The KInd Life Community Forum

Use this space to share stories, exchange ideas, ask questions, and contribute to our growing community!

Dorm Life

8 Comments
User Avatar
Liz Y said #1 Dec 25, 2009 at 1:57pm

HI, I'm 20 years old and living at school in D.C. I've been vegetarian for about 6 months and would really like to try to go vegan. My problem is that I have no access to a kitchen whatsoever at school. My cafeteria is not too bad, they always have a vegan and vegetarian option. Its great, but one can only eat so much tofu. Any suggestions of things I can make in a dorm room and on a college budget?

User Avatar
ando said #2 Dec 26, 2009 at 3:48pm

Good call on that cookbook! I lived in place without a kitchen for a while and was pretty amazed that I could make full meals with a hot plate. It takes a little juggling and patience, but it can be done!

Are you allowed to have a mini fridge, microwave or hot plate? Those would be helpful. Tacos & quesadillas are easy - canned refried beans, salsa and tortillas; add some veggies if you want to get fancy! Oatmeal packets with nuts and some fresh or dried fruit make a quick and easy breakfast. Also, look for precooked lentils, you can make a quick lentil salad by tossing in some veggies, oil and vinegar or lemon juice.

Google "vegan dorm cooking" - plenty of ideas! Good luck!

User Avatar
Liz Y said #3 Dec 26, 2009 at 5:22pm

Thanks!! I am allowed a microwave and a fridge and thats all.

User Avatar
Shel Bell said #4 Dec 28, 2009 at 6:27pm

You should check out a cookbook called "Eat me now" by Melanie Brown Waxman. It is lots of fun and quick ideas for people on the go. Are you close to home?? My 18 year old son is a freshman in college and he comes home most weekends to do cooking to supplement his choices throughout the week. He has been suffering with severe IBS symptoms all fall and macrobiotics is the only thing making a difference. Good luck to you!!





User Avatar
Liz Y said #5 Dec 28, 2009 at 8:42pm

Thanks! ill definitely check out the book!! I don't go to school close to home. I go to school in DC and I live in NJ :(

User Avatar
Jane H said #6 Jan 6, 2010 at 9:58pm

That book really helped me in college. I just graduated so now I am back home with a full kitchen again but the book was nice when I was there! Also, have you tried any of the Amy's frozen products? I know you don't want to eat frozen meals everyday but they are wonderful when on-the-go!

User Avatar
Joan K said #7 Jan 7, 2010 at 6:45pm

I love: Dr. McDougall's soups, my rice cooker (you could buy frozen brown rice and make it in the microwave), hummus, canned beans, guacamole...

User Avatar
Jacei Spark said #8 Jan 14, 2010 at 8:40pm

I just wanted to say thanks for all the responses! I'm in the same boat as Liz, and this thread helped me a ton! I will def check out that book and invest in a microwave!

Join the Discussion!

Login or create an account on The Kind Life today and you'll be able to leave comments, share photos and videos with friends, and participate in community events!