College Essentials

Parents Forum
1

<p>I can’t believe it’s almost time to get my DS to school. I have been collecting a list of stuff to take to school. Here is my consolidated list of items to bring for boys! Add, subtract and keep this list live!</p>

<p>Cloths</p>

<p>Shirts
T-shirts
Long sleeved shirt
Belt(s)
Good pairs of shoes
Flip flops (a college essential!)
Watch
Pants
Shorts
Sweatshirts
Pajamas or other night-wear
Sportswear, as needed (basketball shorts, tank tops, etc)
Underwear!
Plenty of socks
One or two dressy outfits and shoes for more formal affairs
Work-out clothes and shoes
Bathing suit</p>

<p>Stuff for Your Room</p>

<p>Comforter
bedspread
Pillows
Bed sheets. look for “Extra Long Twin” if that’s how your school goes. two sets.
Pillow case
Clothes hangers
Drinking cups, dishes and silverware for snacks
Headphones/ear buds (so your music doesn’t bother your roommate or neighbors)
MP3 Player/iPod
Cell phone chargers
Desk lamp or bed lamp
Stereo
Alarm clock
Facial tissues
Message board for your door
Bulletin/white board
Posters & pictures to decorate your dorm
Febreeze or some other odor remover
Night light
Calendar
Maybe a broom and a dustpan?
Waste basket IF your school doesn’t supply one.</p>

<p>Keep It Clean</p>

<p>Bathrobe
Towels
Soap
Shampoo
Shaving cream and razors
Laundry basket/bag
Laundry detergent
Bleach (color safe is always good!)
Deodorant
Chap stick
Q-tips
Brush/comb
Fingernail/toenail clippers
Perfume/cologne
Mouthwash
Lotions, moisturizers, whatever such things you use
Something to carry all this in when you go to the bathroom</p>

<p>Stuff for School</p>

<p>Computer/laptop
Notebooks and/or binders
Paper
Pens and pencils
Backpack
Calculator
Day-planner
Alarm clock
Desk lamp
Thumbtack
Post-It notes
Index cards
Ruler
Folders
Highlighters
Stapler
Scissors
Backpack
Calculator
Tape, both scotch and masking tape</p>

<p>Nice to have</p>

<p>Access to money (i.e. bank account, bank card, credit card, etc.)
Key ring
Camera
Batteries
Flashlight
Pre-paid calling card
Snacks for your room
Camera</p>

<p>Emergency Supplies</p>

<p>Antibiotic Cream
Ibuprofen
Band-Aids
Cold medicine
Aspirin</p>

2

<p>Extension cords/surge protectors
NO robe
Sudafed
Tylenol
only ONE set of sheets
Toothpaste
ethernet cord for computer
cable cord for a tv if has one
blanket for warmer weather when comforter too much
mattress pad/topper (if provided it may be flimsy and vinyl may be the mattress cover texture)
throw/afghan…
area rug- check for size and with roommate
2 weeks worth of socks/underwear et al (don’t want to have to do laundry every week or may use more than one per day for sports…)
some cash- for laundry and other places that need it
a lockbox/small safe to keep valuables in a drawer- or lock for a lockable drawer
shelving unit that fits in closet (18"?- more stackable than hanging stuff typically)
tools to put together any stuff that needs it- eg lofting of furniture
roll of paper towels
pack of cheap washclothes instead of matching ones- many possible uses</p>

<p>Most kids take more freshman year than sophomore year. We used the dining room as a staging area- purchases and other stuff was put there so we/he knew what we had. Be sure son is involved in packing so he knows what he is taking- otherwise he may discover stuff as he moves out next spring. Sons are more often nonshoppers and I would buy stuff and then ask if it was okay. Keep receipts until you know you won’t return stuff and be prepared to find something better after you buy stuff. Be sure to read what his college provides/allows.</p>

3

<p>Reminder - everything that goes to college (and more) needs to come back home at the end of the year. If in doubt, leave it out… especially if there are stores handy to campus.</p>

4

<p>–Don’t need the watch. Cell phone shows the time.
–Don’t need an alarm clock. Cell phone should have a built in alarm clock
–First aid kit (small plastic bin) filled with cold medicine, band aides, antibiotic cream, extra toothbrushes, instant cold pack, benedryl, motrin, imodium, and condoms. Yes, throw in some condoms.<br>
–forget the silverware and pack disposable plastic forks, spoons, knives. The guys are not going to take the effort to wash silverware in the bathroom sink.
–Skip the stereo. Music on the iPod/iPhone with headphones is usually sufficient. If he really wants a stereo, I suggest one of those iPod docking stations (also has a clock/alarm built in)
–Stapler, staples, paperclips, printer paper, extra printer ink cartridges
–No real need for a guy to have a message board on his door and no real need for a white board. TEXTING takes the place of message boards for guys.
–pop up laundry hamper with handles. No need for a laundry bag.
–for guys, don’t stress about finding the right kind of shower caddy. Most end up using a plastic ziplock bag. Just buy a small box of gallon sized zipper freezer bags. When one bag get disgusting, they just replace it with a new baggy
–no need for a nightlight. The roommate isn’t going to want a nightlight shining in the room</p>

<p>If your son has a smartphone, it can serve as the alarm clock, music player, calendar, and camera. </p>

<p>–gym shorts double as sleepwear.
–Yes to the desk lamp. No to the bed light. There are only so many outlets available and there’s a good chance the bed light won’t get used anyway
–Ethernet cable. Bring an Ethernet cable!!!
–Duct tape. More useful than you can imagine
–Medical Insurance Card!</p>

5

<p>Presumably this is a list for a campus where there is no winter. Otherwise, add winter coat, hat, gloves, boots, fall jacket, raingear, sweatshirts (and sweaters for girls), and a whole lot more than one long-sleeved shirt. Flipflops only get you to the shower in MN.</p>

<p>Re desklamp vs. bedlamp: some kids end up working on their beds rather than at their desks. Look for a lamp that can serve either function.</p>

6

<p>No bathrobe. Pajamas optional. Many guys sleep in their underwear and simply pull on a pair of pants if they need to go to the bathroom. Other students, of both sexes, sleep in what are basically exercise clothes – T-shirts, soft shorts, sweats, with the choice depending on the weather. They can walk to the bathroom without embarrassment in the same clothes they sleep in. </p>

<p>I think the alarm clock is an essential – even though a cell phone does the same thing. Some kids need multiple alarm clocks to ensure that they get up for important events (like the 8 a.m. final exam for a course that met at 11 a.m.).</p>

<p>Cell phones are essential. They’re how students communicate with each other (mostly by text messaging). And nowadays, the computer should be a laptop. Desktops are almost extinct.</p>

7

<p>Fan - if the dorm is not air conditioned.</p>

8

<p>External speakers for the laptop are helpful. Cheap, little ones.</p>

9

<p>–make sure the cell phone plan has unlimited texting</p>

<p>–towels/washcloths–don’t get the big bath sheets because it just adds to the laundry load. Send him with a couple of your older towels and buy some new ones for the house :)</p>

<p>–Confirm—>NO ROBE</p>

<p>–Forget the extra blanket. Most dorm rooms are hot. If he finds that he’s cold, he can buy one later.</p>

<p>–My son and his housemates have resorted to giving themselves haircuts during the academic year: partly to save money and partly because they’re too lazy to find a barber shop. When their hair starts getting funky, they pull out their haircutting kit (buzzer with various attachments combs for length) and buzz it off. If needed, it’s also a way to make a few bucks. There was a guy on my other son’s floor who charged $5.00 or so for crew cuts. There’s always someone on an all male floor who needs a haircut.</p>

<p>As wis75 mentioned, send him with lots of socks and underwear. To make things simple, buy a bunch of the same socks so he doesn’t have to take the time to match up pairs from the dryer.</p>

<p>–Credit Card–either off his own account or a second card in his name from one of your credit card accounts.
This should be used for emergencies only. For example: A trip to the Emergency Room usually requires payment of the co-pay right then and there.</p>

10

<p>Don’t bring a comforter AND a bedspread. At least one will spend the year in a heap on the floor. A comforter with a cover, and a washable blanket (for extra layering in winter or alone in warm weather) work well.</p>

<p>Bulletin board/white board went unused for four years with older son. Skipped it for the others! A few see-through storage boxes for under the bed are great conveniences. Two pop-up laundry hampers were absolutely necessary.</p>

<p>Don’t stock up on bleach, Febreeze or whatever - it will likely get left behind unused when he moves out. If he needs it, he can buy it. Otherwise, stick with laundry soap alone.</p>

<p>I do recommend an extra pillow and a total of four pillow cases, so they can change more often. One set of sheets may be enough (they can wash and replace the same set on the bed). </p>

<p>Put all the desk items in a sturdy box (or plastic bag), and the bathroom items in a resealable bag. Have him store the boxes or bags in his suitcase in case he brings them home at some time. </p>

<p>The end of the year is a mad rush to sort and pack for freshmen. If son is flying home, it’s important to keep possessions to a minimum. Most kids take less every year as they go through school. so, when in doubt, leave it out.</p>

11

<p>Forgot to mention, the list is for a warm climate! Thanks for all suggestion, I consolidated the comments. Here is the revised edition:</p>

<p>Cloths:</p>

<p>Shirts
T-shirts
Long sleeved shirt
Belt(s)
Good pairs of shoes
Flip flops (a college essential!)
Watch
Pants
Shorts
Sweatshirts
Sportswear, as needed (basketball shorts, tank tops, etc)
Underwear! (2 weeks)
Plenty of socks (2 weeks)
One or two dressy outfits and shoes for more formal affairs
Work-out clothes and shoes
Gym shorts double as sleepwear.
Bathing suit</p>

<p>Stuff for Your Room:</p>

<p>Comforter
Pillows
Bed sheets. look for “Extra Long Twin” if that’s how your school goes. one set.
Pillow case
Clothes hangers
Drinking cups, dishes, disposable plastic forks, spoons, knivesfor snacks
Headphones/ear buds (so your music doesn’t bother your roommate or neighbors)
MP3 Player/iPod/iPod Docking player
Cell phone chargers
Desk lamp
Alarm clock
Facial tissues
Posters & pictures to decorate your dorm
Night light
Calendar
Maybe a broom and a dustpan?
Waste basket IF your school doesn’t supply one.</p>

<p>Keep It Clean:</p>

<p>Towels
Soap
Shampoo
Toothpaste
Shaving cream and razors
Laundry basket/bag/pop up laundry hamper with handles
Laundry detergent
Deodorant
Chap stick
Q-tips
Brush/comb
Fingernail/toenail clippers
Perfume/cologne
Mouthwash
Lotions, moisturizers, whatever such things you use
Something to carry all this in when you go to the bathroom</p>

<p>Stuff for School:</p>

<p>Laptop
Ethernet cord for computer
Notebooks and/or binders
Paper
Pens and pencils
Backpack
Calculator
Day-planner
Alarm clock
Desk lamp
Thumbtack
Post-It notes
Index cards
Ruler
Folders
Highlighters
Stapler
Scissors
Backpack
Calculator
Tape, both scotch and masking tape
Stapler, staples, paperclips</p>

<p>Nice to have:</p>

<p>Access to money (i.e. bank account, bank card, credit card, etc.)
Key ring
Camera
Batteries
Flashlight
Pre-paid calling card
Snacks for your room
Camera
Duct tape. More useful than you can imagine</p>

<p>Emergency Supplies:</p>

<p>Antibiotic Cream
Ibuprofen
Band-Aids
Sudafed
Tylenol
Medical Insurance Card!</p>

12

<p>Artdad, with a little luck, a Google search for “XYZ University what to bring” will provide you with the link to a page listing not only what the school recommends your DS bring, but what they recommend he <em>not</em> bring, information which can be very helpful.</p>

13

<p>Here’s my list, I’ll add this here and you can get ideas (btw I’m a girl…so some of the things here won’t be necessary for boys).</p>

<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-life/1147501-calling-all-fall-2011-college-freshmen-lets-start-complete-college-packing-list.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-life/1147501-calling-all-fall-2011-college-freshmen-lets-start-complete-college-packing-list.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

14

<p>Thanks for this list…it simplifies my life as S1 is off to college this Fall!</p>

15

<ul>
<li>Twin Air Mattress with pump (for future out-of-town guests and/or expected road trips to visit friends) (I have one that has its own storage bag and is less than the size of the collapsible chairs we ALL have in our trunks!; stored size is maybe 2.5’ x 4") (Amazon or eBay)</li>
<li>Sleeping Bag (for the above air mattress and road trips)</li>
<li>2nd bed pillow with matching sham for comforter (for propping up in bed to study and overnight guests)</li>
<li>2nd pillowcase (for guests using above pillow)</li>
<li>Lapboard (to hold laptop, textbooks or for writing in bed)</li>
<li>Beach Towel or over-sized bath towel (for the many outdoor campus events they will attend, pool visits or beach road trips, in my son’s case)</li>
<li>Underbed storage boxes if bed not lofted; some college beds can be partially lofted with under bed storage height of about 30" (in our case, I plan to buy a 3 drawer chest from Walmart online; free ship-to-store of your choice)</li>
<li>Mattress pad ENCLOSURE (protection against bedbugs) plus mattress topper (for comfort)</li>
<li>QUALITY, high watt surge protector(s), not those cheap strips. Must have plug in for ethernet and cable TV. Also, MUST have lights to let you know if it has been blown. Once blown, it’s DOA and a new one must be purchased. They give their lives to protect.</li>
<li>As for towels, go for THIN ones that dry quickly; thick towels easily sour</li>
<li>Thin raincoat with hood (spring/fall); Waterproof winter coat with hood (cold climates)</li>
<li>Waterproof shoes or boots for rainy or snowy days</li>
<li>Flashdrive (I’d say at least 1G ~ but for my CS major son, a 16 or 32G)</li>
</ul>

<p>OPTIONAL:

  • For deep sleepers, alarm WITH BED SHAKER (such as the Sonic Boom) (the volume needed for my son’s alarm would wake his entire hall and I won’t be there to SHAKE him!) (see Amazon)
  • For iPod/iTouch speakers, I’d recommend the Skullcandy Pipe Speaker Dock (see Amazon or eBay). Tiny size (7x2x2") but BIG sound. Can be connected to PC, laptop or an external power outlet for travel/parties.
  • I purchased a digital audio voice recorder in hopes than some of my son’s professors will allow their lectures to be recorded (which he can then download to his computer). He’s an auditory learner.
  • Laptop and/or PC anti-theft cable
  • If nightlight is desired, I’d recommend the motion activated type so a lamp doesn’t have to be turned on for a trip to the bathroom. Also, pack a replacement bulb.
  • Room contents insurance through your homeowner’s policy, CSI or NSSI.
  • Credit Card - I co-signed one for my son when he turned 18 but under HIS social so he can start building his FICO score (which employers will check before hiring). However, to ensure payment is never forgotten, the monthly bill is drafted IN FULL from his (or your MMA or checking account). Limit is $1000 but instructed him to use it EVERY month (to show activity) but to use less than 20%+/- of limit (which increases FICO score). He also has a debit card for his checking account.</p>

<p>Check your college’s housing website as many have restrictions on items NOT allowed. For example, my son’s school does NOT allow duct tape. Also, many rarely needed items can usually be checked-out for use through the dorm office or RA such as vacuum cleaners, brooms, kitchen gear, etc. BTW, the most forgotten item is clothes hangers! :)</p>

<p>Another thread contained these links:
[Dorm</a> Essentials Checklist - The Ultimate College Dorm Checklist<a href=“print%20option”>/url</a></p>

<p>[url=&lt;a href=“http://mydormsupplies.com/college_checklist.html]Dorm”&gt;http://mydormsupplies.com/college_checklist.html]Dorm</a> Supplies, college checklist for students: desk & school supplies, electronics, food supplies and other essentials for college dorm living.](<a href=“http://www.gifts.com/ideas/dorm-essentials-checklist]Dorm”>Dorm Essentials Checklist - The Ultimate College Dorm Checklist)</p>

<p>[Checklist</a> for college dorm - first year of college](<a href=“College Board - SAT, AP, College Search and Admission Tools”>Campus Life – BigFuture | College Board)</p>

<p>[108</a> College dorm necessities to have on your checklist | Xatal](<a href=“http://xatal.com/life/108-college-dorm-necessities-to-have-on-your-checklist/]108”>http://xatal.com/life/108-college-dorm-necessities-to-have-on-your-checklist/)</p>

16

<p>I’m a bit amazed at how long some lists are.
We are not planning on getting any things that you can buy at the school book store or drug store in advance. </p>

<p>Here is my list:
casual shirts/pants/shorts
blazer/tie/dress shirt/belt (all on one hanger)
Watch
raingear/fleece jacket
socks/underwear/jammies/robe/swimsuit
(mine likes robes and jammies)
sneakers/dress shows/flipflops/hiking boots</p>

<p>Stuff for Your Room:
thin blanket/thin quilt
set of bed linens (xlong), pillow(s)
Clothes hangers
Headphones/ear buds (so your music doesn’t bother your roommate or neighbors)
MP3 Player/iPod/iPod Docking player
Cell phone chargers
Alarm clock (bed shaker kind)
Son can sort out decorations and such once he is there</p>

<p>Keep It Clean:
Towels
Laundry basket/bag/pop up laundry hamper with handles
bathroom caddy</p>

<p>Stuff for School:</p>

<p>Laptop/extra batteries/surge protection
Ethernet cord for computer
Backpack
Calculator
calendar
paper/pencils
reference books</p>

<p>Creditcard/bank card/cash/quarters for laundry</p>

<p>Insurance card
ID card
Glasses prescription</p>

<p>skateboard
Unicyle
music keyboard/amp/stool/etc.</p>

17

<p>I agree that the unicycle is absolutely essential.</p>

18

<p>Since my son had to fly to school (ha, with a tenor sax)… we had to minimize baggage. He used cellphone for alarm, but he thinks next year it would be better to have a real alarm clock. </p>

<p>He wishes he had had a bed topper over the hard mattress. Next year summer storage options will be available, so we’ll have one shipped to the new dorm in August.</p>

19

<p>In general, less is more (especially for boys). In our sample of one, most stuff ends up on the floor and he don’t always know where the clean clothes are. Computer locks probably end up unused (that was the advice I was given).</p>

<p>LiveScribe/Echo pen (good deals at Costco)
Extra computer power adapters (one for room, one for backpack)
Gore-tex low-top hiking boots for walking around in rain (not necessary in AZ) and day-trips. Hiking boots for those who might do a weekend backpacking trip which also implies other supplies (sleeping bag etc.)
Sneakers for all the sports he’s going to play
Requested over two years (electric kettle, Brain Toniq, good calculator, ipod external speaker dock (his is from Logitech)). Fleece hoodie.<br>
Cool hat (fedora, winter hat); cool jacket. Gloves for cold weather.</p>

20

<p>Check what kind of internet access is available at the dorm before bying an ethernet cable. Don’t buy one if dorm and campus has wireless access.</p>