How To Get Groceries Delivered to Your Dorm (Quickly and Cheaply)
As a college student, the last thing you want to do is go to the grocery store between studying, attending classes and having fun with friends. Going off-campus is a hassle and long lines at the grocery store are a major buzzkill.
Thankfully, Instacart and other online grocery stores are available to make your life easier. Let’s go over everything you need to know about getting groceries delivered to your dorm.
Can I get groceries delivered to my dorm?
Yes, you can get groceries delivered to your dorm with the help of Instacart. We make it easy to add grocery list items to your digital cart and have them delivered to your dorm.
Keep in mind that some schools have restrictions on who can come into your dorm, but you can always add instructions for your delivery driver.
What items can I get delivered to my dorm?
You can place an online grocery order for all your dorm room essentials. Here are a few items you can get delivered to your dorm.
- Baked goods
- Dairy products
- Deli
- Fresh fruit and vegetables
- Frozen food
- Fresh meat
- Ready-to-cook meals
- Ready-to-eat meals
- Granola bars
- Nuts
- Canned goods
- Condiments (ketchup, mustard, sauces)
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- Air fresheners
- Cleaning supplies
- Disposable drinkware
- Disposable plates
- Food storage containers
- Household appliances
- Laundry supplies
- Paper towels and napkins
- Pest control supplies
- Trash cans and bags
- Water filters
- Beauty products
- Body care
- Eye care
- Ear care
- Deodorant
- Feminine products
- Hair care
- Oral care
- Shaving tools
- Cold and flu medicine
- First-aid products
- Muscle and joint products
- Protein supplements
- Sexual wellness products
- Stomach pain relief
- Vitamins and supplements
- Weight management products
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- Calculators
- Camera film
- Chargers and cords
- Fans
- Headphones
- Ink
- Polaroid and disposable cameras
- Printers
- Video games and consoles
- Weight scales
- Air mattresses
- Basketballs
- Flashlights
- Footballs
- Hand weights
- Jump ropes
- Lanterns
- Resistance cords
- Soccer balls
- Tennis balls
- Balloons
- Banners
- Cards
- Confetti
- Costumes
- Face paint
- Gift bags
- Crossword puzzles
- Magazines
- Newspapers
- Novels
- Playing cards
- Board games
- Puzzles
How does grocery delivery to my dorm work?
While getting your groceries delivered to your dorm may sound too good to be true, it’s actually available to many students. Let’s go through the steps you’ll need to take to receive your groceries right to your door.
1. Browse the mobile app or desktop site
The first step to getting groceries delivered to your dorm is to browse the mobile app or desktop site. Use the online grocery store to find all the items you need or want to try.
2. Add items to your cart
Once you find a product you want, hit the “add to cart” button and your items will move to your digital cart. Maybe it’s strawberry season and you’re looking for berries to snack on between classes. Or perhaps you want to try a new type of coffee to help you stay awake and study for finals.
3. Input your delivery details
After you fill up your grocery cart, it’s time to proceed to the delivery details. You’ll want to include your building when inputting your delivery address — be as specific as possible so your delivery driver arrives at the correct location. Make sure to include your contact information, parking information and building entry instructions for a smooth handoff.
4. Inform your RA or front desk attendant
Certain residence halls have restrictions for outside guests, including deliveries. Make sure to inform your resident advisor (RA) or front desk attendant of any upcoming deliveries. If your residence does have restrictions, you can always meet your delivery driver in the lobby or outside.
5. Receive your groceries
After you complete these steps, you should receive your grocery order with ease. You should be able to track when your delivery driver is on their way and close by. Your groceries will be delivered to your dorm according to your instructions or you can meet the driver outside the building. Don’t forget to put your frozen and cold items away before returning to the fun on campus!
Dorm-friendly recipes
While cooking in a dorm room can be challenging, that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor or nutrition. Meal prep for dorms is possible! Even with limited kitchen space and equipment, these simple and delicious dorm-friendly recipes are perfect for students looking to whip up something tasty without a full kitchen setup:
- Microwave mug mini pepperoni and mozzarella pizza
- Sesame ginger ramen noodles
- Overnight oats
- Mug brownie
- Fruit and yogurt parfait with granola
- Egg salad sandwich
- Protein balls with almonds
- Guacamole
How to save money on dormitory grocery delivery
Getting groceries delivered to your dorm doesn’t have to be a hassle. With a few smart habits, it can be quick, convenient and affordable. Whether you’re ordering snacks for late-night study sessions or packing for college and need to stock up on nonperishables, here’s how to save on your next grocery delivery:
- Use Instacart+: Get this annual membership for numerous free deliveries on eligible orders. If you plan to order regularly, this service can help save on expensive delivery fees.
- Look for promotions/coupons: Many apps offer discounts for first-time users, students or limited-time promos within the app itself. Before you check out, scan the app’s deals section or see if your student email unlocks any perks.
- Buy in bulk: Some items (like college snacks, beverages and pantry items) are more affordable when bought in larger sizes. Choose shelf items that are easy to store in a dorm, like oatmeal, trail mix and pasta.
- Avoid rush hour fees: Delivery prices can increase during busy times, especially during evenings and weekends. Try scheduling your grocery order during off-peak hours (like mid-morning) to avoid added fees.
- Share orders: If you live with roommates or friends in the same building, consider placing a group order. Combining grocery orders can help you meet minimum delivery requirements and split the costs of any extra fees.
- Utilize the “pickup” option: Some stores have a free or low-cost pickup option. If you have time between classes and the store is within walking distance, consider picking up your order to save on delivery fees.
Dorm grocery delivery FAQ
Does Instacart deliver to dorm rooms?
Yes, Instacart can deliver to dorm rooms, depending on your campus rules and local store availability. Keep in mind that Instacart is not a college grocery delivery service itself. Instead, it partners with nearby grocery stores whose personal shoppers handle the shopping and delivery.
Can Instacart drivers enter dorms?
Instacart drivers, as with most delivery drivers, typically cannot enter dorm buildings due to campus security protocols, which vary by school. To ensure a smooth delivery, you should provide clear instructions in the app (e.g., requesting the driver leave the order at the front desk). If your dorm has complex layouts or package lockers, include details like building names, entry codes, locker numbers or nearby landmarks to help the shopper find the right spot quickly.
What do I tell my Instacart driver for dorm delivery?
As mentioned above, students should provide clear instructions to their driver for Instacart dorm delivery. Be sure to inform your RA/front desk attendant, and include building names and other details needed for entering the campus.
Do I need to be there when my groceries arrive?
In most cases, someone should be present to receive your delivery, especially if your order includes perishable items or alcohol. However, some stores and campuses may allow for drop-off at a front desk or designated delivery area. If you know you won’t be available during your grocery delivery’s arrival time, use the app to leave detailed drop-off instructions. Also, consider tracking the delivery in real time to prevent missed orders.
What is the best food delivery for college students?
The best food delivery option for college students is one that’s fast, flexible and fits into a busy schedule — and Instacart checks all the boxes. While Instacart isn’t a grocery delivery service itself, it connects students with trusted grocery stores and personal shoppers who handle everything from checkout to delivery.
Get groceries delivered to your dorm now
You can get groceries delivered to your dorm with Instacart right now. Not only can you skip the long lines and avoid leaving campus, but you can also spend your extra time making the most of your college days. Receive all of your dorm grocery list essentials with the click of a button — some orders even qualify for same-day delivery.
Not sure how to cook in your dorm? Check out our guide to take your skills to the next level.
Mel Hull
Author
Mel is a seasoned content strategist and food writer with over a decade of experience helping brands tell compelling stories. Inspired by her hometown of Houston, TX, she brings her love of bold flavors and Southern hospitality to the table. In the kitchen, she loves baking (especially banana bread!) and experimenting with Tex-Mex dishes.
Heather Matley
Editor
Heather Matley is an editor at Instacart whose passion for food and cooking has inspired her work on everything from grocery guides to recipe development. With over eight years of experience in editing, content creation, and search engine optimization, she strives to empower readers with the most effective tools, guides, and ideas to transform their home cooking.
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