Are you about to move into the dorms and looking for the best dorm kitchen essentials?
In my first year of college, I was stressed and honestly had no idea what to even pack for my kitchen needs.
I knew I was going to be eating ramen every night (or that’s what my dad told me) but let’s just say if you are reading this, you are wayyyy more prepared than I was.
All of the essentials in this list, I either have used and loved or have seen my friends rave about this from their dorm experience.
This guide is all about dorm kitchen essentials for students.
14 Dorm Kitchen Essentials Students Are Actually Using
1. Fridge & Freezer
My first kitchen dorm essential is this AMAZING Fridge.
I spent hours in my dorm room and without a fridge keeping my Tupperware meals cold, I would have gained so much weight.
Having a fridge is also great for your dorm room because you can share it with your roommate and have food when you are sick.
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2. Mini Fridge Caddy
When you buy your fridge, don’t forget about this caddy!
It goes directly on top of your fridge and you can put the contaminants next to it. I have even seen people put a microwave on top of this fridge caddy. Keeps everything organized!
3. Storage Cart
As you saw from the picture above, these carts can store a lot.
Many students use this for their snacks and ramen packages but you can also use these for books or clothes!
4. Mini Keurig Coffee Machine
I would not survive college if not for caffeine. I currently live in the sorority house and thankfully we have the larger Keurig machine but this is the perfect size for a dorm room!
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5. Microwave
As my dad said, Ramen meals are in your near future.
This microwave can be plugged directly into the wall and easily cook your meals in your dorm room.
We also included the pasta cooker that students are using to make in the microwave! You can find it on #12.
6. Water Filter
Your dorm building will not have tasty water and honestly, you should trust it.
This water filter filters out the bad stuff and leaves you with clean water.
7. Dorm Kitchen Tableware
I recommend not bringing glass plates or cups but if you decide to bring actual tableware, these are the best choice.
You only need silverware and a few cups. I highly recommend not bringing a whole set like the ones above.
8. Cheap Silverware
Silverware is a must-have if you plan on doing meal prep or just having a late-night snack. I have included links straight to my favorites below.
Metal silverware can be found here.
Plastic silverware can be found here.
9. Small Blender
My friend currently has this in her dorm room and she won’t stop talking about it.
This blender is cup sized and can make smoothies on the go. Keep your frozen fruit in the freezer (the fridge I included above has a freezer) and then have a smoothie on the way to class.
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10. Tupperware
If you are going to college, BUY TUPPERWARE!
These have saved me so much time. I would meal prep at the start of the week and had nutritious meals for the whole week.
You can even use these for just late-night stacks that can be stored in your fridge.
11. Reusable Mugs
These are my favorite cups on the market right now. I recently went and bought a second one at Target but I have included a link above if you do not want to drive.
They come in so many colors and are leak-proof.
Many students also love the brand Hydroflask due to their leak-proof abilities and their basically indestructible.
12. Pasta Cooker
I sadly did not hear about this my freshman year but my friends keep telling me about it.
You use this container with your pasta inside and then put it in the microwave. Tada your pasta is fully cooked!
13. Ziplock Bags
I included Ziplock bags in this post because I fully believe they are essential.
I used them all the time in my first year of college. If I had snacks left over, a ziplock bag. If I had a part of a meal left and didn’t clean the Tupperware, I would grab a Ziplock bag.
To save you time I have included a link straight to ziplock bags you can click here.
14. Cooker
Can I first say that I HAD NO IDEA THIS EXISTED MY FRESHMAN YEAR!
This is an electronic pasta/pan cooker that you can use in your dorm room. I would have cooked so many more meals if I had this. If you are buying for a student, this is a must-buy.
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