<p>FYI, Target usually has 5 piece dinnerware sets with their dorm items that includes a real plate, bowl and spoon, fork & serrated knife. I picked up two sets at 75% clearance last September. Also a mug if they ever like a hot drink, and some type of drinking glass.</p>
<p>I like Corelle dishes and brought a couple plates and bowls. I bought some cheap glasses instead of plastic cups. If you child drinks juice or Kool-Aid, a pitcher is helpful.</p>
<p>I do have things from previous Target 75% off sales on dorm stuff, so stop by Target in early September for this sale.</p>
<p>Don’t forget that Thrift Stores can be a good choice and there’s a good one next to Wal-Mart. There is also another Wal-Mart just past Northport as you continue on McFarland. Should you be coming from the airport, the closest non-Tuscaloosa Wal-Mart is at Exit 108 (Aldi is there too) and Target is at Exit 1 off I-459, which is Exit 106 of I-20/59.</p>
<p>Remember that the extension cord has to have 3 prongs. For the extra cost, I’d recommend a surge protector instead.</p>
<p>Padlock for bedroom cabinet, gym locker … (?)</p>
<p>^ don’t forget that if your child will be heating up ramen or soup in the microwave, melamine will get really hot. Definitely recommend stoneware or Corelle for that.</p>
<p>DS will be sporting a lovely assortment of whatever mix and match Corelle, cups, silverware etc. we have been accumulating through the years. Martha Steward would be appalled!</p>
<p>Target is on 15th street/Veterans Memorial Parkway. Walmart is on Skyland blvd. the Walmart in Northport is too far away unless you’re coming from the Columbus, MS area.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone…compared your lists to my spreadsheet and looks like I might actually have thought of /assembled most of the items you mentioned…Some other handy items: Over the door hooks…seems like its easier to hang wet towels on a hook than on a towel bar in the bathroom and easier to hang jackets on a hook on the back of your bedroom door.
Don’t forget a vacuum for the rooms and a swiffer for the vinyl floor in the kitchen.
Chip clips or even better… plastic storage containers - my daughter and her suitemates battled ants a couple of times last semester.</p>
<p>Knittingmom: The Swiffer is a great idea. Now, all they need is to use it!</p>
<p>A large garbage can for the kitchen, if your student lives in the suites, is nice. </p>
<p>What I encourage parents to do is this: Make copies of your student’s drivers license and passport and keep them at home. Same thing for the social security card, any credit cards and bank account numbers that he or she may have. Things happen, and it’s good that you have copies of everything should a wallet be lost or stolen. </p>
<p>Also, if your student is not bringing a car, contact your insurance provider to see how much your rate will decrease. I did this a year ago. We saved more than $1,000. At the same time, make sure your homeowners policy covers your student’s belongings in the dorm. If not, you may need renters’ insurance or a rider added to your current policy.</p>
<p>you know what we use for chip clips? clothespins! they are cheap and plentiful. we use them for chips and also to close up the bags inside of boxes of things like crackers and cereal.</p>
<p>ants! ick! (we are battling ants here now! seems they like it better in the house in the summer! just like i do!)</p>
<p>large garbage can - is there a pantry in the kitchen or does the can need to fit in a cabinet?</p>
<p>My son and his suite mates positioned the garbage can between the 'frig and pantry. Leaving it there serves as a reminder, too, that someone needs to dump the trash regularly.</p>
<p>when i went to bama bound i was going to stay in the dorm, but my DH decided to come along, so we got a hotel room. i wish i had stayed in the dorm so i would be more familiar with it.</p>
<p>Agree, Mike. Wish we had stayed in the dorm and brought a tape measurer. </p>
<p>Checked the Bama website for moving in, and they do have things on the list I forgot, and things that I was going to bring that are forbidden.</p>
<p>Forbidden: Toaster</p>
<p>Forgot: Flashlight</p>
<p>allowed: crockpot</p>
<p>at least that is what i heard.</p>
<p>i would think those would be forbidden as well.</p>
<p>The addition of crock pots and toasters on the not to bring list is new. Last year, it was toaster ovens, but those are no longer listed as not to bring.</p>
<p>Of course, the kids can have woks and blenders. I can think of some awesome dinners to do with those two appliances.</p>
<p>aaah so toaster ovens are allowed now?</p>
<p>but not crockpots. </p>
<p>ok.</p>
<p>: )</p>
<p>Here’s the updated list of what you can and cannot have:</p>
<p><a href=“http://movein.ua.edu/What_To_Bring_2010.pdf[/url]”>http://movein.ua.edu/What_To_Bring_2010.pdf</a></p>
<p>hey thanks for the link!</p>
<p>While the move-in list lists toasters and crock pots as not being permitted (it did last year too), the official list of Housing policies explicitly lists both as approved. The official rules are listed at <a href=“http://housing.ua.edu/pdfs/GlossaryofHRCpolicies.pdf[/url]”>http://housing.ua.edu/pdfs/GlossaryofHRCpolicies.pdf</a> . I don’t know why there are discrepancies between the lists.</p>
<p>Hmmm. I had bought D a small crock pot so she could heat up frozen sauce/meatballs, gumbo etc. But I put it back in the closet after seeing that list. I always thought the key was making sure that it didn’t have an exposed heat source, to diminish the fire hazard. Think I’ll keep it at home; can always bring it for Parent’s Weekend.</p>
<p>Housing said you could bring a crock pot as long as it had an auto shut off. That is their deciding factor on everything: No open elements and Auto shut off.</p>