What College Students Should Look For In A Dorm Mini-Fridge Before Move-In Day

Moving into your first college dorm can be overwhelming. New school, people, and now you're throwing together your own meals in your square-foot optimized dorm room. You'll need plenty of things on your college journey, and few are more important than a great mini-fridge. Depending on your needs, there's an overwhelming amount of styles, brands, and features available; and with limited space to fit your new fridge, consider your lifestyle and cooking habits before you move in.

So, what do you need to look for in your mini-fridge before move-in day? First off, it depends on your dorm's space and layout. Mini-fridges don't have standardized sizes, so consider the space you need and the cubic-foot capacity of the fridge before you haul your stuff into your new home. Next, it's time to ask yourself some questions.

Are you a leftover connoisseur who needs pure fridge storage space? Want to have freezer space for frozen meals to microwave? How about a crisper tray for veggie snacks? Or, will your mini-fridge be a dedicated cooling station for beverages? Are you a fridge organization wizard who wants a can rack in the door? Want it to fit a two-liter bottle, or a box of orange juice? Or are you looking for the most compact and simple fridge available? Realistically, your needs for your mini-fridge will evolve through your college years. So, unless you want to replace your fridge every semester, it's probably best to find one that adapts and evolves to the needs you'll want to consider: size, sound, and design features that align best with your lifestyle and meal prep habits.

The first thing you want to note is the fridge's size. Buying a mini fridge with over three cubic feet of storage capacity (others are under two cubic feet) usually means it will have a freezer and be deep enough to store a decent amount of leftovers and groceries. Next, since you'll be in a small space and probably living with a roommate, the noise levels of the fridges are key. Most fridges have decibel ratings, with some running like a low whisper at 38 decibels. Then, ask yourself if you'll need crisper drawers. These options may be taken for granted when you think you're just going to be holding leftovers or lunch meats, but stocking up on healthy veggies or storing fruits is worth it if you plan on eating fresher foods.

When shopping for a mini-fridge, keep in mind that some even have reversible doors, which is perfect if you need some leeway when customizing your new space. Finally, remember to shop around. More space and more features don't always mean a hefty price tag. Various brands offer a plethora of features for a decent price, which sometimes means you might have one dedicated door with a small freezer section above, or a pricier version with two doors, one designated for the freezer section and one for your fridge. 

But no matter your needs, there are so many options out there that you're almost sure to find a mini-fridge that fits your specific dorm room and that is the best choice for you. Just remember to consider your space and realistic needs for your dorm room snacking and meal prepping, and you'll have everything you'll need for an effective dorm mini-fridge.