5 IKEA kitchen dorm room essentials that every student needs

Getting ready for college is an exciting time, there’s lots to look forward to, from meeting new friends, to communal living and gaining more independence. But, whether you’re a freshman, upperclassman, or anxious parent, the experience will be smoother if you have these 5 kitchen essentials to hand.
What’s more, IKEA is a great place to shop for all those kitchen dorm room essentials, as they won’t take a chunk out of a student budget. So, whether you're the one off to college or a parent, here are my top 5 IKEA kitchen dorm room essentials I recommend.
Quick list
- IKEA TILLREDA Refrigerator: $124.99
- IKEA ANNONS 5-piece pan set: $14.99
- IKEA TÅNGMÄRLA 16-piece flatware set: $14.99
- IKEA HAVSTOBIS food container with lid, set of 5: $12.99
- IKEA FÖRDUBBLA 2-piece knife set: $3.99
My Top Picks
Keep your perishable food chilled in this mini TILLREDA refrigerator. It's part of IKEA's range of kitchen appliances and sits alongside the TILLREDA portable induction cooktop I tested earlier this year. This free-standing version, in white, has a 1.54 cubic feet capacity and measures 18 5/8 (W) x 17 3/4 (D) x 19 3/8 (H) inches. However, before you buy, check if your college has any restrictions regarding electrical equipment.
This set comprises one single pan and two pans with glass lids. The stainless steel set is perfect for cooking up pasta, sauces, or for simply boiling an egg! They are even suitable to use on an induction cooktop. So, save on takeouts and cook your own fresh and tasty homemade dinners.
Add a splash of color to your dining with this pretty 16-piece set of flatware, and impress your new-found friends when you entertain. But you'll have to be quick, as it's a limited edition.
Keep your food fresh with the help of this set of five storage containers. The transparent storage is made of glass with multi-colored lids. They are stackable, microwave, freezer and dishwasher safe. The set comprises two larger containers and three smaller pots.
This 2-piece knife set includes a 10 5/8-inch cook's knife, and a 7-inch paring knife. Each has a stainless steel blade and a polyproylene handle, and you'll have to remember to handwash them as they are not dishwasher safe. One reviewer says the knife set is ideal for beginners, while another says the blades are super sharp.
Extra savings for students at IKEA
Verified students can also make a 15% one-time saving before September 30, 2025. While IKEA is also offering a 10% discount off 'College Essentials' when 10 or more items are bought in one purchase. (Please refer to IKEA for the full terms and conditions).
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Camilla is the Homes Staff Writer and covers everything to do with homes and gardens. She has a wealth of editorial experience, mounting over 30 years, and covers news and features, tests products for reviews and compiles buying guides.
Her work has appeared in business and consumer titles, including Ideal Home, Real Homes, House Beautiful, Homebuilding & Renovation, and Kitchen & Bathroom Business. She’s even appeared on the cover of Your Home, writing about her own house renovation.
Although she’s obsessed with decorating her home, she also enjoys baking and trying out the latest kitchen appliances. But when she’s not inside, you’ll find her pottering about in her yard, tending to her vegetable patch or taking in her prized hydrangeas.
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