch it is an essential item to keep in your room.
Sliced turkey. I like to keep prepackaged turkey slices in my fridge as a quick snack because it is filled with protein.
Chips and salsa/guac. This is an awesome snack to munch on especially for someone who is always craving something salty and spicy, like me.
Carrots and hummus. This pair is another great combo for a quick snack. Carrots and hummus are so easy to keep in your fridge and are a healthy combo.
Avocados. While avocados may go bad quickly, avocado toast makes for a great, filling meal.
Fresh fruit. Having fresh fruit is essential to get your vitamins in and a great thing to keep on hand. I love having pre-cut, washed berries in my fridge as well as grapes and apples.
Frozen vegetables. You can keep frozen vegetables in your freezer for a long time and they are so easy to heat up in the microwave. This is a great way to ensure that you get your greens in.
Mac & cheese or ramen. These are such great and quick dinners that take little time and effort and are always tasty.
Chocolate and candy. Any type of dessert is essential to have in your dorm especially after a long day when you need a pick-me-up. My favorites are Reece’s and Fruit Snacks.
I hope that this list was helpful and gave you some good inspiration. Think of this list as a starting point for the next time you go to the grocery store. I know how hard it can be with limited space and facilities to keep your dorm room stocked up; but ensuring that you have the food you want and need will make a huge difference in your lifestyle. Eating well and having food conveniently available will help you stay healthy and happy.
