Dorms? Cooking? Yes, Really!

Dorm cooking. Possibly the most mutually exclusive words in the English language. Most college students find themselves eating cafeteria or take-out food far too often, leading to the well-known "freshman fifteen".

Cooking in a dorm can be particularly hard when there are rules about exactly what appliances are allowed. These rules generally exclude ovens, so normal cooking is out of the question. However, there are many other small, inexpensive appliances that can make eating in your dorm a viable option.

1. Refrigerator - this is the most basic appliance. There are many companies that will rent them to students for the school year, though if you're going to be living in a dorm for more than one year I recommend buying a small one. Being able to keep food for more than one day adds a lot to your ability to cook with it. Cheese, milk, drinks, and meat are just a few good reasons to get your hands on a refrigerator. Plus, it isn't a fire hazard, so pretty much all dorms allow them.

2. Sandwich maker - besides for a refrigerator, this is the first appliance I would recommend to anyone. A good one can cost only ten dollars at your local Walmart, Walgreens, or home supply store and will be invaluable to you throughout your dorm life, and possibly well after. Grilled cheese sandwiches are the most obvious meal to make on this, but it is full of other potential as well.

3. Hot pot - If you aren't allowed to have a burner in your dorm, this is the next best thing. My roommate in my first year of college bought one early in the year and enjoyed hot coffee and oatmeal all year. It can boil water in just a couple of minutes and can be used to cook pasta, soup, and other foods as well.

4. George Foreman - Yes, a George Foreman. These are on the expensive side, but well worth it. With one of these you can grill burgers or meat for a great dinner exactly as you like it. Another way to make quick use of it is to buy a large bag of chicken nuggets or hot dogs that are really pre-cooked and pop them on for a minute or so. They come out nice and crunchy and don't take too long.

With these appliances you're well on your way to eating well throughout your time in a dorm. Also, besides for the refrigerator, they're all easily cleaned and stored in a drawer or cabinet - just in case you aren't supposed to have them!