Dorm Cooking: Basics for a Residence Hall Kitchen

If you have a student heading off to college for the first time, you may be concerned about how your child will fare with the fare. Meal plans are pricey, and it may seem more economical to buy and prepare food outside of the residential life meal plan. However, there are some definite restrictions to food prep in the residence halls, and it's important to realize that the ramifications of not abiding by these rules can range from clogged plumbing to fire hazards. The rules are there for a reason, however inconvenient they might seem.

Some universities have halls that include kitchen facilities. These vary based on building design. My alma mater didn't have such options for residents until I had long since graduated. However, my daughter is now faced with the opportunity to enjoy such a dorm. In her case, the option is restricted to students who have completed at least one year or who have sophomore status or higher. Her dorm is arranged in suites, each suite being outfitted with a kitchen.

This lens addresses the following:

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Most dorms aren't designed to handle regular food preparation. Food disposal, drains for dish washing, and fire safety all play a role. Students are generally able to have a microwave oven in their dorm rooms, helpful for a wide variety of meal, snack and beverage needs.

Students can consider television dinners, both frozen and shelf-stable. They can also prepare instant soups and pasta meals. They can heat a variety of canned products. Make sure a small microwave is selected for dorm room cooking needs so that space isn't wasted.

A coffee pot won't do the cooking, of course, but a good coffee pot is very helpful for quick meals and hot beverages. Chilly weather makes this all the better, as it's easy to heat up water for tea, cocoa, or soups.

Breakfast can be tough if your student isn't an early bird. The coffee pot makes it easy to make a quick instant oatmeal breakfast. While the microwave can also accomplish this, I prefer the convenience of pouring hot water rather than creating a gummy mess and sticky dishes with microwave oatmeal.

As a student, your child may find that eating the same foods gets old. My daughter says that she can't stand pizza and burgers anymore. Imagine! Prices are high compared to preparing food on one's own. My daughter is a great cook, competent in the kitchen. I'm confident that she can manage more economically.

However, some young adults don't know how to cook well. They may rely on prepared foods and the microwave for sustenance. A meal plan isn't a bad thing in that case.

Is a meal plan important?

If your student is a good planner, a crock pot can be a great help. Get a meal started early, and enjoy it at the end of a long day of classes. Soups, stews, roasts? While you might find some of these to be a bit pricey, students working together can split costs so as to keep such hearty meals frugal.

My little George Foreman Grill has earned a larger version a place on my own wishlist. I'll likely send one with my daughter for her suite kitchen because it makes it quick and easy to prepare anything from a chicken breast to a hamburger patty. A few minutes of grilling time is all that's required to have a healthy and delicious main course ready. Whether it's a wrap, a sandwich, or a salad with grilled chicken, this is a great way for your student to add a bit of protein to the mix.