Moving into the Dorms?
Living in a dorm is exciting; yet, quite challenging. Living in the dorms is usually seen as a rights of passage so to speak. You will make memories, laugh later about the living conditions but while you’re in the thick of it, it can be annoying. It adds more pressure of figuring how to share a tiny room with someone you may or may not know. Can’t “cook” in the room, may have a community kitchen, and lots of dining hall eating.
Athletes that I have worked with struggle with dorm life. Their schedules start before most dining halls open and end after the dining halls are closed. It takes more effort to go to the store, buy food, pack up all the items and lug it to the community kitchen. I have the most respect for those surviving the dorm life especially freshmen athletes. You may be thinking, “I am not an athlete”, if you are work full-time or part-time, go to class full-time, go to treatment sessions, or any other life demand that creates a crazy schedule, this applies!
Here are the top 5 items to have in your dorm (if they allow it).
5: Plates, Forks, Knives, Tupperware, Napkins
Basically, purchase one of those family size plastic packs that include all the things. You can throw away once you’re done. OR buy one of each and wash it every time you use. (Odds are as a freshy, you lose that one set)
4: Crock Pot
The gate keeper to cooking without a flame. All you need is a plus and the ingredients to toss in the pot. Set on low before you go to class, check it when class is done. Viola.
3: Toaster Over or plain Toaster
These are small compact little ovens that can supply a small oven made meal! Some even have two little shelves to cook a couple things at a time. That way if you go grab something quick at the store that needs some heat, you can plug up and go!
2: Microwave
This could be another gateway to easy meals. I mean you can even cook eggs in the microwave!
1: Mini Fridge
These guys can store all the things, fresh fruit, yogurt, milk, vegetables, little frozen meals, frozen vegetables, frozen fruit. I bet if you pack it right you can fit enough items in there to save you some money and time!
Most schools offer meal plans, community kitchens, and other resources to provide meals. Take advantage of ALL of the resources. Look to see if the school offers an app for dining services so you can look ahead at the menu, create an eating schedule so you can optimize all of the resources, and don’t forget to label your food items with your name! Make memories in the dorms– you’ll laugh later on the “good” times!