These are the must-have gadgets and gear for college students, directly from the source.

And yet, it’s not always easy to coax college kids from the comfort of their dorm rooms.

This begs the question of what cooking gear a college kid might need to pull together a simple meal.

dorm room essentials

Simply Recipes / Sabrina Tan

The number one essential has to be the ubiquitous mini fridge.

Most universities offer them for rent and its not hard to find one second-hand at a reasonable price.

But what about the less obvious choices?

Keurig coffee

Simply Recipes / Sabrina Tan

Here are the top seven picks.

Be sure to get the all-clear before you buy.

Its quick and the machine is super easy to clean.

Nutribullet

Simply Recipes / Sabrina Tan

Brendan Joyce, junior at Providence College

2.

Ruby Jagel, freshman at Cooper Union

3.

Clementine Daniels, sophomore at UCLA

4.

Ball Mason Jars

Simply Recipes / Sabrina Tan

Air Fryer

I did not see the hype around these (or understand how they really work!)

until one of my roommates brought one into our apartment, and ever since then, its been invaluable.

Clementine

Its a college student staple that makes literally everything.

Air fryer

Simply Recipes / Sabrina Tan

Jackie Carlson, junior at Boston College

5.

They stay sharp and make meal prep super easy.

Jackie

6.

Knife Set

Simply Recipes / Sabrina Tan

Cast Iron Skillet

The item I most frequently use is a medium cast iron pan.

It’s perfect forfried eggs, veggies, and meats like chicken andsteak.

I love using cast iron for one-pan meals.

Cast iron skillet

Simply Recipes / Sabrina Tan

it’s possible for you to start things on the stove and then move them to the oven.

Easily my favorite item.

Wyatt Jebef, senior at UC Berkeley

7.

nesting bowls

Simply Recipes / Sabrina Tan

Stainless Steel Bowls

A large stainless steel bowl, most commonly used for baking.

I love makinglarge saladsin these.

Super multipurpose; a great kitchen tool.

Wyatt

Simple Tip!