While you’re on your way to earning your dream degree, you will definitely need to fuel up on your favorite snacks, eat comfort meals that taste like home, and craft some decadent desserts to fulfill your daily little treat quota. No matter if you are moving into a dorm room with a teeny tiny mini fridge or unlocking your very own full kitchen complete with an island, our college kitchen packing list has you covered with kitchen staples to make your cooking space perfect for trying new recipes or old favorites.
Packing up for your kitchen may feel a bit daunting. After all, it’s just another thing to add to your college packing list on top of making sure you have all your clothes, toiletries, bedding, makeup, and skincare filled up and packed for life away from home. No need to worry because Spoon University is here to put your mind at ease with the ultimate college kitchen packing list. Here are our favorite kitchen basics, cooking supplies, pantry staples, and more things you definitely don’t want to forget. Even better, many of these items can be thrifted!
#SpoonTip: Make sure all of your appliances and utensils are compliant with on-campus housing before moving in.
The Kitchen Criticals
No matter if your cooking space is simply a microwave and mini fridge in the corner of your dorm room, a large shared kitchen, or a personal huge room with ample counter space and access to every appliance you could ever dream of, there are certain things that every kitchen needs. So, while you’re shopping for back-to-school necessities, be sure to check off these kitchen essentials to ensure that your big, small, or shared college kitchen is complete.
Kitchen Cleaning and Maintenance Supplies
Dish Soap
Dishwasher Pods
Hand Soap
Sponge, Sponge Caddy
Dish Scrubber Brush
Bottle Brush
Straw Brush
Dish Towels
Disinfecting Wipes, Spray
All-Purpose Cleaner
Broom/Dust Pan
Tall-Kitchen Trash Bags
2-in-1 Dust Mop
Dust Mop Refill Pads
Fire Extinguisher
Basic Utensils
Metal Silverware (Knives, Forks, Spoons)
Plates, Small + Large
Cereal Bowls
Large Mixing Bowl
Coasters
Reusable Water Bottle
Travel Tumbler For Hot Drinks
Reusable Straws, Metal or Plastic
Mugs
Dish Drying Pad/Rack
Water Cups
Small Paring Knife, With Cover
Serrated Knife, With Cover
Large Chef Knife, With Cover
Electric Kettle
Can Opener
Glass Measuring Cups
Measuring Spoons
Oven Mitt
Pot Holders
Cooling Rack
Ice Cube Trays
Ice Pack
Packaged Meals
Organic Coconut Chickpea & Turmeric Curry
Paper, Plastic, and Storage Goods
Plastic Tupperware
Paper Napkins
Paper Plates
Plastic Cups
To-Go Coffee Cups
Sandwich Bags
Gallon Storage Bags
Paper Towels
Aluminum Foil
Plastic Wrap
Wax Paper
Brown Paper Bags
The Dorm Kitchen
As excited as you are to move into your dorm with your new roomie, it’s a bummer when you realize you won’t have access to a kitchen like the one you’re used to at your childhood home. However, fear not! You can work a ton of culinary magic with just a few R.A.-approved appliances. Here’s everything you need to add to your cart for your non-standard kitchen.
Mini Fridge
Rolling Cart
Electric Hot Pot
Plastic Storage Drawer Organizer
Microwave
Toaster, Toaster Oven
Mixing Bowls
Glass Storage Containers
Plastic Containers
Removable Labels
Sharpie For Labels
Ice Trays
Microwavable Utensils (Bowls, Plates, Mugs)
Small Coffee Maker
Small Cutlery Organizer
Small Blender
Bag Clips
Reusable Food Wraps, Bags
Sink Caddy
Magnetic Grocery List For Fridge
The Shared Kitchen
If you have a kitchenette in the quad or a common kitchen area in your dormitory, you’re one step closer to achieving your chef dreams. If your floor is extra fancy, they might even have a dishwasher for easy clean-up. Here’s everything you’ll need to make the most out of your shared kitchen space. Fingers crossed you also have the chance to meet fellow dorm chefs.
Colander/Mesh Strainer
Nonstick Pan(s)
Waffle Maker, Small
Small Pot
Large Pot
Metal Tongs
Wooden Spoon
Serving Spoon
Pasta Spoon
Baking Sheet
Muffin Tin
Vegetable Peeler
Pizza Cutter
Whisk
Plastic Cutting Board
Spatula
Garlic Press
Spice Rack
Meat Thermometer
The Full Kitchen
It’s showtime! Now that you’re officially in your very first apartment or house, it’s really time to start cooking. There is no need to rush your creative culinary processes or be cognizant of quiet hours. Plus, with all the new-found shelf and cupboard space, you can easily store all your favorite large platters, big appliances, special occasion wear, and beyond. The only downside is, if there’s a mess in the kitchen, you can’t blame it on the rest of your dorm floormates. Time to put on your big girl aprons and make your favorite meals and snacks with these adult-level kitchen gadgets and trinkets.
Baking Dishes
Mixing Bowls
Cheese Grater
Citrus Zester
Citrus Juicer
Wine Opener/Bottle Opener
Meat Tenderizer
Ice Cream Scoop
Air Fryer
Slow Cooker
Dutch Oven
Cast Iron Skillet
Sauté Pans With Lids
Salad Spinner
Wine Glasses
Shot Glasses
Rocks Glasses
Water Filter
Rice Cooker
Vegetable Steamer
Food Processor
Hand Mixer
Hand Blender
Griddle Pan
Knife Set With Holder
Spoon Rest
Potato Masher
Spatula
Ladle
Salad Tongs
Saucepans (Small, Medium, Large)
Pots (Small, Medium, Large)
Serving Utensils, (Large Spoon, Large Fork, Slotted Spoon)
Serving Platter
Charcuterie Board
Microwave Splatter Guard
Place Mats
Junk Drawer Necessities
Everyone has a junk drawer, whether you’d like to admit it or not. This is the ideal drawer to store all of your batteries for the home as well as often forgotten-until-you-need-it items, such as chip clips and clear tape. You can thank us later!
Tape
Mini First Aid Kit
Flash Light
Chip Clips
Twist Ties
AA Batteries
AAA Batteries
Super Glue
Adhesive Strips
Kitchen Scissors
Tooth Picks
Candle Lighter, Matches
Pantry Staples
So there you are… staring at an empty cupboard racking your brain trying to remember what you need for basic dinner recipes, baked goods, brunch date treats, and more. There’s no need to stress out while typing a list of the basics out on your phone notes. Pack that pantry with these ingredients and staple food items that will last you a long while, and they’ll be so so so important for any viral recipe you come across.
Olive Oil
Vegetable Oil
Sesame Oil
Soy Sauce
Baking Soda
Baking Powder
Corn Starch
Apple Cider Vinegar
Balsamic Vinegar
White Vinegar
Honey
Flour
Sugar
Brown Sugar
Vanilla Extract
Tomato Paste
Tomato Sauce
Bread Crumbs
Canned Meat (Tuna or Chicken)
Peanut Butter (Or Alternative to Nut Spread)
Pound of Pasta
Pound of Rice
Popcorn
Oatmeal
Soup Mixes
Canned Vegetables
Canned Fruits
Tea
Coffee Grounds/Individual Coffee Cups
Salt and Pepper
Bouillon (Vegetable or Chicken)
Simmer Sauce Packets, Seasonings