Going off on your own for the first time can seem overwhelming. The last thing you want to think about is how you’re going to eat. Although most colleges provide a cafeteria, in the long run that’s not very appetizing and eating at a restaurant every day gets pricy. So, here are a few essentials for cooking solo.

1. Compact refrigerator – Duh! Man cannot live on Ramen noodles and canned goods alone. You need fresh fruit, vegetables, and dairy products, so a fridge is an essential. Besides, where else are you going to chill your drinks?
2. Toaster oven – Ah, yes. Regardless of the three A.M. infomercials, a microwave cannot do everything. To make real, edible, food you’ll need an oven. P.S. these things also work as a toaster, so you just cut out a second appliance. Be aware that they’re small, so usually a full-sized pizza is out of the question. But you’d be surprised at the versatility of the little things.
3. Microwave – Speaking of versatility, a microwave is a wondrous machine. I’m sure you’re well versed in the usage of them, so I won’t blather on. Get one. You’ll need it.
4. Coffee maker – Mmm… the best part of waking up. Or in some cases, staying up after an all-nighter. It is way more affordable to make your own than to buy Starbucks every morning, and the things come dirt cheap. Just remember the travel mug and you’re good to go.
5. Cookbook – We all have our favorite foods, but I guarantee you’ll draw a blank when it comes to actually cooking it. For anything more complex than mac and cheese, pull out your trusty cookbook. “The Joy of Cooking” covers everything, but you can get more specific cookbooks almost anywhere. I suggest a used book store, as they can get expensive.
6. Flatware – Um… Something to eat with would be good. I know how fun it is to eat with your fingers, but soup and steak have a tendency to make that a bit difficult. A good steak knife is a necessity – you can pretty much use it to cut anything. Butter knifes (try to find ones with a bit of edge on them), forks, regular spoons and a serving spoon, a spatula (you’ll use it more than you think), and measuring spoons and cups should cover the basics.
7. Dinnerware – Also, something to eat on. You cannot just lean over the sink! Hunker down and get yourself plates (big and small), bowls (soup and serving/mixing), and some cups and mugs. Do not depend on paper plates and plastic cups, one day you’ll run out and then where will you be? Besides, it’s more environmentally responsible to wash a dish than it is to contribute to landfills.
8. Can opener – Remember what I said about soup? Not all cans have a pop-top, so get yourself a can opener. The electric ones are more expensive, and you really don’t need it. Just get a simple hand-powered one and use those typing muscles!
9. Electric skillet or hotplate – Ah, another indispensible tool for edible food preparation. I’m a meat eater myself, and I certainly don’t want to bake my steak or burgers! Both the options work well, but just remember- if you go for the hot plate, you’ll need a pot and a pan to cook with. I recommend cast iron. It’s heavy, but it holds heat and cooks evenly, so you’re less likely to burn your meal.
10. Casserole dish and cookie sheet – This is only if you opted for the toaster oven! Most toaster ovens come with a small baking sheet, which typically works okay. If yours didn’t include a baking sheet, find out the size the oven can take before buying one. You’ll need something to put your food on when you’re cooking with the oven. Why a casserole dish too? I have one word for you – brownies. Well, really any cake or cake-like thing. But you’ll be shocked at how many things you’ll end up baking in your casserole dish. Just make sure, once again, that it’ll fit.

That’s the basics. And this list isn’t just for dorm dwellers. Anyone starting out from scratch, especially those on a budget, needs to purchase these essential ingredients for a happy, healthy cooking experience. The rest is just icing on the cake… Mmm… cake.

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