#dorm advice

[dailypicsfrommycameraroll]

Day 6

[fluffyrainbowbutterfly]

Crazy busy adult who has no time to cook shopping list because of work or college and also life advice

Frozen veggies, especially peas, can be microwaved and eaten in minutes

Fruit cups

Bagged salad

Orange, banana, apple (but not if you have braces). Takes literally seconds to wash, don't be lazy.

Berries (frozen or refrigerated), can be blended, cooked, or eaten as is (non-frozen berries need to be rinsed)

Canned lentils because protein and vitamin B

Eggs can be boiled or scrambled in bulk and saved to eat throughout the week

Deli meat. Can be mixed into dishes or eaten by itself.

Crockpots are great, throw in some meat and/or veggies and sauce, turn it on low, go to work/class, it'll be done when you're back and you can refrigerate or freeze left-overs for when you're really in a rush.

Worst case scenario: pour milk or other protein-based beverage into a thermos the night before, leave it in fridge, grab it on the way out. Put a small package of food such as trail-mix and a bottle of water in your backpack/workbag the night before in case you somehow forget the thermos.

It's okay to go without eating every once in a while, or binge on random vending machibe food in an emergency, but please try to eat healthy and as often as needed. I lost 60+ pounds just from being too busy to eat and experiencing non-stop stress. I lost fat and muscle tone, so my skin hangs loose on my body and my clothes don't fit right. Even though I did need to lose weight, this was not the healthiest way to do it (because I lost muscle tone).

Also you need to take time to clean your living space, and check it regularly for infestation, and call for maintenance or help if you see a problem. My dorm in college was infested with mold so bad (it was in the walls and air, so I couldn't stop it just by cleaning), the building needed to be rebuilt. Before that happened I caught several infections and illnesses that hampered my ability to succeed in my classes. I contracted aspergillosis(which can be deadly), but it went away a few weeks after leaving the room for good.

[sound-organized-in-time]

Dorm Shopping On a Budget

Ayo I’ve seen a lot of things about dorm shopping on a budget up online but that usually just refers to amazon. No.

Actual dorm shopping on a budget(what I did):

Yard saling: Right now is the prime time to do this because of graduating college students trying to get rid of their college stuff (and they want it gone fast) My parents go yard saling every weekend in the summer and this is how they managed to find all of the storage to my dorm room, under $5 each item. I’m talking five drawer organizers and the wide three drawer ones, tote boxes and guess what? Both my microwave AND my mini fridge came from yard sales, both $5. There is absolutely no need to spend $200 on a new fridge when you can get one cheap and clean it out.

Sales: I know walking through target or walmart(or both) is some much fun in July or August for picking out your stuff. Do you know what’s even more fun? Doing it in September and getting everything 70% off. This one may be more for juniors thinking ahead but it can also apply to incoming college freshman who are willing to wait on a few things.

I ended up getting a queen sized quilt for my dorm at like 90% off in September the year before I graduated highschool and I’m so thankful. I also got my sheets, towels, shower organizer and more.

Wait til you move in: This one ties in to the waiting for September for sales, but this way if you get to your dorm and figure out either your roommate bought whatever it was you needed, OR you can decide you don’t need something you thought you did and you didn’t spend the money on it already!

T.j.maxx: I know this isn’t as much of a budget shopping but it does help. They always have super nice quality stuff for like target prices(or less) I appreciate it so much. I did this for drawer organizers, throw blankets, and everything else I didn’t find during a September sale or that didn’t need to be bought until the week before( like food or cleaning supplies).

I’d also like to note that amazon is still an option and is a great place for lots of dorm stuff, but it’s not the only option and not always the cheapest.

[yournewapartment]

Im starting my first yr of college in June and I'll be living on campus. It'll be my first time living w/o my family and im not sure how to prepare. Do u have any advice? Thank you!

Campus Living Advice

1. Get to know your campus BEFOREHAND. This way, you’ll feel confident getting around before you’re even living there. Take advantage of campus tours, online sessions, meet and greets, etc.

2. Use the facilities. This sort of ties in with my first piece of advice- know what facilities there are on campus and use them. Most campuses have gyms, different dining halls, private study rooms, etc.

3. Scope out food. It’s sad but it’s true- where I went to college the vending machine in one building was priced a dollar cheaper than every other machine on campus. Why the fuck. I still don’t know. Learn where to purchase the cheapest cup of coffee. Learn if there are any rewards programs or discount cards. Remember- different dining halls may offer different food options at different times.

4. Know where to get your toiletries. Can you get all your basic necessities at the school store? Is that the cheapest way to get them? Can you order them online and have them delivered in a reasonable manner? Or will you have to rely on a store off campus to get your toilet paper?

5. Utilize public transport. You won’t want to be stuck on campus all day every day, so get to know your local public transport. Most colleges have bus or train stops, and many offer discount cards for utilizing public transportation. Contact your college’s Student Activities Office to see if you can get a discounted bus or train pass.

6. Learn some basic “Adulting” skills. Skills like basic cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc. Depending on what sort of kitchenette your dorm room offers, you may want to master some simple recipes. If you’re stuck with only a microwave you may want to invest in some additional cooking supplies. Also check out our microwave cooking post.

7. Utilize study resources. Free resources to help you succeed! Learn your professor’s contact info and memorize their office hours. Use the tutoring center if you fall behind in your classes. You can even join a study club to get some extra help.

8. Be active. Join clubs, attend free events, be social (or at least a little bit social if you’re more of an introvert). There are so many people to meet and experiences to have, and thankfully college is the perfect environment to have them in. It’s the step between being completely independent and being completely dependent, so enjoy!

[danisnotofire]

So I find out my roommates today, and I was wondering if you have any pre and post move in advice about roomates? Or dorms in general. Im a glutton for more tips k thx bye

U BET UR ASS I HAVE DORM/ROOMMATE TIPS i did not suffer through that for nothing 

okay here we go (under a read more bc it’s Long)

ROOMMATE ADVICE

talk about things. communication is so important. if something annoys you, mention it as soon as you can. 

go over some ground rules in the beginning of the year. things like headphone use vs. playing music out loud, bringing guests over (whether to hook up or just to visit), bedtime, lights on/off when trying to sleep, whether you want you’re cool with people hanging out/pregaming/etc in your room, messiness levels, who’s bringing the fridge/microwave and then fridge/microwave rules. 

get each other’s phone number. try and talk to each other before school starts, whether that’s over facebook or meeting up or something. it’s okay if you can’t, but it helps to get to know the person a little bit before you’re gonna be living with them lol

discuss who is bringing what, so both/three of you don’t show up with a fridge lmao

for alcohol/other substances: DISCUSS OPENLY AND HONESTLY if you’re okay with substances in the room or not. maybe you’re okay with some types but not others (wine and beer are viewed differently than hard alc and weed). have that conversation. 

pro tip: if you have alcohol in your room, pull your goddamn fucking blinds down and lock your door. i just got written up literally yesterday bc an RA was walking by outside and saw a handle of rum through the window. i’m in deep shit rn lol. don’t be like me. close your blinds. 

i was #blessed last year bc i was friends with my roommate. we got along really really well, but this was not the case for literally every other person i know. you don’t have to like your roommate. chances are, you probably won’t. still try and be a decent human being to them.

keep in mind you are also THEIR roommate. don’t be a dick. text them if you’re bringing someone home. don’t let your mess intrude on their side of the room. don’t leave food on your desk for days at a time. don’t stay up facetiming someone til 4am when they’re trying to sleep. that being said, they should do the same for you. 

tl;dr: COMMUNICATE. let them know if you think something is going to be a problem. 

DORM TIPS:

flip flops. sandals. socks. something. do not walk barefoot. do NOT shower barefoot. you could easily get foot fungus if u don’t. you don’t know how many have puked or whatever on the floor in the years before you. you don’t know who’s been fucking in the showers. please wear shoes. 

lofting your bed creates so much space. 

bring as much storage as possible. otherwise it’s gonna sit on your desk or on your floor. you want somewhere to keep all your random shit.

i don’t know if ur dorm has AC, but if not, you can pick up a fan that you can plug into the USB port on your computer. these are portable and super helpful. highly recommend. 

invest in a good pair of headphones/earbuds/whatever. buy a spare pair. i highly recommend skullcandy earbuds, bc they have a lifetime warranty and they come in so many cool colors. they’re also only 20 bucks. 

you can really personalize your cinderblock cell by doing some simple but cute things. if you get some string and some colorful clothespins, you can hang up some pictures in a super aesthetic way.

christmas lights will go SO FAR in making your space feel warm and welcoming. HIGHLY recommend. 

buy a desk lamp. 

buy wall hangers that stick to the wall that are easy to take down. you will find a use for them. 

you can get like a coffee drip for like, 12 or 15 dollars. you can also use this to get hot water really fast, which you can use for tea. or to make mac and cheese or oatmeal without having to leave your room. 

and finally, my favorite pro tip of all time that i just discovered this year: get one of those shoe organizers that you hang on the back of your closet door. AND THEN FILL IT WITH EVERYTHING MISC. you can put your deodorant, toothbrush/toothpaste/mouthwash, razors, some snacks, medication/painkillers/cold medicine, or whatever else in each pocket. it keeps things organized and out of the way. it’s my favorite thing in my room lol i’ve gotten complimented on how smart it is like five times. 

so yeah!! these are my dorm/roommate tips!! again, if you want me to be specific about another part of college advice just let me know!!! i’m more than happy to share :) 

[yournewapartment]

Hey I’m planning to go to college in the fall, and I really want to live in a dorm because My only other living options are my mom’s house (who im on really bad terms with) and living with my dad and his girlfriend (also a bad option). The only problem is the school I got accepted to doesn’t have any available private rooms, meaning I’d have to share a room with a stranger for almost 9 months. I’m extremely introverted, socially anxious, and an empath.I can’t share my private space.What do I do?

If you’re unable to get a private room right off the bat, you could try asking for one for medical reasons. If you get a doctor or therapist to write a note for you, you may be able to get a solo room!

That being said, having a roommate is a huge part of the college experience for many freshman, even if they are introverted or have anxiety. It’s something a lot of us just get used to, and sometimes it’s not so bad. Its doubtful your roommate would be there 100% of the time. They’ll go to class, go on vacation, etc. But you’re right, most nights you’d have to sleep with them in the room, which does really suck. Do you think you’d be able to get used to it and be okay? It really depends on you, and what would allow or prevent you from thriving as a student! Your school will likely have RAs and counselors that specialize in college-age mental health issues and roommate issues that might be able to help, too!

What about renting a room in someone else’s house or apartment? Then at least you’d have your own room and shared common spaces.

I hope this helps! Please see our “roommate” related tags for more—Mimi

[sound-organized-in-time]

Warning to incoming college freshmen

Command hooks don’t always hold when it’s hot and humid in your room, be careful about what you hang in the first few weeks, I broke a string of lights in the first week Bc one let go

[yournewapartment]

Thanks so much! I really appreciate it (especially the College Student's Cookbook), but I'm not so much looking for recipes as I am the processes and what things do, ie, how to cut up a chicken into pieces, what paprika does, how to fry things, which knife to use when you want to do "x", the difference between sauteing and frying, etc. Not so much "what to put together if you want to make X" but "if you do this then this will happen because of that". Do you have any resources for that?

Whoops, sorry I didn’t understand. I don’t have any resources for that, so I threw one together for you! My boyfriend has been a line cook for about seven years now, and he’s taught me so much about food. There are lots of simple things you can do to make food taste better- but let’s start with the basics.

College Cooking 101

Materials

Here is a list of materials that I believe are absolutely necessary to creating a quality product. Feel free to substitute anything based on your own personal preferences.

Cooking supplies:

Non-stick frying pan (cast iron pans are much more difficult to clean)

Pot (I would recommend a small pot that you can use to cook for just yourself, and a larger pot for cooking portions or for company)

Lid for said pot

Rubber spatula (much better than wooden spoons)

Tongs

Sheet tray

Strainer

Scissors (kitchen scissors)

A cutting board (I recommend plastic because they’re easier to wash)

Cutting knife

Bread knife (both knives should be sharpened every six months at least, you can take them to your local kitchen supplies shop)

Spices:

Salt

Pepper

Dried chives (or real chives if you can swing them. Throw them in your ramen, your tuna salad, sprinkle them on top of pasta, etc)

Thyme (dried or fresh… dried is 3x as potent, use to season soups or pastas)

Rosemary (dried or fresh, use to season meats and starches)

Cumin (use this spice to rub meat)

Cinnamon

Sugar

Garlic powder or onion powder (used for meat rubs and seasoning soups or sauces)

Paprika (I would recommend avoiding smoked paprika, it’s got a super aggressive flavor… use this in small amounts sprinkled over things like you would the chives)

Basic produce:

Parmesan cheese (for sprinkling over pastas, you can get it pre-grated)

Cheddar cheese (for making sandwiches and mac and cheese)

Tomatoes (whole, crushed, paste, whatever… just have some sort of tomato product in your pantry at all times)

Potatoes (you can’t buy them pre-cut because the oxidize and turn gray if not used immediately… you can still eat them, but they don’t look pretty)

Onions (you can get them pre-cut)

Garlic (use to make sauce or soup bases)

Romaine hearts (lettuce has a short shelf life, but romaine hearts literally last forever and are healthier than eating iceberg lettuce)

Protein of some sort (whatever you like- steak, chicken, tofu, etc)

Something salty (like pickles, black olives, anchovies, etc)

Your favorite veggies (I like carrots and squashes the best)

Pasta (whatever is cheapest or on sale at your store)

Bread (freeze half a loaf and leave the rest in your fridge)

Eggs (egg beaters or whole eggs, whatever you like)

Butter (or a butter substitute)

Oil (olive oil is the most expensive)

Chicken stock (or vegetable stock, in a carton or cubed)

Techniques

Basic (super duper duper basic) instructions on how to cook various items. I am not a trained professional- the information I’m providing is based off of personal experience only.

Meat

Steak (skirt steak or cube steak are easiest)

Cooking: Cook with oil. Outside of the steak should be grey. The inside should be light pink.

Seasoning: Create a simple spice blend and rub it all over the meat. Spice rubs always include salt and pepper, add whatever other spices you want.

Pair with: Starches or veggies.

Chicken (skinless and precut are easiest)

Cooking: Cook with oil. Outside should be starting to crisp, inside should be white and dry.

Seasoning: Salt and pepper work best. You can also coat chicken in panko bread crumbs.

Pair with: Starches, veggies, fruits, or pasta.

Pork (pork chops are easiest)

Cooking: Cook with butter or oil. Outside should be starting to crisp. Inside should be the same color as the outside, and should feel very dry and hard.

Seasoning: Create a simple spice blend and rub it all over the meat. Spice rubs always include salt and pepper, add whatever other spices you want. Meat should be completely coated in the spice rub, or it won’t taste like anything but the oil.

Pair with: Starches, veggies, or fruits.

Starches

Potatoes (little potatoes are easiest)

Cooking: Cook with oil. Outside should be starting to crisp, inside fork tender.

Seasoning: Rub (literally rub the potatoes with your hands) salt, pepper, oil and rosemary all over the potatoes.

Pasta (shapes are easiest)

Cooking: Boil water with a teaspoon of salt. Wait until the water is visibly boiling to add your pasta. I like my pasta al dente, so I always cook it for the shortest amount of time listed on the box.

Seasoning: Thoroughly coat pasta with whatever sauce you’re using, or it will taste dry. Good prepared sauce brands: Newman’s Own, Classico, and Barilla.

Orzo/Cous Cous/Pastina

Cooking: Cook in chicken or vegetable stock following package instructions. Stir every so often, and add additional stock as it is absorbed into the pasta.

Seasoning: I like to add dried herbs to the sauce as it reduces to add flavor. You can also add veggies early on and let them cook in the sauce.

Veggies

Carrots/parsnips/beets (chopped are easiest)

Cooking: These can be pan fried in oil, boiled, cooked in a sauce/stew, or put on a sheet tray to roast in the oven. The easiest way to cook them is to add them to a sauce that you are heating up, and allow them to soften until they can be pierced by a fork.

Seasoning: Rub the veggies with salt before cooking, unless you are adding them to a sauce or stew.

Green beans/asparagus/brussels sprouts

Cooking: These are best pan fried with butter. Cook them until they are slightly crisped and fork tender. If you want to be fancy you can blanch them before hand. How to blanch: Boil water, and throw the veggies in for literally thirty seconds. Pour them into a strainer and douse them immediately with cold water from your sink tap until they are cool to the touch.

Seasoning: Salt works best before cooking. Butter after cooking.

Squash/eggplant/sweet potato (chopped are easiest)

Yes I know that sweet potato is a starch, but it fits better here.

Cooking: These veggies are best roasted until fork tender. Time varies. These veggies should be cooked with their skin left on.

Seasoning: Rub these veggies with salt and cook in a little oil. Top with butter after they are cooked.

Resources

- My Pasta Sauce Post. Click here.

- College Student Cookbook. Click here.

- Broke College Kid Masterpost. Click here.

- Cooking on A Bootstrap. Click here.

- Good and Cheap. Click here.

- Budget Bytes. Click here.

- Meals On The Go. Click here. (Not a cookbook, but super helpful)

I hope this helps!