Discovering Healthy Snacks and Meals in College Dorms

Breakfast on a Dorm Room Budget

Yogurt is truly a game-changer for breakfast! I buy the large containers from Trader Joe's and add different types of granola and fruit to spice it up. It's super easy and requires only a mini fridge. No extra appliances needed. When I'm in a rush or not in the mood to make something, bananas from the dining hall and granola bars are always handy. They can be easily thrown into my backpack and are great on the go.

Our small Keurig for coffee also brews hot water, which is perfect for making oatmeal in the mornings. Or, you could use milk and microwave it, although that does require another appliance. Sometimes, Pitt supplies students with both a microwave and a minifridge, which is a nice bonus.

Lunch Options for Dorm Students

Hummus and carrots are my go-to easy lunch. I buy a large tub of Sabra hummus from Target for around $5, and it lasts me about two weeks. There are so many flavors to choose from, like roasted red pepper and garlic. If you're not a fan of carrots, any type of veggie from Trader Joe's is a great alternative and relatively cheap.

Cups of noodles poured with hot water are another easy lunch option. For a healthier twist, Dr. McDougall's makes a yummy pad thai noodle soup with zero preservatives. It's super simple to make.

Snacks to Keep on Hand

Apples with cinnamon are a fall favorite. Cheese sticks are a great source of protein and inexpensive. I also like to snack on cheese and crackers by buying a block of cheese and cutting it into small pieces. It lasts a while and has a long expiration date when stored tightly wrapped in the fridge.

Pretzels, veggie straws, tortilla chips, and salsa are all easy to store and very filling snacks. They're perfect for those moments when you need a quick pick-me-up.

Desert Delights in a Dorm

The Power Cake Cups by Kodiak are amazing! They pack 12 grams of protein per cup and can be made with water or milk. I like to sprinkle chocolate chips on top and let them melt a little. It satisfies my sweet tooth late at night.

Microwavable popcorn is a fun snack to have, especially on a night in. My roommate and I loved having it last year while binging the "Scream" movie series together.

In college, it's important to find a balance. I still enjoy Chick-fil-A and pizza, and there are days when I eat too much junk food. But with these easy snacks and meals, I'm able to stay relatively healthy and have fun exploring new dorm recipes. With less than a week until break, here's to a happy Thanksgiving!