The first thing I would suggest would be the timeless wooden spoon. It is the thing you will use to stir soups, sauces, etc, and a kitchen would not be complete without one. Next, the can opener. This is needed when you have to open a can of beans for homemade chili. Even if you plan on making most of your own food, a pizza cutter is still handy. Every collegiate chef at one point in their lives needs a good dose of thin crust pizza to get them through the night.
Two pots of different sizes are also good to have on hand. Getting two allows you to work on more than one dish or component at a time. By having two, you have your choice of which one you want to use depending on what you are making. Also, make sure you get lids with them, it will make your cooking go my much faster. I also highly recommend a non-stick skillet. I love to use mine when I make eggs, since it is a very easy clean up. The one I found happened to have a lid, which is very useful.
A good knife, such Santoku, is great when you are cutting large vegetables and pieces of meat. Mine is seven inches, and has a forged blade that helps it stay sharp. Make sure your knife has a comfortable handle. I also have a paring knife, which I use on other projects.
Measuring cups are needed, especially in baking to make sure your dish turns out perfect! A eight or nine inch baking pan is great for all those late night brownie urges. Since we are talking about baking, a cookie sheet, preferably one that does not have raised edges (this allows for even baking).
Containers, preferably glass are great for storing food and reheating it later. I also keep a stash of silicon heat-proof hot pads, which I prefer to the conventional. I also recommend getting a whisk, garlic press, cutting board, spatula, a mixing bowl, and a potato masher.
On the wish list (or things you might want to get but are not essential), I like having a Dutch over when I make certain soups and especially for one of my favorite dishes- goulash. I also like having an immersion blender. This product allows you to blend something without having to put the soup, sauce, etc in the blender. I absolutely love mine, but lived many years without it.
Lastly, please get yourself a dish drainer. Even if you plan to only do your dishes once a month, it is a good thing to have since most dorms don't have a dishwasher. On that note, also get a set of kitchen towels to dry your dishes and for general kitchen use.
I wanted to add that it does not have to cost a fortune to make your kitchen complete. There is a great discount store where I got almost everything I needed. Stores such as Target also carry great products that do not cost a lot.
I hope this has been helpful! I must now return to studying!
Happy studying and sauteing!
