Being confined to a meal plan can be tough. Although meal plans can be convenient, sometimes the dining hall just doesn’t cut it. Keep these dorm-friendly items in your room for when you need a break from dining hall food.
- Frozen berries
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Fresh fruit is delicious, but it can be expensive and go bad quickly. Instead of buying fresh fruit, try buying bags of frozen berries for a longer lasting and more affordable option. Throw a handful into your oatmeal, yogurt, or cereal– or just eat them plain!
- Quick oats
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8am classes can be hard to get up for, but the promise of a warm breakfast makes waking up a bit easier. A bowl of microwave oatmeal makes for a fast and filling breakfast for those who don’t have much time in the mornings. If you really have trouble waking up, you can always skip the microwave step and prepare a bowl of overnight oats the night before to take to class with you!
- instant ramen
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Ramen is the textbook definition of dorm food, and for a good reason. It is quick to make, affordable, and the perfect post-night-out snack. Keep a few cups of instant ramen in your dorm along with any other ingredients you may want to add on, such as frozen vegetables and ready to eat hard boiled eggs.
- your favorite snacks
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The dining hall offers plenty of meals, but oftentimes during my freshman year I’d find myself craving snacks that weren’t covered by my meal plan. Make sure your dorm room remains stocked with your favorite chips in case you get any late night cravings past the hours that the dining hall is open.
- comfort foods
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This includes pizza rolls, chicken nuggets, mozzarella sticks, you name it. Whatever food brings you comfort, buy it. It’s a good idea to have your favorite foods on hand for when you are missing home a little extra.
- nut butter
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Add a nut butter of your choice to sandwiches, crackers, oatmeal, or yogurt for some extra healthy fats and protein.
- candy
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Life hack: candy makes for the best study snack!!! My freshman year dorm was always stocked with jolly ranchers in the event that I needed something to keep me going while spending hours on studying for a test.
- greek yogurt
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Greek yogurt is packed with protein, making it the perfect easy to assemble breakfast that will keep you full for a long day of classes. Just scoop some yogurt into a bowl and add on your favorite toppings– I love fruit and peanut butter on mine!
- herbs and spices
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Just because the dining hall may skimp on the seasonings, it doesn’t mean that you have to as well! Level up your bland dining hall meal by bringing your own spices and condiments. My favorites are salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, cinnamon, and chili lime!
- protein bars
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When you are running late for class, consider grabbing a protein bar before running out the door. Protein bars are a convenient way to get your protein in when you are on-the-go.
Don’t forget there is more to college meals than what is being served at your dining hall! Consider adding a few of these items to your list on your next grocery store run!