The Easiest College Grocery List That You Can Cook in a Dorm
My freshman year at the University of Michigan, I had a microwave and a refrigerator in my room and that was it. It was difficult to figure out what I could stock the room with to have food when I didn’t have time or energy to trudge to the dining hall. Here are ten things to add to your college grocery list that you can cook in your dorm room.
1. Ramen
This is the classic number one college food. It’s super cheap, super easy, and super delicious. They cost merely cents and you just need hot water. My roommate bought an electric kettle that we kept in our dorm room. This made it easy to make nearly anything that required hot water, especially ramen.
2. Oatmeal
You’ll also need the hot water with this, but it’s such an easy breakfast before class. Make it in a mason jar or Tupperware container and bring it with you to class if you’re running late! Keep some brown sugar and cinnamon on hand to spice it up!
3. Cereal and Milk
It’s also cheap and easy to make. Breakfast, lunch, dinner – cereal is pretty much good whenever. Keep a small carton of milk in the mini fridge at all times!
4. Pop Tarts
I have always loved Pop Tarts since I was a kid, but I started eating them even more during college. They’re delicious, easy to carry, and sometimes I would keep one in the side pocket of my backpack to snack on in those 8 a.m. classes.
5. Yogurt and Granola
This is a great healthy alternative that is still cheap and easy. A lot of times yogurt is on sale for ten for $10, so if you’re looking for a budget-friendly snack, look no further. Buy a little pack of granola for a few bucks to add some extra protein (and flavor) to the mix!
6. Iced Coffee
I discovered these far too late in my life, but they sell iced coffee in cartons by several brands – Starbucks, International Delight, and usually a store brand. They come in different flavors and make mornings a lot easier! I definitely recommend it – plus, it’s a lot cheaper than heading to the coffee shop every morning.
7. Bread
Keeping a loaf of bread on hand always made quick meals easier. Sandwiches are a perfect in-between-class lunch or a late-night snack. If you have a toaster in your room, making toast for breakfast or as a snack is also quick and easy.
8. Peanut Butter
I am a HUGE fan of peanut butter and want to put it in nearly everything, so I always keep some on hand. PB&Js, in my oatmeal, on some apples, just a spoonful for dessert – I can honestly make it work for any situation and it’s super cheap.
9. Fruit
Ah, a healthy alternative! We always had a fruit bowl in our dorm with some options in it. Apples, bananas, clementines, pears, etc. made snacking a lot easier and added some good nutrients to those quick meals.
10. Mac and Cheese
Last but not least, the small mac and cheese containers that can be microwaved are delicious and great for a small lunch or a late-night snack.