Guide for New College Students: Top Five Dorm Foods

Ok, barring pizza, which is a universal college favorite (and usually a necessity when it comes to escaping cafeteria food), I have given thought to the best dorm foods that are easy to buy, store and prepare and are relatively cheap - perfect for the college student!

Quite frankly, it is not a wise choice to have no food in your dorm room. Between late-night papers, card games, a long discussion with dorm mates or what have you, there will always be a need for a boost. Whether candy, ramen or a full dinner created in your room, you can't go far without some quick nourishment at hand.

1. The Ever-Present Godsend, Ramen Noodles

Let's face it, nothing can compare to the ramen noodle when the question of dorm eats comes up. Whether you choose to cook the brick'o'noodles or prepare my favorite, the Ramen Lunch Cup (complete with freeze-dried vegetable and meat [who can complain there?]), ramen is a constant (and ridiculously cheap) companion in the cruel world of dorm room cooking. Simply heat water, add to package and wait three minutes. Voila.

2. Beef Jerky, the Little Strips of Reality

I say "Little Strips of Reality" because even if you have good cafeteria food, beef is usually the last thing they can get right. So look here, beef jerky is one of the best snacks to have around...it tastes different from ramen, for one thing, and is not loaded with sugar and fat. In fact, beef jerky is somewhat healthy, though I'm sure that is out-of-sight out-of-mind for the average college student. Jerky can get expensive, but Oberto is a great go-between. Don't waste money on the cheap stuff...it's like eating Teriyaki plastic.

3. Good for Any Occasion, Popcorn

As the title suggests, popcorn can be used as a snack, a pseudo-meal before class, an accent for in-room movies and great companion for long poker-tournaments (trust me). Popcorn is a cheap addition to any dorm closet and had no cleanup past throwing out the bag...how great is that?

4. The Pretzel - A Thousand Varieties, One Favorite

Ok, go to any CostCo, Sam's Club or any other retail warehouse and you'll find what I call the "College Aisle." This almost always consists of bulk ramen, soups, occasionally jerky and ALWAYS pretzels. It took me a while to fully comprehend how many ways you can make a pretzel...rods, wheels, waffles, salty, sweet, tangy - seriously, the possibilities are limitless. A big barrel of pretzels makes every dorm room a happier place...and it makes your friends a lot happier too. Good thing pretzels come in bulk!

5. The Grill, And All Things Meat

Ok, this is my personal favorite, but I know that most people don't own a charcoal grill. But for those who are skeptical, allow me to explain. Personally I get tired of eating fish every Friday, tacos every Tuesday and other daily specials that grow old fast. Solution: grill your own food. Get some ground beef and make some burgers. Buy a little platter of brats and have a cookout. For one thing, it is easy to get people to pay you for the goods and come over while you grill up a storm. This is slightly more expensive than the other options but it can make for one of the best escapes from the cafeteria blues.

That's what I have for you...tried and true, this list has helped me survive and has brought a little more happiness to the exhausting and non-stop life of college. Take a break, have a snack and treasure your free time. Cheers.