Dorms are small spaces large enough for a bed, bookshelf, and closest. It is the least amount of space for basic survival; however, what about food? Best use of space, assuming the dorm allows food, is small appliances. These, include: mini-fridge, toaster oven, crock pot, electric burner and electric wok. The electric wok is affordable and has the most utility.
Why is having food so important? Without food it is easy to lose focus. Often people wear themselves out and the mind shuts off. When studying take a ten to fifteen minute break and eat a snack every couple of hours. Snacks include a serving of tortilla chips, a cupcake, or crackers. This is effective. I have studied six to eight hours. Feeling weak or going over the same problem repeatedly after a half hour everything makes sense again. When tired of nibbling on pieces of bread, make a whole meal.
Scientists have proven a good night sleep and adequate nourishment improves test scores exponentially. Before a big test eat a big meal and plan on eight hours of sleep. The body and mind are refreshed. Eat breakfast and review reading material.
Usually dorms supply a campus grocery store or meal tickets for breakfast and dinner. These are great; however, if missing the scheduled mealtime students starve. It is best to locate the nearest grocery store. Sometimes the city provides free transportation within a limited area. The buses in Salt Lake City are free downtown near the University of Utah. In any event, buying food at the grocery store saves a lot of money. Go to the store every-other-day or as needed to purchase three to five food items. Some people befriend someone with a car, yet self-sufficiency is important. When starving and needing extra snacks because of a big test the next day friends are not reliable.
Mini-fridges keep small items chilled; however, non-refrigerated items are the best: crackers, peanut butter, pepperoni, and ramen name a few. Look at the package and see if it needs to be refrigerated after it's opened.
Toaster ovens are fine if a person can survive on sandwiches. However, beyond toasting bread, mayonnaise, sandwich meat, lettuce and cheese should be refrigerated. As a fan of cheese, a mini-fridge could be a good investment.
Crock pots allow a person to make a wide variety of meals and can be left on for many hours. They are friendly to canned foods and dry foods like rice and beans. The only issue with crock pots is not having to freedom to make something as needed. If thinking ahead, the water will boil after two hours of studying and then it is time to make ramen noodles.
The electric burner seems like a space saver. One fry pan and one pot open the possibilities to fried foods and boiling water. Boiling water equals rice, pasta, tea and so-on. They are less safe and must be watched. You can't boil water and go to class. It is too dangerous.
Electric woks have multiple settings to fry and boil foods. Most meals are accessible and they work well with nonperishable foods: rice, pasta, beans, canned vegetable, canned meats and others. Does bread have to be toasted to enjoy a peanut butter sandwich? Versatile, they do not take up much space and have a non-stick surface. When done cooking unplug, let cool, wipe out with cloth or paper towel and store in the closet. Adjust meal portions to one person.
Everyone knows college students don't have money. Most of small appliances cost $50 to $75 and save an incredible amount of money. Buy one of these items next time the financial aid checks arrive or planning a monthly budget. Parents or guardians may want to send a small appliance to their student.
Knowing a couple of people where on a diet made the difference between graduating and going home. Food is important. One was busy trying to date a girl and expected she would pay off the investment with romantic home cooked meals after he ran out of survival money. Often missing the scheduled mealtimes, he essentially lost his mind, couldn't function and went home. Another person lasted longer, but insisted on eating a bowl of cereal and running five miles everyday. After awhile a whole semester past and she didn't have the energy to read the book. Some might think she was spending too much time with friends or using drugs. Neither was true. Of course these tips may not help anorexic behavior.
The best plan, even without small appliances is: go to the grocery store every-other-day, purchase three to five mainly food nonperishable items, snack while studying and eat a big meal the night before taking a test. While these tips are orientated towards college students, the principles are the same for someone who travels for work. Hotels supply a bed, television and closet. They may provide a mini-fridge, yet nonperishable foods are the best.
Quick Recipe Ingredients:
1 Bag Ramen Noodles
1 Can Chicken
1 Teaspoon Rice Vinegar
1 Vegetable (sliced celery, carrot, lettuce leaf, so-on)
Breakup ramen noodles in the bag. Pour contents in bowl with canned chicken, rice vinegar, vegetable and mix with fork and serve. Sprinkling with nuts is optional. Put the flavor pack in storage for later use.
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