I’m not sure about you, but I am dangerously close to running out of meal plan money, which means my dorm fridge has quickly become less of a convenience and more of a survival tactic.

Curating it properly has saved me countless swipes and more than a few moments of stress-induced hunger, so here are ways to stock it and ensure you’re never scrambling for snacks when dining hall—or just general—fatigue hits. 

Seltzers and Sodas

While I do frequently trek to the fountain soda machine to get myself a crisp, icy Diet Coke, I sigh each time I see the $2 or $3 charge. Buying packs of soda or seltzer will save you from small charges that quickly add up, sustaining you during late night dorm studying or serving as a pick-me-up before class.

The La Croix Blue Razz flavor is my personal favorite at the moment, and nothing beats that transcendent feeling of hearing a can crack open—something I’ve severely missed since starting my dining hall life. 

Yogurt

Something I’ve been concerned about with college eating is if I’m getting enough protein. I cannot bring myself to hop onto the Fairlife chocolate milk trend, so yogurt has been my easiest workaround. 

Chobani Flips are dependable and feel slightly more exciting than plain yogurt. For a more underground option try Clio Greek Yogurt bars, which are $5.99 from Target and have 8g of protein per bar. Grabbing one before a long day puts you on the right track, and you’ll feel that extra bit of energy when you need it.

Dried/Frozen Fruit

Keeping dried or frozen fruit in your room is one of the easiest ways to have something sweet, quick, and vaguely nutritious on hand without worrying about it spoiling. Frozen berries are great to toss into yogurt and cereal or just serve as a standalone snack, and dried mango is always a crowd favorite. 

They take up barely any space and last forever, which is ideal considering how unpredictable and lazy college eating can be. Future-you will thank you when you remember that they’re there.

Dips

I assume most college students have some iteration of chips, pretzels, or other salty snacks stashed in their dorm. You can instantly elevate your food shelves with a collection of dips in your fridge that will give your go-to foods a little more range and sophistication.

The pretzel crisp and hummus combo is uncomplicated and frankly beautiful, or stop by BC farmers market and pick up some spinach artichoke dip. You could also swap the salt for baby carrots, peppers, or celery for a healthier alternative. Your friends will regard your room as the best for snacks and company, because just like Freak Nasty said in his hit song “Da’ Dip,” “When I dip, you dip, we dip.”