How to make your dorm’s kitchen less nasty
Did you spend all summer lavishing in the comfort of your mother’s meat loaf? Your dad’s pasta Bolognese? Are you not quite ready to give into the dorm routine of Easy Mac and the occasional trip to BK? Your average Northwestern residence hall kitchen is complete with a microwave, an oven, a sink and a fridge (though these can get smelly — I recommend having one in your room). Use the dorm’s microwave because those can get expensive (but remember to always cover your food so that your soup doesn’t wind up tasting like popcorn). For the rest of the items, get your own to leave in the dorm’s kitchen (to avoid violating fire safety regulations) and write your name on it. Someone else might use your toaster oven, but they wont take it. For those living off campus, think of this article as your easy way out of home cooking. For the rest of us, here’s what to buy to make your dorm’s kitchen more practical.
1. The fridge. There are some items every college student should have that should just go without saying. A refrigerator is one of them. According to dorm bylaws, these must be no bigger than three cubic feet (though honestly, who’s going to notice a few extra inches?) which makes getting one with a built-in freezer almost impossible. Though it’s true that most dorm kitchens come with a fridge, food theft is rampant. Even if you duct tape and Sharpie your left-overs, there is a high chance some punk is going to grab it for his midnight snack. It’s probably best to just buy your own mini-fridge and keep it in your room. Inside every dorm fridge there should be some form of: soda, chip dip (yes, hummus counts), fruit or veggies (can be hoarded from a dining hall), yogurt-type snacks (includes pudding), deli meat (for the dedicated) and milk.
2. The toaster oven. Toaster ovens are the ideal cooking device for a college student: all the simple benefits of an actual oven without all that space. The only downside to the toaster is that it can get messy, so remember to clean it out after almost every use. Toasters make bread last longer, buttered bagels greasier and turn plain pita bread into something magical: pita chips. I first discovered pita chips this summer and have been hooked ever since. They are cheap, easy, go perfectly with any dip (especially hummus) and are healthier than regular chips. Try ‘em out!
3. Tupperware. Though it may hark back to housewives of the ’50s, Tupperware is the perfect space-saving storage solution. You can store fruit, snacks and even leftovers without stinking up your room (and pissing off your roommate) or having your food go bad prematurely. The best part is that it can go directly into the microwave. Your best bets are these from Bed Bath & Beyond.
4. The electric kettle. If you like a cup of tea before bed or with your morning oatmeal, the electric kettle is essential. Even if you’re not a tea person, the electric kettle makes Easy Mac even easier. It also comes in handy for making Spicy Late-Night Noodles, perfect for those midterm munchies. A cheap (but good) option is the Presto Electric Tea Kettle, available at Target.
5. Popcorn. The most basic dorm kitchen necessity. The perfect midnight snack, it can be simple, quick and light. If you’re more daring, you can experiment by adding almost any spice, condiment or dessert sauce imaginable to make your popcorn fancy.
- Other essentials to keep in stock:
- Utensils (not plastic; be good to the environment)
- A relatively large bowl
- A mixing spoon
- A mug
- A sharp knife
- Paper towels
- Dishwasher liquid
- A sponge (you’ll want your own)
- For the “pantry”:
- Salt (kosher or table) and pepper
- Curry powder
- Hot sauce (Sriracha or Tabasco)
- Sugar
- Cinnamon
- Peanut butter
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Garlic
- Tea or hot chocolate for when the weather gets colder
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Put your new equipment to good use. Or you can return home.
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