Back to School Must Haves for College Students with Food Allergies
Back to school shopping is just around the corner and if you’re anything like me, you are definitely stressing about making sure you have everything you might possibly need.
As a student who cooks her own meals, I have found lots of items along the way that have made cooking and managing food allergies in a shared living space easier and, most importantly, safer.
Enjoy these 15 MUST HAVES for food allergy college students!
#1 Compact Microwave
A must have for all college students is a compact microwave. If you plan to have a roommate, coordinate with them about a microwave for the room and keeping allergens out of the microwave!
#2 Mini Fridge with Freezer
A mini fridge is another must for all college students, but one with a freezer is almost a necessity for students with food allergies. Same as the microwave, talk with your roommate about a mini fridge and keeping allergens out of it!
#3 Identifiable Pots, Pants, Plates, Silverware, etc.
These items are the easiest to get mixed up with other roommates or housemate’s items, so having kitchenware that is easily identifiable by color or style is one of the biggest suggestions I could give to any student with food allergies using a shared kitchen space.
#4 Vegetable Chopper and Spiralizer
Vegetables are one of the easiest things to cook in a time crunch, but I am the first to admit that I HATE the prep work for cooking them. A vegetable chopper is a huge time saver and a spiralizer makes for the BEST gluten free zucchini noodles.
#6 Insulated Epinephrine Pouch
Extreme temperatures are dangerous for your epinephrine auto-injectors! An insulated pouch is one of the best ways to maintain the right temperature for them. I love this PracMedic pouch with the long wristlet attachment for an easy way to hang them on my dorm wall for easy visibility.
#7 Food Storage Containers
From meal prepping to leftovers to meals on the go, food storage containers are a necessity! Just like the kitchenware, I recommend a color or pattern that is easily identifiable as yours.
#8 Removable Labels
Labels are a great way to make your items identifiable in a shared fridge, kitchen, etc. If you plan on labeling containers or reusable kitchenware, these removable labels are a great way to avoid sticky residue!
#9 Lunchbox
I loveeee my lunchbox. Having food on hand can be a lifesaver, and what better way to keep it fresh than a cute lunchbox!
If you’re looking for a more fashion forward lunchbox, check out this purse style lunch bag! Perfect for a formal setting.
For the men, check out this Carhartt Deluxe Lunchbox.
#10 Hot Plate
Hot plates are great for making cooking accessible anywhere with an outlet! I find this one is great for travel as well. Make sure to check your college’s rules and regulations on items like this!
#11 Medical ID Bracelet
I know one of my biggest fears is having a medical emergency while I am out on my own, so having some way for first responders to quickly identify my medical history is a must!
#12 Disinfecting Wipes
Disinfecting wipes are perfect for quick, effective cleaning of countertops, fridge shelves, and much more!
#13 Allergy Friendly Cookbook
Finding new recipes can be time consuming and overwhelming, so having a cookbook filled with meals can help inspire you to try new things instead of being stuck in the same cycle of meals.
#14 Dish Soap and Scrubber
I have never been a fan of communal dish washing supplies. Using someone else’s scrubber they have previously used to scrub their dirty dishes doesn’t feel sanitary to me, or safe since you cannot know what other food it has touched. Having your own dish washing supplies is definitely the way to go.
#15 Toaster Oven
A toaster oven is a great way to make meals that require an oven without an oven! Make sure to check your college’s rules and regulations regarding items like this.
