Living on campus has its perks, but let’s face it: the cafeteria food isn’t one of them. As convenient as it is to be able to grab something before class, the quality of the food is usually mediocre. I feel like I’m paying more than the food is worth. I don’t have a big budget for off-campus food, so I’ve been learning how to cook.
Before I can cook, I need to go grocery shopping. I never have a specific list in mind, but I like to make sure I have 1-2 types of protein, grain, and fruits or vegetables in my fridge at any given time. I always check my fridge before I go out to make sure I’m not overbuying in any category, which is super important when space is limited! There is no shortage of grocery stores near campus. So far I’ve tried Target, Whole Foods, and Jubilee. My favorite thus far is Whole Foods. They’re more affordable than Jubilee, have higher-quality food than Target, and offer a wider range of foods than both. I’ve heard that C-Town is a good option as well, but I have yet to try it.
One key thing to remember when grocery shopping in NYC is to bring your own bags! When it’s a long walk back to the dorm, it’s important to have a good bag. Your shoulders will thank you later. My go-to is Trader Joe’s insulated bags. They keep my frozen things cold, have comfortable handles, and fold up nicely for storage between trips. Figuring out how to fit groceries in a minifridge is a challenge. I try to buy frozen food and nonperishables when I can, so the fridge has space for leftovers. When I need to buy refrigerated food, I’ll buy small portions so that I can finish the food before it spoils.
Cooking is the trickiest part of the process. I live in the 182 Broadway dorm, where we have a communal kitchen on the 4th floor. When I have a meal that needs more than a microwave, I pack everything I need in a large tote bag and carry it down to the kitchen. This bag contains my cooking implements, a serving dish, cleaning supplies, and the food itself. The cooking itself is fairly straightforward. Since the kitchen is a shared space, you should always make sure to clean up after yourself before you leave! Janitorial services are limited, and nobody wants to cook around someone else’s spilled food.
After I’ve eaten, I have to navigate doing the dishes in my bathroom sink. It’s a tight fit, and it’s impossible to leave dishes in the sink to soak. I make sure to do my dishes as soon as I’ve eaten to make sure my space stays clean. I leave everything to dry on a dish rack on my windowsill, then put it away in a dresser drawer.
Cooking in a dorm is challenging, but it’s doable. For me, the benefits outweigh the costs. By having control over my diet, I can make sure I’m getting the nutrition I need to take on challenging classes. Setting aside time for my health has been well worth the investment. I’m glad I took on the task.
Feature image via https://www.pace.edu/housing/residence-halls/182-broadway