What to take/not take to college

[alleycat70]

Daughter didn't want the duct tape at the begining of the year. At the end she commented how handy it was to solve many problems.

Had one of those under bed safes. Good for wallets, etc. while in the shower, roommate leaves the door open, etc.

Laser printer. Waiting in line at the library was a hassle. Many profs e-mail notes to be printed out prior to class. Also a computer lock for the printer.
I planned to order toner online and ship direct when she needed it. Bought paper there.

A small rug for the floor next to the bed.

Shower curtain rod and drapes for an "open" closet (get measurements first).

Drawer liner (those old dorm dressers did not look good inside).

Couple cases of water (bought it there, but helped carry it in since she did not have a car)

Hangers

Power strips & extension cords.

Laundry basket (good for packing, collecting dirty laundry, and bringing it back).

Ordered books ahead of time this year from amazon. Some used were cheaper than new ones at the bookstore. Just take a risk that the books are required.

Do NOT take a TV or Video Game System - Too many distractions, and not much room anyway. Plus, takes away from socializing.

[binbunch]

some great ideas - thanks all! His dorm room will come with bunk beds, a dresser and a desk. Yes, the laundry is "free" so no quarters needed. It's all part of the fees and it's put on their ID card. Very cool! AND they have this thing called laundry view - you can look online to see what washers/dryers are available and you can watch to see when your clothes are done. He kind of knows his roommate as they went to school together, but I will still get him a lock for his laptop as he will have a top of the line one due to his major (electrical engineering technology). His roomie is providing the TV, we are providing rugs for the floor. Will check out the printing for the college - we will still send one with him, but it might be his sister's older Canon that prints, copies and scans. The other one we have is just a regular old ink jet. Yes, they suck the ink but I think we'll wait and see how much he uses it. If it seems like a laser will be better, then that may be a Christmas gift.

Keep the ideas coming! Much much appreciated!!

Oh and yes, I have got him an egg crate and a nice thick mattress cover for his bed. I know those beds are horrible and I need to get a cover that keeps out bed bugs. I have this phobia about bed bugs..even though I'm sure they 'santiize' the mattresses, you just never know. I also bought him an electric blanket for the winter. No microwaves allowed.

[Pookie1263]

Please don't let him bring his highschool letter jacket. It's just not "cool" in college!

[Loves Her Kids]

What a great thread! DD is leaving for college in a few weeks. There are so many things on this list I hadn't thought of.

[binbunch]

Originally Posted by Pookie1263

Please don't let him bring his highschool letter jacket. It's just not "cool" in college!

Doesn't even have one so not a problem! And also very true...def not cool!

[hockeymom]

Forget the mattress topper, we're bringing a whole new twin mattress for my daughter....lol! The mattress in the dorm is 100 years old....she was completely fine with it; I'm not. A little overkill I know, but oh well!

Also got all new bedding, sheets, towels, pillows/throw pillows.... pics & a mirror for the wall & a TV. Their dorm rooms already have fridges....so I *think* we're set!

The third week of August is going to be a hard one....and I'm not looking forward to it one bit

[Frisco Girl]

Originally Posted by hockeymom

The third week of August is going to be a hard one....and I'm not looking forward to it one bit

I completely relate. They grow up sooooo fast!

[binbunch]

For those with girls, make sure they have a robe or one of those towel wraps. If the fire alarm goes off when they are in the shower, well let's just say they'll be thankful! LOL

[SkiBum]

I will say, I put up with the crummy dorm mattress, I put a topper on it. But the minute I moved out of the dorm into an apartment where I had to have my own furniture, I told my parents the ONE thing I wanted was the best twin mattress money could buy. They bought me one and it was SO worth it. Best mattress I've ever had. I still have it in a guest bedroom and it is great.

[Legodg]

Bedbug cover for his mattress and pillow. Maglite flashlight, 1st aid kit with pain reliever and tums for late night party, multi vitamins, Lysol and hand sanitizer. Be sure he gets his flu shot before he leaves for school.
The most vip thing is a dominos or local pizza place gift card

binbbunch- we ended up getting a packtite. The dorms and one admin building last yr were hit with bedbugs. Its not a maybe thing, it is a for sure thing http://www.packtite.com/