All the items that helped me get through the late nights and organized chaos of college life.
Sections
3
Basics You'll Use Daily
Clean Up Crew
My Go-To Grub Gear
Basics You'll Use Daily
Underrated heroes you reached for constantly.
Just buy the utensil organizer. Don't cheap out too much if you can help it. Get something that has a little weight to it so it's not moving around so much and keeps the space cute while organized.
Organized Drawer = No More Clutter Panic
Don't break the bank buying silverware for college. A cheap set like this is perfect. It gets the job done without feeling too cheap AND who cares if you lose or break a fork or two?
Silverware That Works on a Budget
You're going to care about having filtered water more than you thought you would. Skip the bottled water and maximize space with this smaller pitcher.
Make Your College Water Drinkable & Cute
Can't guzzle enough water? (First: you're better than me, but second:) Just bite the bullet and get the more expensive Brita filter. You'll eventually want to upgrade and starting out with the right one in the first place will save you the headache a...
Maximize Your Hydration & Space
You DON'T need a Stanley. Chances are, your water bottle is going to get trashed moving from class to class. Grab a cheap, simple water bottle and no one will know the difference (seriously, no one cares that much in college). Your wallet will thank ...
My Walk-to-Class Hydration Hero
We all want to be environmentally friendly, but when you're strapped for cash, it's good to be nice to your wallet too. As much as you might want the ceramic dinnerware, save yourself the hassle and potential heartbreak of cleaning up and replacing s...
Skip the Shards: Plastic Plates for Stress-Free Living
No one has time for burnt fingers. Just get the potholders before you hate yourself (and your burnt fingers) for putting it off.
Hot Mess? Not with These Potholders
Clean Up Crew
Stuff that kept things from getting gross.
Chances are, your garbage disposal smells. Chances are even higher that it probably hasn't been cleaned. Do yourself a favor and grab one of these, or a handful. They're cheap, easy and will make your kitchen feel more ready for you.
Give Your Garbage Disposal the Care it Never Got
Who doesn't want a cute sponge? Plus, it's affordable, durable and really gets the job done. Small upgrade, big difference.
Make Cleaning Less Miserable with Cute Sponges
I didn't think I needed a dish drying rack in college until I got one. It fits exactly where its supposed to and makes cleanup feel 10x less mentally exhausting.
Make Hand-Washing Less Annoying
Focus on the specifics once you're in the groove of your own (new) space, but get an all-purpose cleaner to start.
One Bottle for Every Job
It'll make your life easier if you have kitchen towels. Keep the white ones out for show and use the black ones for all the stain-able kitchen messes. Plus, they're $6 – they're meant to last through the memories, not a lifetime.
Cheap Towel Set To Act & Literally Look Put Together
My Go-To Grub Gear
Everyday cooking basics: These are the tools and gadgets that made feeding myself less of a crisis.
These pots and pans were my lifeline through ramen, frozen meals, and disaster breakfasts. They didn’t warp, the nonstick held up, and cleanup was barely a hassle. Basically, they were cheap, helpful, and didn’t feel like a waste when I moved (or mov...
Cookware Set That Survives College Life
These handy utensils were essential when I was rolling solo in my college kitchen. They’re sturdy, dishwasher-safe, and didn’t fall apart after a few uses. They're perfect for everything from scrambled eggs to lazy pasta nights. Reliable, affordable,...
Affordable Utensils That Will Survive Dorm Cooking
This thing is a GAME CHANGER. Say goodbye to excess dishes and hello to quick meals that fit your busy schedule. PRO TIP: Buy an "open-box" pressure cooker from Best Buy to save a few extra bucks.
A College Staple: Affordable One-Pot Wonder
This toaster can't break, and it won't break the bank either. When you're surviving on toast, bagels or frozen pizza, this is your kitchen champion: cheap, tiny and reliable. Plus, it's got a crumb tray for easy clean-up.
On a Budget: Frozen Meals Done Fast
Just the bare bones. Plus, you won't care what happens to this set if you're not a master chef.
On a Budget: Utensil Essentials
You'll thank yourself later when you're not scrambling for a cutting board. Think you'll just need one? Think again. Stay prepared with a set. You can always tuck the rest away.