The Most Delicious Snacks You Need for Long Days, According to College Students

Dried fruit is the perfect option to keep on hand when you want something sweet and chewy, but closer to an actual fruit than flavored gummy snacks. Students say they love to keep this nearby when studying or if they need an afternoon pick-me-up.

Though you probably ate them for breakfast as a kid, Pop-Tarts are a dorm room staple. Toasted or not, these sweet pastries are a top pick for college students when they want a treat or snack.

It doesn’t get any more classic than “milk’s favorite cookie.” Keeping Oreos (or your personal favorite cookie) on hand is a must!

These were always my favorite post-dinner sweet to keep in my dorm. If you have a nut allergy, sun butter or cookie butter cups are a delicious alternative. My friends specifically loved the mini peanut butter cups from Trader Joe’s.

Another cookie classic that comes in so many variations. I love the Simple Mills almond flour cookies, which are on the smaller, crunchier side. Grocery store soft-baked cookies are also delicious, and if you’re gluten-free, one student named the Made Good brand as their favorite.

One college student said she always had a candy shop in her room with a variety of gummies — sweet and sour. Regardless of your candy preference, it’s key to keep your favorite in stock for when it’s all your sweet tooth wants. Students specifically recommended Nerds Gummy Clusters, Unreal Milk Chocolate Gems, KitKat bars, and sour gummy candy.

A tip from college students: Bring extra fruit from the dining hall back to your room for snacking. Apples and bananas are easy options to keep in your room or throw in your backpack.

What’s a movie night without popcorn? Whether you prefer microwave popcorn packets or already-popped bags, popcorn is one of the best college snacks to keep on hand.

If you’re a savory snacker, chances are you already have a favorite type of chip. There are so many to choose from: tortilla chips, pita chips, salt and vinegar chips, potato chips … I could go on forever. A little salty crunch pairs beautifully with lunch, or is an easy grab-and-go snack.

Whether you prefer Goldfish or Cheez-It crackers, they are both great snacks that students love to keep in their dorms. Students also recommended the Hippeas brand!

Pretzels are one of the most basic, yet loved, college snacks in the game. I like to keep individual bags on hand to take with me to class.

Several college students named cheese sticks as a mini-fridge essential. They’re packed with protein, easy to take with you, and you can also pair them with chips or crackers for a more robust snack.

To avoid the mess of a runny, oily nut butter jar, individual packets are a fabulous option. These can easily add more protein to a snack you already have, like rice cakes, apples, or pretzels.

If you have one snack in your dorm room, many current college students say it should be a protein bar. There are so many to choose from, but students’ favorites include Kind bars, RX bars, Perfect bars, Clif bars, Larabars, and NuGo bars. 

College athletes say these are a must-have. Easy to take on the go and shelf-stable, applesauce is a convenient snack.

A small bowl of granola or dry cereal can make a sweet snack, or you can add some milk for a quick, easy breakfast. Pro tip: You can also add to yogurt to make a more filling snack.

The best breakfast to keep in a mini fridge! The individual cups make yogurt so easy to grab and eat for breakfast or a protein-filled snack. Greek yogurt can also serve as a base for a homemade instant dip. Try adding ranch powder for a savory dip, or nut butter and cocoa powder for a sweet apple dip.

A favorite student snack is hummus with crackers, chips, or pretzels. You can even buy individual single-serving cups to bring with you for an on-the-go bite.

If you’re looking for a heartier snack, grabbing a pouch or handful of mixed nuts can help tide you over, since they’re rich in protein, fiber, and unsaturated fats. Plus, they come in fun flavors and mixes!

Another easy breakfast to keep in your snack cart is individual pouches of oatmeal. You can also keep a big container of instant oats on hand and measure as you go (you’ll just need a measuring cup). Either way, just add water and you’ve got breakfast!

Students say this is a must-have for when the dining hall is closed or you need a late-night bite. Just add water, pop it in the microwave, and you’ve got a scrumptious meal!

If you’re lucky enough to have a freezer portion of your mini fridge, most of your favorite frozen foods can be made in the microwave or toaster. Students say pizza rolls are the best microwaveable meal and late night snack.

These were always one of my favorite dorm breakfasts to make and top with nut butter. I didn’t have a toaster, but microwaving the frozen waffles was still yummy!

If you’re anything like me, having some sort of chocolate ice cream on hand is non-negotiable.

Frozen fruit has recently become some of students’ favorite treats, thanks in part, to amped-up treats like Tru Fru and Fruit Riot. These frozen sweet bites also come in resealable bags, which makes storage a breeze.