Thought it might be a good time to bring this thread back. I know I found it to be extremely helpful last year as I prepared to send my daughter off to a school far from home.
One item I read about and followed the poster's lead was the Krups water kettle.
http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/prod...1&SKU=13870870
My daughter thought this was unnecessary when I bought it (recommended to me in black because it does not show stains inside) but after the first cold morning, this item was in constant use. All the girls on her floor knew it was there and frequently borrowed it. Even though D had a microwave (as did her friends) they still preferred heating their water for tea and coffee in this kettle. The OP for this item was spot on!
Something I came upon was a drawer system from IKEA. For less than $50, we put together a unit with 6 drawers for D and her 2 roommates to store mugs, plates, silverware, food, etc. The water kettle sat on top of the nice wooden top, providing a clear space to prepare their drinks, instant soups, etc.
IKEA | Clothes storage systems | ANTONIUS system | ANTONIUS | Frame IKEA | Clothes storage systems | ANTONIUS system | ANTONIUS | Wire basket IKEA | Clothes storage systems | ANTONIUS system | ANTONIUS | Worktop IKEA | Clothes storage systems | ANTONIUS system | ANTONIUS | Caster
While the drawers could certainly hold anything she wanted, the girls found it very convenient to have this little "kitchen area" in less than 18 inces of space.