My culinary journey didn't commence until I was a college student. Like most 90s kids, my diet was notoriously unhealthy, consisting mainly of fast food. It was only after I moved to my university dorm room that I discovered my latent passion for home-cooked fare. My journey began with DIY sandwiches and swiftly escalated to sophisticated dishes like spaghetti, scrambled eggs, and chili. By the end of my undergrad years, my repertoire had extended to stir-fries, homemade pizza, barbecued meats, and even banana bread. My transformation shocked my mother.

My insatiable interest in cooking during college years caught me unawares. At the onset, my kitchen arsenal comprised discarded pots, pans, knives, and crockery from family members. Suffice to say, my kitchen equipment was a far cry from a novice cook's dream kit, and I fantasize about a time machine trip to my past self with modern, efficient tools.

Now, armed with a kitchen that would make any culinary enthusiast green with envy, I can't help but ponder over tools that would've made my cooking endeavors significantly more enjoyable in the past. A sharper chef's knife, a functional cutting board, matching glassware, and a high-quality Dutch oven still occupy my thoughts.

Without further ado, I present my ultimate list of recommended kitchen items for any college freshman with a penchant for culinary exploration.

There's no denying that savoring well-made beverages, be it sodas, cocktails, or wine, is a cherished part of college experience. My drinkware collection was a hodgepodge of mismatched glasses, unappealing mugs, and bar pint glasses. A reasonably priced set of French bistro-style glasses from Duralex would serve as an aesthetic upgrade, and they're perfect for a variety of beverages.

A dull knife poses a greater risk than a sharp one. I endorse getting a starter kitchen knife composed of stainless steel and durable plastic from Victorinox. This basic, yet potent cooking utensil is a budget-friendly choice.

The anonymous brand of my college pan is a faint memory, but it undeniably paled in comparison to this modern nonstick pan. Easy to maintain and smooth to handle, it has never let food cling stubbornly to it.

I had a worn-out, stained bamboo cutting board in my college years. Nowadays, I invariably reach for my budget-friendly plastic cutting board from San Jamar. With its convenient grip on sides to prevent slipping, measurement marks, and ease of cleaning, it's my go-to choice.

Chili marked my foray into gastronomy. Back then, I was using a mediocre pot for my experiments. Compared to my rudimentary cookware, the Lodge's Dutch oven would've been a game-changer due to its exemplary food stick-resistance, heat retention, and distribution.

A valuable addition to a home kitchen is a reliable pair of tongs, something I didn't own until much later in life. An affordable set from OXO, it efficiently helps with salads, grilled meats, roasted veggies, and pasta.

A 10-cup food processor that chops, slices, minces, and more would've undoubtedly elevated my culinary game. It's a worthwhile investment for budding chefs interested in preparing dips, soups, veggie variants, or home-made spreads.

Featuring prominently in my kitchen gear is a resilient, heavy-duty cleaver that has facilitated various cooking triumphs. An unbelievably joyous experience is using a giant cleaver to chop virtually anything you desire.

Another lifesaver in my adult kitchen is the Breville smart oven. An incredibly efficient appliance, this oven accommodates baking, roasting, air frying, and toasting. It inspires a wide variety of delectable dishes conversant with any kitchen size.

Lastly, a dining set significantly influences your dining ambiance. A uniform set of attractive ceramic plates from Mora, priced at a mere $8 per plate, can spruce up any meal hosting experience.