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Afraid that resorting to the grease bombs that your college cafeteria offers will result in not only the infamous "freshman fifteen," but maybe the freshman twenty, twenty five, or even thirty? Well, your fears may not be so far off the mark. This is why cooking for yourself is a great way to monitor exactly what you're putting into that body of yours.

So what do you need? Dorm cooking can be tricky, since many residence halls strictly forbid any devices that use an "open flame or heating coil." This sometimes includes toasters and toaster ovens-two of the most useful little contraptions around. But fear not-there are other options. Many dormitories offer a kitchen area that the whole floor shares, which means there is likely to be a oven with a range. Don't fear the communal kitchen-embrace it!

Basic cookware: the best part of all this is that you can pick it up at second-hand stores for almost nothing (with the exception of the indoor grill, perhaps). This won't cost you a fortune by any means, and it will actually save you money in the long run. Here are ten, easy to find essentials for stocking your "college kitchen."

1)A medium-sized pot with a lid (for boiling pasta, cooking soup, rice, etc.)

2)A small frying pan (for eggs, sauteing meat)

3)A spatula (we all know what these guys are for)

4)Metal tongs (for turning meat)

5)A long spoon for stirring/mixing

6)One medium-sized bowl for mixing ingredients

7)A medium sized chef's knife and cutting board

8)An indoor grill (either a counter-top, electric model or one that rests on your stove's burner)

9)A plastic strainer

10)Assorted Measuring cups (dry and liquid)

With these ten simple items, you can whip a whole mess of culinary surprises. Got a hankering for steak and mashed potatoes? For stir fry? For tacos? You've got everything you need right here. Just remember to do the dishes. Bon apatite!

Learn more about this author, Andrew Browers.
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