I recently reorganized my little kitchen unit in my dorm and realized there were a number of things I forgot I (or my roommate) got for our dorm. So I thought, in order to save some future college students some money I thought I would rate some of the things I bought.
1. Blender 4/10
I used Hannah's blender once, and I bought myself one near the end of the first semester. I haven't used my blender at all this semester now that the dining hall has better smoothies. I noticed in general my roommate and I used our blenders a lot when we first got them but we don't use them much now. If you use a blender at home at least once a week, buy it, if not, don't.
I used Hannah's blender once, and I bought myself one near the end of the first semester. I haven't used my blender at all this semester now that the dining hall has better smoothies. I noticed in general my roommate and I used our blenders a lot when we first got them but we don't use them much now. If you use a blender at home at least once a week, buy it, if not, don't.
2. Ice Cream Scoop 9/10
Unless you're the kind of horrible person who doesn't like ice cream, you need an ice cream scoop! I use mine all the time. Alternatively you can try scooping your ice cream with a regular spoon but it's just not as effective. Plus, it's only about a dollar! You can also use it for frozen yogurt, gelato, sherbet, and more.
Unless you're the kind of horrible person who doesn't like ice cream, you need an ice cream scoop! I use mine all the time. Alternatively you can try scooping your ice cream with a regular spoon but it's just not as effective. Plus, it's only about a dollar! You can also use it for frozen yogurt, gelato, sherbet, and more.
3. Air Popper 1/10
I think Hannah used this once. It's so much easier using microwave popcorn packages. Don't bother with this. I don't say this because we don't eat popcorn either, we eat way too much popcorn!
I think Hannah used this once. It's so much easier using microwave popcorn packages. Don't bother with this. I don't say this because we don't eat popcorn either, we eat way too much popcorn!
4. Pizza Cutter 3/10
Neither Hannah nor I have ever used this as far as I know. We either eat pizza rolls or we get regular pizza slices from the dining hall. Maybe if I didn't have a meal plan and actually found it worth it to buy frozen pizza a pizza cutter would be helpful. But honestly, for the average college student I don't know how important this is.
Neither Hannah nor I have ever used this as far as I know. We either eat pizza rolls or we get regular pizza slices from the dining hall. Maybe if I didn't have a meal plan and actually found it worth it to buy frozen pizza a pizza cutter would be helpful. But honestly, for the average college student I don't know how important this is.
5. Can Opener 3/10
Today so many cans come with easy open tops or the little tabs, what's the point? This is another thing I've never used. I bought it because I can't use the little tabs, but I've yet to open the one can of soup I own. Easy Mac and Ramen Noodles don't require a can opener. Enough said.
Today so many cans come with easy open tops or the little tabs, what's the point? This is another thing I've never used. I bought it because I can't use the little tabs, but I've yet to open the one can of soup I own. Easy Mac and Ramen Noodles don't require a can opener. Enough said.
6. Electric Kettle 10/10
My roommate and I use our kettle every day! It's good for warming up water for hot chocolate, tea, or coffee. I like to use it to make noodles without having to go all the way down to the kitchen on my floor.
My roommate and I use our kettle every day! It's good for warming up water for hot chocolate, tea, or coffee. I like to use it to make noodles without having to go all the way down to the kitchen on my floor.
7. Cookie and/or Brownie Pans 7/10
You don't actually need these, but they're fun. Baking in the kitchen in the common room is a great way to meet people in your dorm! Every time I bake in the common room I get compliments and meet new people. Plus, cookies and brownies are easy to make and delicious.
You don't actually need these, but they're fun. Baking in the kitchen in the common room is a great way to meet people in your dorm! Every time I bake in the common room I get compliments and meet new people. Plus, cookies and brownies are easy to make and delicious.
8. Pots and Pans 4/10
Whether or not you should buy pots and pans depends on your personal preferences: if you like to cook, your meal plan, etc. I don't personally use my pots and pans a lot, but I see people in my dorm without meal plans use theirs every day. When I cook I pretty much only make spaghetti, and I prefer to do so in my electric kettle.
Whether or not you should buy pots and pans depends on your personal preferences: if you like to cook, your meal plan, etc. I don't personally use my pots and pans a lot, but I see people in my dorm without meal plans use theirs every day. When I cook I pretty much only make spaghetti, and I prefer to do so in my electric kettle.
9. Water Filtration Pitcher 5/10
My roommate and I sometimes use our pitcher, but sometimes we don't. An important thing to consider when deciding if you want to get one is how much you care about your water quality. I'm super picky about my water, but I usually just end up using filtered water bottles. The other thing I'd consider is that right now I live in a room with a kitchen in it so I have access to water all the time. Next year if I end up in a traditional dorm I might not have a sink in my room to refill my water bottles with, I can at least fill up my pitcher and keep water in my room. Also, the smaller size one fits better in mini fridges.
My roommate and I sometimes use our pitcher, but sometimes we don't. An important thing to consider when deciding if you want to get one is how much you care about your water quality. I'm super picky about my water, but I usually just end up using filtered water bottles. The other thing I'd consider is that right now I live in a room with a kitchen in it so I have access to water all the time. Next year if I end up in a traditional dorm I might not have a sink in my room to refill my water bottles with, I can at least fill up my pitcher and keep water in my room. Also, the smaller size one fits better in mini fridges.
10. Dishes 8/10
You're probably going to need dishes. Fact. Paper dishes are great because you can be lazy, but they're wasteful and the cost will add up. Regular dishes are good because they're more durable and don't have to constantly be replaced, but you have to wash them. For some people, a mixture of both might be the right choice.
You're probably going to need dishes. Fact. Paper dishes are great because you can be lazy, but they're wasteful and the cost will add up. Regular dishes are good because they're more durable and don't have to constantly be replaced, but you have to wash them. For some people, a mixture of both might be the right choice.
Bonus: Microwave and Refrigerator 100/10
I didn't buy my own microwave and refrigerator, they came with my dorm. I could not live without these! If I end up in a dorm without these next year, I will probably buy or rent them. These are incredibly important to me. I use it for my food that I buy: ice cream, pizza rolls, a jar of spaghetti sauce, etc. I like to keep my water pitcher and one of my water bottles in it. My best friend who doesn't buy food uses hers to keep leftovers from her dining hall.
I didn't buy my own microwave and refrigerator, they came with my dorm. I could not live without these! If I end up in a dorm without these next year, I will probably buy or rent them. These are incredibly important to me. I use it for my food that I buy: ice cream, pizza rolls, a jar of spaghetti sauce, etc. I like to keep my water pitcher and one of my water bottles in it. My best friend who doesn't buy food uses hers to keep leftovers from her dining hall.
Well I hope this helps you make decisions on what to get and what not to get for your college dorm. I hope to be putting out more "Do I Really Need This?" articles soon. Let me know categories you want to hear about, or specific things you're curious if I have and/or use. What kitchen appliances or tools do you use often or were a waste of your money?
Blog Goal update for the year: 2 of 50 complete.
Blog Goal update for the year: 2 of 50 complete.