Plan on a set of basic pots and pans: one large and one small saucepan with lids; a 10-inch skillet with a lid; a stockpot or other large pan for making soup; one or two cookie sheets; an 8- or 9-inch-square pan for brownies and the like; and a 9-by-13-inch pan for cakes, lasagna and casseroles. You may also want to consider a pie plate and pizza pan.
Collect enough stuff to fill the utensil drawer: hand-operated can opener, cooking fork, tongs, pancake turner, rubber spatula, long and short wooden spoons, stirring spoons (solid and slotted), measuring spoons, wire whisk, knives (paring, butcher and so forth).
Make sure you have at least four place settings of stainless-steel tableware and dishes, plus a platter and a couple of serving bowls. Get extra mugs and glassware, because you'll go through several of these a day.
Stock the cupboard with a colander, measuring cups, mixing bowls, a cutting board, plastic dishes and lids for leftovers, a strainer, a funnel, canisters, and possibly a flour sifter.
Consider four kitchen washcloths and towels the minimum; get four potholders or oven mitts, too. And don't forget to stock some steel-wool pads or nylon-mesh scrubbing pads.
Consider purchasing the following countertop appliances: a microwave oven, blender, mixer and toaster.
Buy cleaning supplies such as cleanser, liquid dishwashing detergent, an all-purpose cleaner, automatic-dishwasher detergent, hand soap (either bar or liquid), and possibly oven cleaner. Buy a mop, broom, dustpan and rags, too.
Remember paper towels, paper napkins and paper plates. Disposables are especially handy at exam time.