Food for the College Student

As you send your student off to college, you will surely want to pack some food items in case they miss a meal and starve to death. Sure, it's unreasonable to worry that a 18-21 year old won't be able to find food if they are hungry, but as parents, we have a strong urge to feed our children. This list will help you make sure that your college student gets basic nourishment.

Meal plans: Keep in mind that meal plans are necessary for on campus students. So any food or cooking items your child brings to college is for plan B, in case your child misses a meal or ends up studying late. It may make sense to purchase a 14 meal a week plan and have breakfast or lunch on their own for variety and cost effectiveness. For instance, if you have a kid who can barely choke down a breakfast bar and class of milk for breakfast, it doesn't make sense to buy a 3 meal a day plan unless the cost difference is negligible.

Rent a refrigerator for your college student. Some colleges will only allow one fridge per room, so check with the roommate before making the purchase. A refrigerator will allow them to stow away a few frozen dinners, milk, and a few other perishable necessities.

Microwave: Like the refrigerator, check with the college. Some don't allow them in the room. Some do. Others dictate one per room, so you will have to make an arrangement with your roommate. Microwaves aren't just for popcorn, and boiling water. With the help of Internet recipe pages, your child can make gourmet meals if they have the desire. They will need a few Pyrex dishes as well.

Coffee and tea: Coffee makers, hot pots, or immersion heaters are a great way to heat water for a morning shot of caffeine or for late night study sessions when a microwave is not available.

Beverages: It doesn't make sense to lug cases and cases of water and bottled drinks into the college dorm. First, it's heavy and takes up a lot of room. Second, it will very likely be consumed by the roommate. Instead consider powdered and concentrated drinks that take an effort to make, but will keep your student's thirst quenched all year long. All you need is a pitcher or a single 32 oz juice bottle to mix your drinks in. A second pitcher or water bottle with a water filter will save a ton of money on bottled water.

Non Perishables: When buying foods for your college student, look for things that have high nutritional value, but take up little space. Envelopes of chicken noodle soup, boxes of granola bars, dried fruit, nuts (beware of roommate allergies), peanut butter, microwave mac and cheese, and oatmeal are great foods that will allow your child to eliminate those late night munchies without ordering a pizza.

Storage: Find a place to put these food items to keep them fresh safe from pests. You can create an under the bed pantry with a rolling sealed plastic container. You can also put up a bring a bakers rack (room permitting) to place alongside the fridge and microwave, creating a kitchen area. Don't forget to bring Ziploc bags to store extra cooked food and leftover pizza.

Finally, Don't go overboard buying these food items. You can always get more later. Plus, make these items are used up at the end of the year there are less items to bring back home.