When living on campus, it gets really annoying to have to go to the dining hall for (halfway decent) meal options. Trust me, I had to do it for 3 years before moving off campus and I know, it sucks. I learned all of the tricks of the trade in those three years and I want to share them with you! Going out can be expensive and the dining hall can get old, so here are a few inexpensive items to keep in your dorm room that are both nutricious and delicious and that won’t leave you feeling unsatisfied!
1. Almonds: Snacks are of utmost importance in college. Everyone knows that, right? So how do you snack without gaining those extra pounds that everyone assumes is inevitable in college? Almonds are one of my go-to items because you can choose from many different varieties and they leave you feeling full! My personal favorites are cocoa dusted, dark chocolate covered, and just roasted almonds. You only need a handful to satisfy your craving, and even your sweet tooth and they can be found at almost any store!
2. Soup: Okay, now I know that soup can be unsatisfactory when eaten everyday, but I can’t tell you how many times having my favorite kind of soup in my room saved me from going hungry. When I didn’t feel like walking all the way to the dining hall or when I was knee deep in homework and time got away from me, I was thankful to have soup and crackers in my room. I highly recommend this, especially if you are busy because it is good for you and easy to pop in the microwave!
3. Protein Bars: Everyone loves a Clif Bar or protein/granola bar of some sort! This snack/meal replacement option is the best if you woke up late or aren’t hungry enough to use those precious dining dollars or an entire swipe to get into the caf. Also, they are also good for you! Stock up on some of your favorite flavors and you’ll be thankful you did!
4. Frozen Vegetables: This one gets tricky if you don’t have a mini-fridge with a small freezer on top, but if you do, the frozen section of the grocery store is a good palce to shop. You can find rice and vegetable blends or even Lean Cuisines for a healthy, quick dinner. It isn’t as healthy as a homecooked dinner from Mom, but hey, you live in a dorm and have to make do with what you have to work with, right? Keeping 1-2 of these on hand will make it easier to have a yummy meal in your room!
5. Apples: What more do I need to say? Apples are the end-all, be-all of good food in my opinion. They taste good, they’re super healthy, and hey, it’s fall so go pick some! They are super easy to stock up on in your room because you don’t necessarily have to refrigerate them. Just make sure you keep track of when you bought them so they don’t go bad and stink up that small space.