Cooking is one of the most useful skills a person can have. However, it is also intimidating, as well as unfamiliar to many people. Due to living under your parent’s roof, you probably have not needed to cook very many, if any, meals for yourself. By this, I mean full and balanced meals, including a source of protein, vegetables and even a starch. Your soon-to-be dorm lifestyle is certainly not asking for a Thanksgiving dinner, but instead a nice, simple and fulfilling meal. 

Meal prep will be one of the most important things in your new hectic and not-so-scheduled life. Rather than skipping meals when things come up, you will be fully prepared to simply heat up and eat one already made. Portion sizing is also different now, as the food is mostly for one person, rather than a family.

Grocery shopping and knowing what you need is crucial. In European countries, due to the lack of processed foods, people buy groceries for the week. This both limits food waste as well as prevents overspending habits. Having a meal plan is the first step of the process even before buying groceries. This way, you only buy what is needed like pantry staples. 

Finding grocery stores within the surrounding areas is a must, as well as a way of getting there. As most colleges and universities frown upon student cars, you most likely will only be able to transport what you can carry. 

The most important essentials are items such as bread, eggs, seasonal vegetables and fruit. Eggs are one of the cheapest sources of protein, making them extremely essential to dorm life.