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Cooking in college does not need to be a daunting task. A few basic tools, some stock recipes, and a taste for trying something new are all that one requires. There is often a community kitchen on each floor of a dorm's floor, this is equipped with a stove top and oven. A microwave can speed up the process, but is not usually necessary for cooking. A fridge is however necessary unless one wishes to 'go to market' everyday.

The basic tools or equipment needed is not that hard to find, or that hard on the wallet. A cookie sheet, medium pot, large pot, frying pan, large mixing bowl, measuring cups, measuring spoons, can opener, slotted spoon, big spoon or ladle, pizza cutter, and spatula cover almost anything and everything one might wish to cook. Each item can be used when fixing a variety of different meals. Once you have mastered the basics you might consider branching out and adding more items such as cake pans, muffin tins, bread pans, broiler pans, etc.

Having a handful of stock recipes gives you something to always fall back on. These would include, but are not limited to, pizza, macaroni and cheese, spaghetti, sloppy joes, tacos, quesidilla's, omelets, meat/potatoes, stir fry with rice, baked chicken, etc. It is also a good idea to have on hand a basic cookbook, because it will include cooking times for a variety of meat dishes and easy recipes.

Besides stock recipes, stock food items will also add to your culinary experience in college. Spices help along any cheap pasta sauce or other discount brand (your in college remember) food. Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, season all, cayenne, which ever your heart desires, is a good idea to have on hand. Baking essentials are another good idea such as flour, sugar, baking powder/soda, vanilla extract, and butter.

Once you have mastered the basics and beginning to feel in a rut, try something new. Actually use a recipe in that cookbook you got as a graduation gift. Look at some of the curry mixes, or stir fry recipes in the grocery aisles. College is about learning and experiencing new things. No one ever said this didn't apply to college cooking. So go out there and follow your nose to new flavors.

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