How to Eat Delicious Meals in Your Dorm
By Tara Goldstein
February 23, 2022
Image Credit: Tara Goldstein for The Campus Trainer
Image credit: Tara Goldstein for The Campus Trainer
Dining hall food has gotten an increasingly bad reputation for its quality and the limited options it provides students. As a result, students have begun to take matters into their own hands, coming up with creative ways to cook meals within the comfort of their own dorms.
One of the easiest ways to make food in a dorm is by investing in some simple cooking appliances. One company that is great for dorms is Dash. They sell mini waffle makers, egg cookers and even a mini toaster.
Freshman business analytics major Sasha Kasakov, who is also my roommate, purchased the Dash Mini Toaster Oven last semester, and it has allowed us to make many delicious meals. “I always wanted toast for breakfast so I would just throw a slice of bread into the microwave in the lounge. It was more like stale bread rather than toast and I was sick of it.”
She found the mini toaster online and thought it would be the perfect addition to our dorm. It was definitely a great investment that both of us are glad to have in the dorm, especially when we’re running late to class and need to make a quick breakfast. We’ve made avocado toast, sandwiches and waffles.
Some students take it a step further as freshman undecided major Noa Deutsch notes that she decided to bring a panini maker back with her after break. “I always wanted grilled cheese and when I saw the panini maker I thought it would be perfect for that.” She says that while she doesn’t use it often, she enjoys it when she does.
Even with the proper tools, students may struggle to think of easy and quick recipes they can make. TikTok and social media in general are the perfect way to look for inspiration.
One of my favorite recipes to make is one that I found on TikTok. It’s a french toast recipe that I use the microwave in the lounge for. French toast is one of my favorite foods but it’s not exactly something I can make in my dorm. However, this easy recipe allows me to satisfy my french toast craving without all the hassle.
However, not all students have the time, energy or funds to cook their own meals. Freshman criminology major Heather Crino says that she doesn’t have the proper equipment nor the time to make her own food. “When I have time I’ll go to the microwave in the lounge and make some easy snacks like popcorn, oatmeal and ramen,” Crino notes.
While making food in their dorms is not for everyone, it’s definitely a good option for when you’re looking for something quick to eat or you’re just sick of the same old dining hall food. There are so many resources on the internet ranging from healthy dinner options to easy breakfasts to delicious dessert recipes. These No bake peanut butter chocolate chip granola bars is the next recipe I want to try.
Here are a few of my favorite websites and recipe ideas for the next time you want to try some dorm cooking:
25 Easy College Meals You Can Make in Your Dorm Room
19 Easy Dorm Room Meals Ready in 20 Minutes or Less
20 Healthy Recipes You Can Make in Your Dorm