19 Kitchen Essentials College Students in 2024 Need
College is an exciting time of growth and experience that every person - if given the opportunity should take advantage of. Receiving and education is highly important to add value to the people and things around you. College will teach you the knowledge and personal skills needed to enter the working force and invest in people.
College preparation can often seem daunting and overwhelming. Here is a list of Kitchen Essentials every college student should invest in that are practical, affordable, and easy to maintain. There will be links to Amazon if you want to dive straight into buying the products!
Microwave: Useful for heating up leftovers, making quick meals, and even cooking some simple dishes. This item will allow the accessibility for students to cook whenever they need to since it will be at their disposal. It is great to have the flexibility outside a dinning hall to cook for yourself. Here is a great Amazon find for a microwave that is durable and aesthetic: https://amzn.to/4bugfgu
Mini Fridge: Essential for storing perishable items like milk, fruits, vegetables, and leftovers. If you don’t have a mini fridge, you may feel limited to the snacks you want to keep in your dorm. A great mini fridge to invest in can be found here on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4bpG15D
Electric Kettle: Great for boiling water for tea, coffee, instant noodles, or even for cooking small portions of food. Whether it’s a late night study session or a quick remedy to a cold, having an electric kettle can be a lifesaver. Here is a safe and affordable electric kettle: https://amzn.to/4crqmUD
Coffee Maker: If you're a coffee drinker, a basic coffee maker or a French press can be very handy. Coffee is often the supplier to energy for early mornings or all nighters. Your coffee machine needs to be small but effective, here is a recommendation on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4eIiY8Y
Toaster Oven or Sandwich Maker: Ideal for making toast, heating up small meals, or making grilled sandwiches. A toaster oven is a great investment to make if you can’t start your day without eating breakfast. Having a toaster oven will give you the flexibility to create your own food on your time table. A toaster oven can be found here: https://amzn.to/3VNXi2u
Basic Utensils: A set of utensils including a couple of knives (chef's knife and paring knife), cutting board, mixing bowls, spatula, ladle, and can opener. While I wouldn’t focus too much on utensils, it is a good idea to get maybe one or two if/when you may need them. Some utensil sets can be found here: https://amzn.to/45SQVzK
Pots and Pans: A small saucepan and a frying pan are versatile and sufficient for cooking basic meals. A great kitchen pan while in college is a versatile skillet that can meet the basic cooking needs you’ll need. A pot is definitely something to invest in to make pasta and other quick items to eat on the go. A pot and pan set can be found here: https://amzn.to/3RSPZp5
Storage Containers: Useful for storing leftovers and for packing lunches or even eating right in your dorm. Try opting for microwave-safe containers since most of the time you will need to heat it straight up. A great microwave-safe container set can be found here: https://amzn.to/4eMkJ4Q
Dish Soap and Sponge: Cleaning dishes, utensils, and other kitchen items will be needed more times than you think. Make sure you have a few of these because they can get dirty quickly. Find a great set here: https://amzn.to/4eLUdsi
Dish Towels: These are essential for drying dishes and wiping up spilled messes. Here are some great towels that have a color variety to keep things aesthetically on point. Find them here: https://amzn.to/45NPwu5
Reusable Water Bottle and Travel Mug: Staying hydrated and caffeinated on the go is important for any college student. It is good to have a variety of bottles and mugs to be able to rotate and clean properly. Our favorite can be found here:
Plates, Bowls, and Cutlery: A small set of each for serving and eating meals will be great for the college dorm. A great set that is lightweight, durable, and microwave-safe can be found here: https://amzn.to/4bugfgu
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Having a set of these can be helpful for following recipes accurately. This is an item that if you do not regularly at home you most likely will not use at college with an even busier schedule. Here is a great set that is affordable regardless of it you use them or not: https://amzn.to/4brML2W
Can Opener: For opening canned goods you will need a can opener. It is great for canned snacks or meals you may eat. We would highly recommend this kitchen purchase. Here is one of our favorites: https://amzn.to/4brYLkK
Cleaning Supplies: All-purpose cleaner, paper towels, and garbage bags for maintaining cleanliness. There are a lot of brands out there, so make sure you choose one that suits your preferences. Our recommendation can be found here: https://amzn.to/3L6MIPg
Food Storage Bags or Wraps: Useful for storing opened food packages and leftovers along with taking snacks on the go. You can find our favorite ziploc bags here: https://amzn.to/3zwMgXP
Cooking Basics: Salt, pepper, cooking oil, and any spices or herbs you enjoy using are a great thing to get for a new college dorm. Find a great set here: https://amzn.to/4cp33uE
Ice Cube Trays: Handy for making ice or freezing small portions of food especially if you like water or other beverages cold. We love this brand: https://amzn.to/3VCVvxe
First Aid Kit: Include basics like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers in case of minor kitchen mishaps. Even though this is not directly a kitchen product, any college student should own a first aid kit while in college. Here is a great recommendation for one: https://amzn.to/4eKIpGN
These items should cover most cooking and dining needs for a college student living in dorms or off-campus housing with limited kitchen space. This list is great because you can easily adjust based on personal preferences and dietary habits! Use this list as a starting point to build your kitchen needs to be set and ready for college!
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