Moving into your first student digs can be quite a daunting task making sure that you have everything you will need; however, this handy list will make getting yourself organised in the kitchen, a breeze!
Getting the right equipment for the job…
Working out what kind of utensils you need is always a tricky task and if you’re like me, then you will end up buying absolutely everything to make sure that you’re prepared. DON’T WORRY! I’ve outlined some of the most important things you need to grab to make sure that buying your kitchen equipment doesn’t make a run on your money.
Feel free to print or save this page and take this with you when you go shopping!
- Wooden spoons. (you may need one or two of these)
- Spatula
- Baking Tray
- Frying Pan (double check with your housing provider to see what kind of hobs you will have as only certain pans work on induction etc.)
- Range of sized pans (again double check with your housing provider)
- Chopping Boards
- Cutting Knives (one or two of these are fine!)
- Vegetable Peeler
- Scissors
- Cheese Grater
- Tin Opener (these often double as a bottle opener so you only need to buy one!)
- Microwavable bowls
- Colander
- Tea Towels
- Cutlery
- Plates and bowls (supermarkets or Argos usually have a set of 12 for around £12-15 if you look around!)
- Glasses and mugs
- Washing up Items (grab a big bottle of the cheapest supermarket own washing up liquid too)
Pick up some skills before you move!
If you’re like my friends, and all you can cook yourself is a Pot Noodle then follow these tips and you will be a kitchen master before you know it!
- If you can, then get a family member or a friend to show you some quick cooking tricks and skills. This will come in really handy when you’re at Uni and cooking for yourself!
- If you’re feeling very adventurous then ask to help whoever does the cooking at home, you will pick up some invaluable techniques and skills.
- If you’re like me though, and your mum only cooks something if it goes ping ding after two minutes, then have a look at some online videos. They will guide you through some of the best practices in the kitchen and you will be a fully blown chef in no time!
Plan your meals…
The best way to save money on food when you go to Uni is to plan what you’re going to have before you go shopping. This way you can stick to a budget and make sure that you only buy things that you need.
- Make a meal plan for every day of the week. Here is a good example of a meal plan, which you can easily download and print: https://templates.office.com/en-US/Simple-meal-planner-TM01018303
- Plan your shopping list – and stick too it! Only buy what’s on your list otherwise you end up spending money on things you don’t really need!
The freezer is your best friend!
I have recently done a blog about the best way to keep your kitchen organised and making the most of your storage space. Check it out here:
https://www.mccombstudents.com/my-top-5-student-storage-in-the-kitchen-tips/
If you have any questions or further suggestions for my Student Recipes Blogs then please don’t hesitate to contact me on: alex.james.greenhalgh@gmail.com
