Don't forget to bring!

Colleges & Universities A-Z University of Alabama
1

<p>Thought it would be a fun/useful thread to start of things we might take for granted that we may not think of sending the kids to college with.</p>

<p>Hoping to do brainstorming with other parents/incoming students/current students of things you may not think of bringing, but when you get there, realize you really, really need.</p>

<p>Now, I’m not talking about decorations, clothes, even bedding.</p>

<p>I’m talking about essentials.</p>

<p>I’ll start:</p>

<p>Trashcan</p>

<p>Laundry basket</p>

<p>PENCIL SHARPENER! Just thought of this one today</p>

<p>Please add.</p>

<p>You just might think of something someone else hasn’t, and boy, will we be happy you posted it!</p>

<p>And not to be gross, but let’s list toiletry items, too.</p>

<p>I mean, most kids do not go out and shop for these things themselves, so what “starter pack” do you want to send them with that they’ll have to refill themselves.</p>

<p>Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Deodorant
Shampoo
Bar soap
Razor
Brush
Comb
Toilet Paper
Towels</p>

<p>Again, not to be gross, but most of the kids have traveled to hotel rooms, where things like the above, save the more personal ones, have been provided. </p>

<p>Son’s roommate arrived at Bama Bound without soap and shampoo, and I imagine there are probably going to be kids who arrive on campus without such essentials because they’re used to them just being there.</p>

<p>Thanks for any input!</p>

2

<p>I know I have started this type of thread in previous years but I will add to this one to keep it fresh. </p>

<p>Don’t forget: </p>

<ul>
<li>Toe nail clippers, tweezers, nail file</li>
<li>pack a first aid kit / mini drug store with the things our children take for granted will be in the cupboard when they don’t feel well (Gas-X, cough meds, pain relief, neosporin, hydrogen peroxide, Visine, Dental floss, razor blades, anti-itch cream, anti-fungal cream…)</li>
<li>tool box items: small hammer, sturdy screw drivers, needle nose pliers, tape measure, mat knife, duct tape, 3M command adhesive strips…</li>
</ul>

3

<p>a north face jacket! haha</p>

4

<p>Most Important (people do sometimes forget these):
Money (Cash and Card(s))
Action Card</p>

<p>Additionally,
Bandages
Garbage Bags
Cleaning Supplies (Cost may be shared with roommates, things like Toilet Cleaner, Shower Cleaner, and Windex or a Bleach-based Cleaner)
Ice Cube Trays
Hand Soap and Dish Soap</p>

<p>These Should be given during their floor meeting, but in their cell phones, students should have the following phone numbers:
their Dorm’s Front Desk
UA Police (205) 348-5454
If flying, the phone numbers of whichever airline(s) they fly.</p>

5

<p>ice cube trays! haha! i would have NEVER thought of that!</p>

6

<p>Umbrella
Rain boots? Jury is still out on this one
Hooded jacket/raincoat/poncho</p>

<p>Extra pair of eyeglasses
Prescription for eyeglasses
Eyeglass repair kit</p>

<p>Sunglasses
Hat
Swimsuit
Beach towel
Goggles
Flip flops</p>

<p>Phone/iPod charger</p>

<p>Sharpies
Scotch tape
Duct tape
Pens/pencils
Looseleaf
Pocket folders
Memo/assignment pad</p>

<p>Duffle bag (for weekend trips/retreats)</p>

<p>House key</p>

<p>Chapstik</p>

7

<p>Social security card if you’re going to get a part-time job.</p>

<p>various OTC meds…for colds, headache, sniffles, cough, sore throat, allergies</p>

<p>Throw blanket for sitting on the couch or studying in one’s chair</p>

<p>Sunscreen</p>

<p>health insurance card</p>

8

<p>If your child has one, a passport also works when getting a part-time job (they can memorize or call you for their SSN) or if they decide to visit another country during a break.</p>

<p>Scissors
If they like cooking or eating with real dishes/silverware, bring the desired items
Foods the student likes that are not available nearby
Paper Towels/Napkins
Calculator</p>

<p>Should you forget something, the Publix near campus sells many toiletries, cleaning supplies, etc and often has them on sale</p>

9

<p>Purex 3-in-1 laundry sheets: Best thing on the market for any college kid (or a husband who travels a lot). Before you pack 'em, you may want to make sure your son or daughter knows how to do the laundry. A few summers ago, my son was at a governors school, and he had to show some girls how to do their laundry. </p>

<p>Several umbrellas: The kids often hang them near the door. You can get them for a $5 bill at Wal-Mart, so pick up a few.</p>

<p>Warmer clothing: Given that fall break is a three-day weekend, and many students will stay on campus during the Thanksgiving holiday because of the Auburn game, send your son/daughter with a warmer jacket and gloves. A 37-degree day (complete with sleet) for Homecoming in mid-October and no jacket was no fun for my son.</p>

<p>Hangers</p>

10

<p>Dang. I thought I was finished shopping, but you all have some great ideas.</p>

<p>SeaTide, what would you recommend in the way of dishware? D has cereal bowls, some melamine plates & plastic cups, but I’m wondering what she really needs. What am I forgetting.</p>

<p>Oh, and to add to the list
sponges/scrubbers
dish detergent
plate rack for drying</p>

11

<p>If your child sleeps with a ceiling fan at home, they may want to bring a small fan --not only for the air circulation, but for the noise also.</p>

12

<p>i would send them with an actual set of dishes. plates, bowls, mugs. </p>

<p>you could get melamine or corelle for durability. </p>

<p>my DD definitely wants a fan in her room.</p>

13

<p>A ruler
A tape measurer</p>

<p>More than one pair of shoes, as in tennis shoes (back to that rain boot discussion)</p>

<p>A suit and dress shoes</p>

<p>A belt</p>

<p>BTW, I have a boy, so the girls’ list is going to be twice as long, and I’m sure there will be more than one pair of shoes</p>

<p>Kitchen towels, hot pads, oven mitt</p>

<p>BTW again, where is the Walmart?</p>

14

<p>“more than one pair of shoes” not a problem for the girls!</p>

15

<p>Extension cord</p>

16

<p>target is close (veterans?), walmart is farther away (skyline?).</p>

17

<p>I strongly encourage you to do most of your shopping before you come to T-Town. Wal-Mart and Target will be packed those days, and many items will be gone. </p>

<p>BTW, August 6-8 is Alabama’s tax-free weekend.</p>

18

<p>Yes, definitely, don’t assume you can get things easily at Target or Walmart. </p>

<p>We were Katrina evacuees, and every Walmart in Houston was wiped out for weeks.</p>

<p>I imagine that when a city suddenly gets an influx of thousands of students, the same holds true.</p>

<p>As for Target versus Walmart, no preference for either, but some may be more used to shopping at one over the other, so if you’re having to make a drive someplace, go to the one more comfortable. I’m assuming neither are on the Crimson Ride line.</p>

<p>Thanks for the tax-free info. Wonder if that would apply to office depot, best buy, walmart, target, sears, and other such big box stores.</p>

19

<p>Good point about the crowds, Momreads. Pick up those cases of Ramen before coming to T-town!</p>

20

<p>Montegut: You cannot take the Crimson Ride either to Target or Wal-Mart.</p>

<p>Here’s the link for the Tax-Free Weekend:
[Tax</a> Free Weekend - 2010 Alabama Tax Free Weekend](<a href=“http://singleparents.about.com/od/taxfreeholidays/qt/AL.htm]Tax”>5 US States Without a Statewide Sales Tax)</p>

<p>Timeflew: You can ship in Ramens. That’s what Amazon is for (although my son is not into Ramens unless he’s under the weather.).</p>