The best dorm kitchen essentials that you need right now for your campus living space!

This post may contain affiliate links to products and services. I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you when you use these links.

Your kitchen set-up in college will depend on which college you go to and your dorm room choice, but one thing is for sure – you’re going to need some products and supplies that your college definitely won’t be supplying you with.

Depending on which kitchen fate provides you with – all of the products on this list are absolute must-haves and will take your time in college from frustration to nirvana.

Have you ever tried to make a meal in a space the size of a linen closet? Yea… you’re going to need a few things to keep you sane and ensure that you’re eating well.

All of these dorm kitchen essentials will vastly improve your quality of life, and they’re all things that I definitely couldn’t live without while in my college dorm!

Dorm Kitchen Essentials

1. Plates, Bowls, & Mugs

Eating from plastic plates isn’t environmentally or financially sustainable. Buying an inexpensive set of dishes will last you a long long time. You can also use a tumbler for your water – perfect for in your dorm and on the go

2. Utensils

This set is a great price for utensils

3. Brita Water Pitcher

This Brita Water Filter Pitcher will save you SO much money by not buying bottled water. Pair it with this water bottle for when you’re out

4. Tumbler

A good tumbler will keep you set throughout the school year when you’re coming and going from your dorm so you can quickly grab a refill of water, and they’re also perfect for when you’re hanging out inside your dorm room! Also, they’re MUCH better for the environment and save you from constantly buying and using plastic water bottles.

I’m a chronic glass breaker, so I started using a tumbler last year and I haven’t broken a glass since – 100% worth it!

5. Keurig

Make your coffee in your dorm with your Keurig instead of buying it at a coffee shop everyday. Pair it with these K-Cups

6. Travel Mug

The best sealing travel mug for when you’re on the go. I have a few of these and love them so much!

7. Food Storage Cart

These three tiered storage carts have become incredibly popular lately and there’s a good reason for that!

They’re an amazing price, durable, and you can safely store a ton of items on them so that they’re out of the way and kept sanitary!

8. Mini Fridge

A mini fridge is definitely one of the more expensive items on this list, but if you have room in your budget I highly recommend it. I started off my time in my dorm without one and then brought one in after about a month. It definitely made life easier by allowing me to keep healthy snacks on hand and not have to go out and buy something each time I felt hungry

9. Food Storage Containers

These food storage containers will be SO helpful with storing food like leftovers – which saves you money, and meal prepping – which saves you time!

Related: 30 Easy And Delicious Mug Recipes That You Can Make In Your Dorm

10. Microwave

If your dorm doesn’t supply a microwave, you’ll definitely want one to be able to cook easy foods and reheat your leftovers!

11. Hot Plate

Hot Plates are great for reheating and don’t take up much space at all!

12. Electric Hot Pot

Cheaper than a microwave, this electric hot pot will allow you to cook so many extra food items that you wouldn’t normally be able to make like eggs, porridge, soup, ramen noodles, and pasta right in your room!

13. Magic Bullet Blender

The Magic Bullet is the first blender that I ever owned, and it’s definitely a staple item!

It’s inexpensive, doesn’t take up very much space, and allows you to make SO many extra items that wouldn’t be possible otherwise.

Use your Magic Bullet for fun drinks like milkshakes in the evening while you’re studying, or healthy smoothie breakfast options in the mornings!

A few other small items to bring with you to your dorm:

• Coffee pods & sugar & powdered milk or cream
• Ziploc bags
• Chip clips
• Snacks that can be stored on your shelves
• Snacks that can be stored in your fridge (if you have one)
• Paper towels

Find a full packing list here: Ultimate College Packing List: Everything You Need For Your Dorm Room and Classes

These are the Dorm Kitchen Essentials Every Student Needs

I hope you found this list of dorm kitchen essentials helpful and that you feel more ready to take on your school year!

If you want to find out more of the top dorm room essentials you need this year, check out this master guide I put together: Dorm Room Essentials: 46 Best Dorm Necessities That You Need Right Now

Dorm Room Related Posts:

• Ultimate College Packing List: Everything You Need For Your Dorm Room and Classes
• 17 Dorm Bedroom Essentials You Need for College
• 12 Dorm Desk Essentials To Stay Organized
• 6 Dorm Bathroom Essentials Every Student Needs
• 12 Dorm Room Organization Essentials You Need
• 10 Dorm Room Cleaning Supplies Every Student Needs