9 Dorm Room Essentials for Food-Loving College Students

Make the most of even the smallest dorm kitchens.

Price and stock could change after publish date, and we may make money off these affiliate links. Learn more.
July 26, 2021

Related To:

Gourmet dining is pretty out-of-the-question in a dorm room, but you can make the most of your new digs with a few kitchen essentials. If your college does not provide your dorm room with a microwave or mini-fridge, invest in those first. Once you’ve got the must-haves, here are some examples of our favorite small — and dorm-approved — kitchen tools can make all the difference when you need something a bit more edible than the dining hall special.

$29.99

Forget buying yet another electronic. Dorm rooms have limited outlets that will often be occupied by multiple chargers and that mini-fridge cord. Get your caffeine fix cord-free with a cold-brewer. Pick one that can brew in your fridge overnight, so you can grab-and-go on your way to your 8 a.m. class.

$22.99

Don’t waste precious dining points on water bottles. Invest in a BPA-free reusable bottle (like this TikTok-famous one!) that can claim residence on the side of your backpack. College campuses are scattered with water fountains so you shouldn’t have a problem refilling it. Just make sure to wash it out with mild soap and water every day to avoid getting sick.

$15.81

When your mom sends a care package with your favorite snack foods, she’ll stock you up for a few weeks. Invest in some durable chip clips to keep your half-eaten chips and cookies from going stale and to keep any unwanted critters out of your room.

$22.44

On those days when you feel like giving dorm room cooking a shot, you can make a variety of dishes in a mug. Think: mug cake, chicken pot pie in a mug, mug mac and cheese, even an omelet. Invest in a mug that’s large enough for mixing ingrediens and microwave-safe. It’ll even double as a handy bowl for soup and ramen.

$69.99

Speaking of bowls, you can skip investing in plates. Bowls are easier to eat out of while sitting on a bed and can be used to mix ingredients for anything else you’re making like no-bake cookies, fruit salad or soup. Invest in ones that you can hold easily to avoid spilling on your sheets.

$21.99

This might be one of the most versatile appliances to have on-hand. You can use it to brew hot water for tea, French press coffee (invest in one of these for all your to-go coffee needs), hot cocoa and instant ramen. Save the manual to prove your kettle does automatically shut off so it’s not confiscated during dorm checks. Finally, don’t be surprised when your floor mates ask to borrow it all the time.

$31.22

Leftovers are a huge part of your campus survival guide. Glass containers are great for storing (and reheating!) the rest of that nice dinner with mom and dad.

$30

A paring knife comes in handy for more than slicing up fruit and vegetables. Don't be surprised if you reach for it when prepping sandwiches or re-slicing takeout pizza.

$9.99

Along with your paring knife, you’ll want a cutting board to avoid messing up your desk. We totally understand if this doubles as a plate, too.

Related Links:

Next Up

Where to Buy the Pioneer Woman's Instant Pot Online

Though many designs are sold out at Walmart, you can find refurbished models and other products online.

15+ Last-Minute Mother's Day Gifts for the Food-Loving Mom

You still have time to get mom an extra-special gift this year!

The Best Wedding Gifts Food Network Staffers Have Received

Sometimes the best gifts aren't on the registry.

4 Best KitchenAid Stand Mixers, Tested by Food Network Kitchen

We tested all the KitchenAid mixer lines to find the very best stand mixers.

The 14 Best KitchenAid Attachments, Explained

This colorful stand mixer is the jewel of your kitchen — don’t forget to accessorize it right to get the most out of it.

15 Convincing Non-Alcoholic Wines You Should Try

There is a non-alcoholic wine for almost all of your favorite varieties!

10 Best Lunch Boxes for Elementary School Students

These are the best lunch boxes whether your kid is eating at school or taking their lunch to camp.

16 Apple-Picking Essentials To Get You Ready for Fall’s Best Activity

Apple picking season starts now — stock your kitchen with the right tools to make the most of your apple picking haul this year!

The Best Instant Pots, According to Food Network Kitchen

Whether you're looking for the best Instant Pot for families, one with an air fryer or a basic model, there's an Instant Pot to meet your needs.

9 Must-Have Accessories to Make the Most of Your Air Fryer

Are you using your air fryer to its full potential?

On TV

Outchef'd

8am | 7c

Outchef'd

8:30am | 7:30c

Chopped

11am | 10c

Chopped

12pm | 11c

Beat Bobby Flay

1:30pm | 12:30c

Beat Bobby Flay

2:30pm | 1:30c

Beat Bobby Flay

3:30pm | 2:30c

Beat Bobby Flay

4:30pm | 3:30c

Beat Bobby Flay

5:30pm | 4:30c

Beat Bobby Flay

6:30pm | 5:30c

Beat Bobby Flay

7:30pm | 6:30c

Beat Bobby Flay

8:30pm | 7:30c

Beat Bobby Flay

9:30pm | 8:30c
On Tonight
On Tonight

Beat Bobby Flay

10pm | 9c

Beat Bobby Flay

10:30pm | 9:30c

Beat Bobby Flay

11:30pm | 10:30c

Beat Bobby Flay

12:30am | 11:30c

Beat Bobby Flay

1:30am | 12:30c

Beat Bobby Flay

2:30am | 1:30c

Beat Bobby Flay

3:30am | 2:30c

What's New