Kitchen Basics

The first thing to establish in cooking your own food, are the utensils needed.  Weather you're living in a dorm and using a shared kitchen, or just starting out in your own apartment, there are a few thing you'll need beyond the basic sink, oven, and refrigerator.  This list should get you started.

Mixing bowls [You probably want at least three sizes, small, medium, and large.  May sets come graduated for easy storage, which makes your life easier.  As far as material, I suggest plastic.  They'll be microwave safe unlike metal bowls, and will be able to withstand a few droppings unlike glass ones.  Bonus: They're usually cheaper.]

Knives [Technically the only knife you NEED is a chef's knife.  About 7 inches, wide at the hilt, narrowing to a point.  If you have two knives the second one should be a small paring knife.  If you have three, the third should be a bread knife with serrated edges (These are also great for slicing tomatoes).]

Pots and Pans [You'll want a frying pan to cook things like bacon, a medium sized pot to cook things like pasta, and a large stock pot for soups.  The more money you put up the better off you'll be as the cheep stuff is cheep for a reason.  As you expand your kitchen you may want more, but three will be a good start.]

Baking dishes [Again, you'll want three kinds to start.  A baking sheet for cookies (I suggest one with sides for times when things leak), what I'll call a lasagna pan (about 9x13 inches), and a square brownie pan (9x9 or 8x8).  If you're going to double up on something I'd suggest the baking sheets.]

Measuring Cups and Spoons [Stacking cups for dry ingredients, and a pourable measuring cup for liquids.  The liquid one isn't really necessary, but will make your life much easier.]

Colander or Strainer [A plastic or metal colander will serve you well.  Growing up we would always use a  metal strainer, but some people find those hard to handle.  Whatever works for you I always say.]

Spatulas [Plastic or metal for taking cookies off the tray or flipping burgers, rubber for mixing things.]

Others: Can Opener, Cutting Board, Grater, Oven Mitts, Peeler.

Not required, but also good: Toaster (for obvious reasons), Blender (because milkshakes are amazing, and they come in handy some times).