How To Set Up Your Off-Campus Kitchen

By Kylie Exline on July 19, 2016

When you finally move off campus, you have much to appreciate in your new and hopefully improved apartment. For starters, you finally have your own kitchen. Yes, I am aware that roommates do exist, but that does not take away from the fact that you have an actual kitchen, people.

You may be stressed due to the fact that you now have the responsibility of setting up and decorating said kitchen. No worries though, because I am here to save the day by giving you hints to help you out in the process. As always, you are welcome.

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Buy kitchen necessities.

This may seem super obvious, and I must admit, it actually is. However, you need to be informed on what to specifically buy and what you truly do not need in order to have a fully operating kitchen.

You will definitely need must-have items such as a microwave, toaster, dishes and silverware. Plus, the other more obvious pieces such as a trash can, dish towels, and rugs. They may seem pretty ordinary, but at the same time, you may forget the importance that each obtains.

Now, I am not saying that this kitchen needs to have the appeal of a Good Housekeeping spread, because I completely get it: we are college kids who care more about what is in the refrigerator (beer and food) than what is on the outside (paper towel dispenser). I get you.

But rather, it is vital that we have the fundamental kitchen items/utensils that we need in order to survive. What is worse than wanting to open a can sans a can opener? That is right, nothing is worse.

Choose a theme.

I understand that many may lack the creativity it takes to design a doodle on a piece of notebook paper, let alone an entire kitchen. But it is okay, because I am right there with you. Instead, focus on the creativity that exists outside of the typical kitchen decorating. Following?

Select a theme you may desire to have in the so called “food room.” This can be a color combination, an era, or simply, just making sure that you like it and the overall appearance. Making sure you actually like being in there is imperative. How else will you force yourself to make food?

Since we are in college, it is common that we are a) living on a tight budget, and b) are not really in the mood to spend $25 on a silver toaster. Know what I mean? So make sure to hit up those nearby Goodwill’s and find a few rustic paintings that may accompany your old fashioned look.

This theme can easily represent you and what your vibe is. If you are not that into it, just go with the basics and it should not turn out that bad. Just remember, always buy the can opener.

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Keep organized.

This is a no-brainer, and yet, so many of us choose to ignore this very, very important piece to the puzzle of keeping a kitchen clean. If you are in denial, then I am most definitely talking to you, buddy.

We want to not only try to keep it remotely organized, but also be able to find things without creating a natural disaster. And the only way to solve that prevalent issue is by keeping up with organization. I know, easier said than done.

Thankfully, it is pretty easy to stay neat in your kitchen thanks to all of the organizational items that exist out there. You have bins, Tupperware, racks, and shelves. Then there is all of that counter space, under cabinets, and above cabinets. Throw in the copious amounts of wall space, and you literally have no excuse for not having room for everything.

The key to staying non-messy is to clean up after yourself, including the stove, and to put things back where they belong. This of course includes dishes, rags, and food in general. I know it can be a major pain, but it is totally necessary. Remember, this is your first off-campus kitchen, so you should want to keep it looking pristine.

Now that you have read these helpful tips, it is time for you to master them. I have all the faith in the world in you. Having your first off-campus kitchen should be a fun and creative way for you to personalize your space and really make it your own. Plus, it is the space of food so it is already a win.

When setting up this lovely kitchen, you want to make sure to have somewhat of a design plan, even if that entails having “blue” as your concept. You also want to buy all of the proper necessities, because without those, what is the real point of even having a kitchen? Throw in your organizational methods and you have found yourself a fabulous, first-time kitchen. Congrats.

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