WHAT I WISH I KNEW BEFORE GOING TO CULINARY SCHOOL
Applying to culinary school was a spur-of-the-moment decision for me. I walked into orientation with a stomach full of nerves, too many pens, and absolutely no idea what I had signed up for. At the time, I didn’t know anyone who had attended culinary school, so I had no one to ask for advice on how to prepare. Since it was school, I figured the usual essentials—a bottle of water, a pen, and some paper—would suffice. I was wrong.
To help make your time at culinary school more productive and to save you the stress of wondering what’s to come, I’ve put together a list of items and knowledge I wish I had possessed beforehand.
What to Bring
While this advice might not apply to every culinary school, you will typically receive a chef’s kit and a uniform during orientation. You’ll be using both every day, so handle them with care. Your appearance should always be neat, organized, and clean, as sanitation is extremely important when dealing with food.
Notes on Preparation
Jewelry: You’ll likely be required to remove all jewelry, especially rings and bracelets. Depending on your instructor, small stud earrings might be allowed.
Hair Nets: Always have hair nets on hand. I recommend ordering them in bulk online and carrying a few extras in your bag as a precaution.
Nails: Do not wear painted fingernails. It’s considered a sanitation issue, and you’ll usually be prohibited from participating in practicals if you have nail polish on. Keep your nails short and clean; clear polish is generally acceptable.
Hand Washing: As soon as you enter the practical room, place your chef’s kit down and wash your hands. This should be done every time you enter a kitchen.
Sharpie and Tools: Keep a Sharpie in your pocket for jotting down notes or expiration dates. A fork, spoon, and pastry scraper are also handy to have on you.
Note-Taking: Most schools require handwritten notes, so come prepared with a notebook and a few pens. You’ll need to reference these notes during practicals to recreate what was demonstrated, so ensure your notes are detailed and organized.
Recipe Protection: Consider buying vinyl sheets to cover your recipe papers during practicals. This will protect them from stains and spills.
Digital Backup: Scan your notes each day and save them to a Google Doc. This gives you a digital backup and makes it easier to revisit recipes or practice for exams.
Additional Tips
At Home: Keep a mini iron or steamer and some fabric stain remover (like Shout) at home to maintain your uniform.
Preliminary Knowledge: Before starting school, watch a few short videos or read up on important pastry chefs and culinary terms. A little background knowledge can help you better understand what’s happening during the first week.
Kitchen Shoes: Invest in good kitchen shoes to avoid injuring your back. They might not be stylish, but look for shoes with a good grip and strong support. Brands like Birkenstock offer great options, but make sure your choice is approved by your school.
Food Containers: Have containers ready to bring your creations home. I prefer a large plastic container that makes it easy to transport food without worrying about space.
Local Cooking Stores: Locate cooking stores near your school. The front desk of your school may also have resources available. Knowing where to find specific tools and their hours of operation will save you time in a pinch.
These tips would have made my transition into culinary school much smoother, and I hope they do the same for you. Good luck, and enjoy the journey!
