There are a few basic pieces of equipment that every well-equipped kitchen should have. Of course, whether or not you bring all of them to college will depend on your specific circumstances.

For example, residences with communal kitchens often provide pots, pans, and other cooking essentials for residents. And there is no point in bringing a heavy-duty frying pan if you're going to be relying on a microwave oven as your primary heat source. Here is a basic list of items for setting up a kitchen, which you can add to or subtract from based on your own needs.

There are a few basic utensils you will need to stock your kitchen area. Fortunately, most are quite inexpensive and can frequently be found at discount stores. Items you absolutely need for cooking include:

• Plastic mixing bowls for mixing ingredients and serving noodle and salad dishes

• Wooden spoons for stirring and mixing

• A heat proof rubber spatula for mixing ingredients and turning food during cooking

• A plastic or metal colander for draining washed, blanched, and boiled food

• Knives, particularly a good French knife for cutting meat

• A plastic or wooden cutting board for cutting, chopping, and mincing food

• Measuring spoons and a plastic measuring cup

• A vegetable peeler and a can opener

• A grater for grating, shredding, and slicing cheese and other foods

• A pastry brush for basting food

• A wire whisk for whisking sauces and eggs