Stock your pantry: College Dorm

I have posted a fair number of recipes on this blog that call for a lot of ingredients that are pretty easy to keep around, granted you have at least a small kitchen in your apartment or house. But what about if you live in a dorm?

Most college dorms will supply your room with a small fridge and microwave - if you are lucky. Some people have to bring even these basic things with them, depending on the school.

So what are you to do?

Never fear! The following is a list of basic items that you can bring with you and easily store in your room.

Dorm Room Grocery List:


Bouillon Cubes (chicken/beef/vegetable)
Salt
Pepper
Garlic Powder
Pasta
Oatmeal
Sealed packages of tuna
Olive oil/ vegetable oil
Canned soup
Bread

If you have a fridge:


Eggs
Sugar (you should keep this in the fridge/freezer to keep the bugs out of it)
Milk
Fruits
Vegetables
Cheese

I will be expanding this list as I think of more items. The key is to think of things that you can cook easily, store easily, and  - most importantly - things you will actually use. As I have stressed before, plan, plan, plan, plan, plan. This list isn't a bad guide, but it is only that - a guide.

Buy things that you are going to use in the meals you have planned. Also, only get these items if you will actually eat them. Obviously this list will look a little different if you are a vegetarian or don't like tuna.

Be mindful of the space you have available as well. The average college dorm room is very small, and usually you have to share it with someone. Therefore, make sure you can store all of your grocery items in a small area of space. If you can, get a small milk crate, cardboard box, plastic bin, etc. that you can store all of your grocery items in.