Dorm-Friendly Cooking Tips

Do you like to cook? Are you wondering how you can cook in college? College students are busy people with limited resources, space, and time. Learn how to produce tasty meals in your own college dorm room! 

My Dorm Cooking Struggles

Shared kitchen spaces in Luther’s residence halls allow students to prepare their own food instead of going to the Caf.

When I started college, my friends joked that I would eventually start eating instant noodles like every other student. I was confident that would not happen—I was too proud to rely on such a simple meal. Fast forward to the end of my first year, and there I was, making noodles. My friends, amused by my change of heart, refused to teach me, saying I had to figure it out on my own.

To be fair, making noodles is not hard. But I quickly realized that there is always a way to make them taste better. That is why I was excited when I saw that Luther College was offering a cooking class led by Chef Justin Scardina, director of catering. I saw it as the perfect opportunity to learn how to improve my noodle game and pick up other dorm-friendly cooking skills.

A Cooking Class at Luther College

The Dorm-Friendly Cooking class  lasted about 90 minutes, and it was both educational and fun. Chef Scardina not only taught me how to make better noodles, but he also shared simple recipes that could be made in a dorm room. He walked us through techniques that do not require fancy equipment, which was perfect for a college student on a budget.

One of the best parts? Food samples! I left the class with a full stomach and walked away with new skills and recipes. 

Dorm Cooking Tips from Chef Scardina

For those of you looking to elevate your noodle game, here are two useful tips I learned:

1. Make it a stir-fry: Cook the noodles, drain them, then toss them in a pan with soy sauce and vegetables for a quick stir-fry dish.
2. Use leftovers wisely.  Any leftover veggies or meats from previous meals can be tossed into your noodles for an easy upgrade.

Cooking in a Dorm Doesn’t Have to Be Hard

Looking back, I am glad I took the class. Not only did I learn to make better noodles, but I also gained confidence in my ability to prepare easy, tasty meals in my dorm. If you are a prospective student wondering about college life, or a current college student, know that cooking does not have to be a struggle—even in a dorm. Keep an eye out for similar classes, and do not be afraid to experiment in your tiny kitchen space.

Who knows? Maybe next time, I will be the one teaching my friends how to cook!

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