Perishable Essentials

• Keep low-fat milk, eggs, low-fat sliced cheese and other perishables in a mini refrigerator, which you should have if your dorm room does not provide one. All are relatively cheap staples that you will likely use often. Purchase lean pre-packaged deli meats to make sandwiches with. If you have a freezer, purchase generic brand bags of frozen vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, carrots and mixed vegetables. All of these can be easily cooked in a microwave with a little bit of water.
  
  

Dry Goods

• The generic brands of brown rice, instant oatmeal and whole grain breads are healthy choices that will not break you budget. Oatmeal is a quick and healthy way to start off your day, while you can use whole grain bread to make sandwiches for lunch. Select a pre-cooked brown rice that you can quickly heat in the microwave if you do not have access to a stove. Other dry goods that are easy on the wallet and good for you are whole grain pastas, canned beans and nuts.
  
  

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

• Fresh fruits and vegetables are an essential part of a healthy diet, which some college students shy away from because of expense per piece. However, in-season fruits and vegetables are usually relatively inexpensive. Check your grocery store's weekly flyer for when certain fruits and vegetables will be on sale. Oranges and grapefruits can last awhile in the refrigerator because of their tough skin, but you should purchase other fruits such as apples and berries a little at a time so that they do not spoil. Lettuce, greens or bags of salad are also economical, healthy choices.
  
  

Meats and Meat Alternatives

• Purchase pre-cooked frozen meats that you only need to defrost and reheat. These include frozen burgers, chicken patties, hot dogs, turkey bacon and meatballs. Choose the leanest versions of these frozen meats to keep it healthy. If you're not a meat eater, you can purchase frozen veggie and mushroom burgers instead. You should have a counter top mini-grill in your dorm room to easily grill up these meats, since most are not equipped with a stove top. Otherwise, your dorm may have a stove that you can use in the common areas.
  
  

Pantry Essentials

• Stock the cabinets in your dorm with shelf-stable foods, condiments and seasonings that you will likely use in every day cooking. These include olive oil, and a variety of basic spices such as salt, pepper and garlic powder. Condiments such as ketchup, mustard and mayonnaise are shelf-stable, but must be refrigerated after opening. Other shelf-stable healthy items to always have on hand include instant oatmeal, canned tuna and peanut butter. Although it's easy and cheap, avoid soda that has a lot of sugar, and purchase bottled water by the jug. If you don't like plain water, try flavored sparkling water or the sugar-free flavoring packets you can add to a glass of water.