Leaving home for the first time can be a daunting and emotional time. It is crucial to ensure you take all the things you need to start on the right foot. Kitchen supplies are some of the most important things you can take with you, and you should ensure you remember all the things you’ll need to cook healthy meals while away at college.
If you’re aiming to save money, it may help to ask family and friends if they have any spare kitchen items you could take off their hands. Otherwise, it is best to opt for high quality kitchen items to ensure they last throughout your time in college.
Plates And Utensils
Some of the most important kitchen necessities for college life include plates and utensils. It is best to take a good number of each so that you’ll always have something to eat with after cooking. It is vital to keep on top of your washing up so that you don’t have to resort to eating straight from the pan!
Pots And Pans
Pots and pans are also essential. You should invest in a few pans of varying sizes and at least one frying pan. In fact, pan sets could be the best option.
This will allow you to cook a good range of different foods. You should also learn how to care for your pots and pans and ensure they will last. For instance, it is best to avoid using metallic scourers to clean non-stick pots and pans as this can damage the non-stick material.
Water Bottle
A water bottle can be handy to help you stay hydrated throughout your studies. There are plenty of options out there, and if you’re someone that struggles to remember to drink enough water throughout the day, you can get a water bottle with helpful reminders on the side to keep you hydrated and energized.
Cookbook
A cookbook can be a great way to learn about cooking and help ensure you make tasty, nutritious meals throughout your time in college. While the occasional takeout is fine, it is best to remember to eat healthily. You could consider asking some family to give you a crash course in cooking (if you’re not already a maestro in the kitchen) so that you’ll be prepared. You could also consider taking a cooking class.
Mini Fridge
A mini-fridge can be an excellent investment for a college student and is an essential for your dorm packing list. It will allow you access to cold drinks when you spend long nights studying and can be invaluable if you want to ensure your food doesn’t get eaten by others. It is best to check with your landlord or dorm supervisor to ensure mini-fridges are allowed before you invest.
Flour Sack Towels
Kitchen towels are a staple in the kitchen. They are used for drying off dishes, wiping hands and providing a good place to let dishes air dry when there’s no space left on the dishrack. It is a good idea to invest in quality flour sack towels that will last for years and are fully absorbent.
Cleaning Supplies
You’ll need the tools to clean up after yourself once you’re finished cooking. This should include dish soap, sponges, scourers and surface sprays. To best keep on top of your cleaning and avoid annoying your roommates, it is a good idea to clean the surfaces and utensils you used straight away.
Make sure your cleanliness extends to other areas of your student house too. For example, getting a good shower caddy for college will keep your bathroom products neat and tidy.
Food Containers
Many students prefer to cook larger batches of food and split it into containers to eat throughout the week. This can cut down on the amount of time you have to spend cooking and ensure you have filling, healthy meals every day. It is good to invest in freezable food containers of varying shapes and sizes. That way, you’ll always have space to store your leftovers.
Storage Space
Storage space can be tricky in a college dorm. It may help to invest in some storage space for your room. You could look for storage for your room for non-perishable items like canned goods.
Coffeemaker
Coffee will be crucial to help keep you energized and focused on your studies. You can get coffeemakers to suit most budgets, and it will save you money over time, compared to buying a coffee each day. It is a good idea to learn about the maintenance of a coffeemaker and how to clean it properly to ensure it continues working well throughout your time at college.
Travel Mug
A travel mug is a great investment for early morning lectures. You can set your coffeemaker to start brewing and fill up your travel mug for the day ahead. It is worth checking with your professors beforehand to ensure they don’t mind students bringing in drinks during the lectures.
Microwave Oven
A microwave oven is a quick and easy way to heat your food. It can be a great option for days when you don’t have much time to cook. You could consider keeping it in your room to avoid the possibility of others using it and forgetting to clean up!
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