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21 College Snacks You Should Have on Hand in Your Dorm Room At All Times

The perfect fuel for your late-night study sessions.

Headshot of Carolyn TwerskyBy Carolyn Twersky
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There are a lot of rumors and myths about college that aren't true. You don't have to know what you want to study when you step on campus your first year, many students will take more than four years to graduate, and you don't have to join greek life to be social. Unfortunately, though, one rumor is pretty much true across all school campuses, no matter where you go: the dining halls leave a lot to be desired. Sorry, but prepare to live off the cereal bar and subpar taco Tuesday buffets for a bit. Plus, get ready to run into your crush, your ex, and every other person you know on campus every time you try to grab something to eat. Luckily, though, you have time to prepare and stock your room with some yummy snacks so that you can supplement the mystery meat lasagna and satisfy your late-night craving without having to put on a bra. Here are 21 snacks to keep in your dorm so you will never go hungry during your four years.

The Only Bean Crunchy Dry Roasted Edamame Beans

Crunchy Dry Roasted Edamame Beans

The Only Bean Crunchy Dry Roasted Edamame Beans

$14 at Amazon

Fuel up with The Only Bean's dry-roasted edamame snacks. They're packed with fiber and plant-based protein to soothe hunger pains in between classes.

Frooze Frooze Balls Lemon Cheesecake

Frooze Balls Lemon Cheesecake

Frooze Frooze Balls Lemon Cheesecake

Pulling an all night study sesh to cram before a big exam can do a number on your energy levels. When you need a pick me up, grab Frooze Balls double-filled energy balls to recharge.

Harvest Snaps Veggie Crisps

Veggie Crisps

Harvest Snaps Veggie Crisps

When you're on the go and need a quick bite to eat, grab some veggie crisps. Packed with tons of flavor, these tasty treats are made with farm-picked veggies that are so good that you'll honestly forget you're eating peas, beans, and lentils.

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Trader Joe's Dried Fruit

Dried Fruit

Trader Joe's Dried Fruit

Pulling an all-nighter can be intense. Dried fruit can give you the extra energy boost you need to make it through your late-night study sesh.

Abe's Muffins

Muffins

Abe's Muffins

If you're looking for a snack that's safe to pass around the dorms, Abe's muffins are it. The delicious treats are vegan and allergy-free, making them perfect for students with digestive intolerants and other dietary restrictions.

Quaker Rice Cakes

Rice Cakes

Quaker Rice Cakes

OK, rice cakes may seem totally bland, but that's kind of the point. Spread whatever you want on them and they become a delicious receptacle for Nutella, avocado, you name it. Plus, they're super easy to store. They do get messy, however, so just make sure you have a mini vacuum on hand.

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365 by Whole Foods Market Almond Butter

Almond Butter

365 by Whole Foods Market Almond Butter

Speaking of things to spread on rice cakes, you may want to consider keeping a jar of almond (or peanut) butter around. Of course, make sure to check in with your roommate about allergies before bringing food into the room.

Amazon Kitchen Hummus

Hummus

Amazon Kitchen Hummus

If you can kill a whole tub of hummus in one sitting, you aren't alone. It's the perfect thing to put out when you have some friends over for a study sesh. Now, you just need some carrots, chips, or pretzels to dip into it.

Snyder's of Hanover Pretzels

Pretzels

Snyder's of Hanover Pretzels

Did someone say pretzels? Dips these guys in hummus or just grab a handful while you're running out the door. Trust me, this tub won't last too long.

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SkinnyPop Popcorn

Popcorn

SkinnyPop Popcorn

Now 43% Off

I can't be the only one who needs to be constantly snacking on something when I study. That's why popcorn is such a go-to study snack, it seemingly never runs out, and you can eat tons of it without feeling sick. Trust me, you're going to want to stock up on this one.

Maruchan Ramen

Ramen

Maruchan Ramen

Can you even have a list of college snacks without including ramen? I mean it's a classic for a reason. Whether you're hungry after a late night out, or you can't bear to think about eating dining hall food for a fifth night in a row, ramen is always here for you.

Kellogg's Cereal

Cereal

Kellogg's Cereal

Now 15% Off

Yes, your dining hall may have a good cereal selection, but sometimes you don't want to see everyone you know just to get a bowl of Apple Jacks. So, it's always smart to keep a good selection of cereals in your dorm room (and milk in your fridge).

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Trader Joe's Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans

Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans

Trader Joe's Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans

A snack that satisfies my sweet tooth and keeps me going during a long night of studying? Yes please!

Chobani Yogurt

Yogurt

Chobani Yogurt

OK, I have to include a few healthy options here to appease the parents, but trust me, you'll be happy to have a yogurt to grab when you're late to your 9 AM class and you feel like you haven't eaten in days.

purely elizabeth Granola

Granola

purely elizabeth Granola

Now 61% Off

Not a fan of plain yogurt? Throw some granola on there for a touch of crunch (I recommend some berries as well).

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365 Whole Foods Market Oatmeal

Oatmeal

365 Whole Foods Market Oatmeal

While we're talking breakfast, let's give a shoutout to oatmeal. If you know you have time management issues in the morning, put a bowl of oatmeal and milk in your fridge overnight so that it's ready to go the second you wake up.

Kar's Trail Mix

Trail Mix

Kar's Trail Mix

Keep a few of these in your backpack for those days when you have classes straight through lunch.

Wonderful Pistachios

Wonderful Pistachios

Wonderful Pistachios

If you prefer one specific nut over a combination of many, make sure to stock up on your favorite for a healthy mid-day snack.

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Kraft Mac & Cheese

Mac & Cheese

Kraft Mac & Cheese

Some days, you just need a cheesy pick-me-up and that's exactly what Easy Mac is for. Pop one of these packs in your dorm microwave and enjoy.

RXBAR Protein Bars

Protein Bars

RXBAR Protein Bars

Now 29% Off

Protein bars are another great snack to always have on hand. You never know when you're going to find yourself in the library for an all-night study sesh, so make sure to always keep a few of these in your backpack too.

Headshot of Carolyn Twersky
Carolyn Twersky
Associate Editor

Carolyn Twersky is an associate editor for Seventeen covering celebrities, entertainment, politics, trends, and health. On her off time, she's probably watching Ru Paul's Drag Race, traversing NYC for the best donuts, or, most likely, enjoying time in her favorite place in the world: her bed. 

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