Items for college that most parents overlook...

Parents Forum
201

<p>For any of you whose college age student is 18 or over, you may want to talk to them about executing a health care proxy (or your state's equivalent)before they leave for school. This document enables the student to name an agent (typically a parent) to make health care decisions in the event that the student is unable (as determined by a physician) to make medical decisions himself or herself. It is essential in a worse case medical crisis scenario and usually avoids the need for court involvement (guardianship proceedings). Other legal documents that you might want to have your son or daughter consider now that he or she is considered to be of legal age include a durable power of attorney for financial matters and possibly a release of certain information that would normally be restricted under various privacy laws. No college health office or health insurer is supposed to discuss any matter concerning your child with you without such a release. I am not recommending that these documents be used casually once they are in place, but they are invaluable if the need arises. Your family attorney can explain the details of these documents to your son or daughter. These documents are usually not very costly. In fact, the health care proxy document for most states is available in physician's offices and on the web.</p>

202

<p>Thanks for the person who suggested the lockbox - we picked one up at Target for $10. Better be safe then sorry when it comes to important documntation like your birth certificate and passport.</p>

203

<p>Items to consider
when packing for college
(August 14, 2007)
No one will need all of this, but think about it, anyway.</p>

<p>Health, dental insurance cards
Health care proxy
social security card (job apps)
passport (if likely needed)
map of the area
bus/metro/subway pass if in a city
Copy of AP scores
All family members' cell phone #'s
All family members’ email adds
Parents’ work phone #s and fax #s
Phone #s of relatives who live somewhat near campus</p>

<p>Pillow, bedding
mattress pad, egg crate foam pad
Throw blanket for studying at desk
Towels, beach towel
Picnic blanket/ground cover sheet
Or sleeping bag
Small duffle</p>

<p>Electric fan
Clip on or other small desk lamp
Hot pot if no microwave
Door stop
Coat rack if there is a corner for it
Rug if room is not carpeted
Over-the-door coat hooks
Whiteboard/marker (for door)
Waste basket if not provided
Small desk mirror
Hangers
Closet extender: create lower pole
Bed risera: make bed taller
Small tool kit or Leatherman (Target has a tool kit for college)
*Footstool</p>

<p>laundry basket/bag
laundry soap
spray n wash
fabric softener
roll of quarters
tide stain stick
Febreze
Sewing kit</p>

<p>Computer
A flash drive, blank CDs, DVDs
All cables for computer (ethernet)
Software CDs and manuals
lock for laptop
lockbox
Printer paper and ink cartridges
Camera, ipod, ipod speakers
TV, cable for tv
Alarm clock with battery back up </p>

<p>Surge strips
Extension cords
Headphones
Ear plugs
Key chain for dorm room key</p>

<p>Backpack, calculator
Planner
Scissors
Stapler
Envelopes and stamps
Scotch tape
Birthday cards, candles
pens/pencils/paper clips
pencil sharpener
extra lead for mechanical pencils Permanent marker
Post it notes
Board game(s)/cards
foreign language dictionary
crayons and construction paper</p>

<p>Picture of the family, friends
A favorite movies, a favorite book
A few unread books
Poster, poster putty
Calendar and push pins</p>

<p>Knife, fork, spoon
Plastic bowl, mug
A water bottle
zip-lock bags
salt and pepper
plastic bag clips for chips/cookies
Can opener / church key
Paper towel
Windex
Eyeglass cleaner
Box of Kleenex</p>

<p>Flashlight
Duct tape
Batteries (for flashlight, other)
Light bulbs?</p>

<p>Sunscreen
Band-Aids
Neosporin
hydrocortisone cream
Heating pad, ice pack
Sudafed, Nasal spray
Cough syrup, Nyquil, Dayquil
Aspirin, advil, tylenol
Thermometer
Syrup of Ipecac
Imodium
Pepto Bismol
Mylanta or Maalox
Tums
Benadryl
cotton balls
q tips
peroxide or alcohol
Dental floss
Nail clippers
Tweezers</p>

<p>Sunblock
Insect repellant</p>

<p>Shirts, pants, pajamas
Lots of socks and underwear!
Hat or visor and sunglasses
Navy blazer, shirt, tie, dress shoes
Umbrella, rain coat, rain boots
Costumes (60’s, 70’s, 80’s parties, Halloween)</p>

<p>Flip flops for the shower
Shower tote</p>

<p>Move in Day only:
· drill/screwdriver for building lofts
· A two wheeler for hauling stuff into the dorm.
· It’s good for Mom or Dad to bring a "real" hammer and set of heavy screwdrivers for the move-in.
· tape measure, memo pad, pen
· extra plastic storage bins or baskets (bring home those you don’t need or those that don’t fit)
· Something to check when you arrive on campus: cell phone in dorm room. “My freshman year, I got zero reception in the whole dorm, though it was fine elsewhere on campus, and our room phones couldn't make long distance calls, so a phone card was necessary.”</p>

<p>*Uses for the footstool: “Hanging posters, killing bugs up on the wall, reaching top shelf in closet, hanging Christmas decorations in dorm room, TV tray/lap table when eating with friends in the room, watching movies, bedside table when sick.”</p>

204

<p>Great list, JJG!</p>

<p>We're also sending a lap desk. My daughter <em>never</em> sits at a regular desk if she can help it -- on the floor, on the bed, on the grass, sure. With her laptop, she's even less likely to sit at a table or desk. Michael's Arts 'n' Crafts has some on sale for half price (I bought one for me!) but we bought her a nicer one from Staples.</p>

205

<p>Excuse me if this has already been mentioned, but D bought a hangs-over-the-door coat/towel/etc. rack from Bed Bath and Beyond for I think $4.99. She also bought a small white board for the outside of her room door which she'll attach with putty. I hope it won't be defaced or stolen too quickly. :-P</p>

206

<p>"My freshman year, I got zero reception in the whole dorm, though it was fine elsewhere on campus"</p>

<p>My son found this a great feature. It enabled him to say--every time I called--"sorry, I was studying in my room." When I really wanted to talk to him, I'd send an email, then he'd walk outside and call. Nothing like standing outside in your PJs in 10 degree (F) weather to focus the mind.</p>

207

<p>Mattress spray (lice, bedbugs,mites)
door stop
little battery operated book light
microwaveable mug
desk drawer dividers (pens, pencils)
hand sanitizer(there are those you have been sick and those who will get sick)
Plastic cup
The largest surge protector you can find (12 slot) plug everything in and leave it there. You won't misplace them.</p>

<p>Underbed Storage DRAWERS are better than storage boxes
they also work to "raise" the floor of a closet and provide more useable storage.</p>

<p>A small (12x12) multi level storage box for the top of the dresser.</p>

<p>Label all drawers. I used categories like toiletries, water, computer, etc.</p>

<p>Those over-the-door racks may be firecode violations when placed on doors to the hall.</p>

<p>Buying a refrigerator is MUCH cheaper than renting one.</p>

208

<p>Hair clips
Contacts solution/case
Flip-flops</p>

209

<p>Couple computer things to remember...</p>

<p>-CD's for Office programs, Operating system, antivirus... In other words: all your CD's you might need for your computer!
-USB cable for printer. Sometimes a printer will come with the cable needed; normally you have to buy one separate.
-Ink for printer
-Paper for printer
-All power cords, cords to connect monitor
-Cable to connect MP3 player or Ipod?
-Ethernet cable
-Computer manuals, printer manuals, etc</p>

210

<p>JJG--great list. </p>

<p>Below is a list I put together last year (and updated tonight using the information provided on this thread). </p>

<p>Some of you may think that this is way too much, but I went to a school that was over 200 miles from the nearest Target. Walmart, and Staples. There wasn't even anything close by that resembled these stores (and BB&B wasn't out West yet). Thankfully, there is now a Target, Staples, and even a BB&B within 10 miles of my alma mater now. However, if these stores run out, the next closest store of like type is over 200 miles away! I was just up in the area of my alma mater and I was in the Target and BB&B--this was 1 week before the dorms opened for freshmen orientation. Most of the items found on the traditional college packing list for "buy when you get there" were out of stock in both stores. </p>

<p>If your S or D are going to a remote college in a rural area, it's worth every penny of shipping to shop in advance. Granted, don't buy the storage units until you get there--just be prepared to have to wait a few weeks for them to be in stock.</p>

<p>COLLEGE PACKING LIST</p>

<br>


<br>

<p>This list is not an all-inclusive list, nor should every person bring every item on this list. Personal needs will differ. After reviewing each list, cross out what you don’t think you’ll use and then add what you have used in the last 7 days to each category.</p>

<p>Remember, you are not going to camp for a week or 2, you are moving your residence for 8 months of the year. Pack accordingly, but always keep in mind that there is limited space in your room. Moreover, you should contact your roommate before buying items that will be shared: coffee pot, microwave, TV’s, telephones, etc.</p>

<p>BATHING
-bath mat
-chap stick
-comb
-conditioner
-contacts and paraphernalia (lens solution, cases, eyeglasses, extra eyeglasses, prescription for contacts)
-cosmetics (foundation, blush, bronzer, eye shadow, mascara, eyeliner, lipstick, lip liner, nail polish, nail polish remover, etc.)
-cotton balls
-cotton swabs
-curling/straightening iron
-dental floss
-deodorant/antiperspirant
-eye drops
-eyeglass cleaner
-eyeglass repair kit
-facial cleanser
-flip-flops (for shower)
-hair brush
-hair dryer
-hair products: gel, mousse, hair spray, scrunchies, barrettes
-hand sanitizer
-lotion
-mouthwash
-nail clippers
-perfume/cologne (make sure roommates are not allergic before using)
-Q-tips
-razor
-shampoo
-shaving cream
-soap with soap case
-sunscreen
-toilet paper (in case you don’t like the institutional sandpaper on your delicate parts)
-toothbrush
-toothpaste
-tote for toiletries
-towels—bath size
-tweezers
-washcloth(s)</p>

<p>BEDDING
(HINT: Flannel sheets can be extremely comfortable, but they can also be too warm in halls without individual thermostats. Also, they can make your bed all too inviting when faced with getting up to go to class on a brisk morning.)
-bed risers or cinder blocks (for storage under bed if you are not lofting your bed)
-blankets
-comforter
-egg crate or featherbed
-pillowcases
-pillows
-sheets
-throw blanket</p>

<p>CLOTHING
Ladies:
-shirts/blouses
-casual skirts/dresses
-1 nice outfit/dress (no formals)
-1 pair of nylons
-1 pair of dress shoes
-accessories (belts, purses, scarves, jewelry, watches, etc.)</p>

<p>Gentlemen:
-1 suit or sports coat/blazer and slacks
-1 dress shirt
-1 pair of dress shoes
-1 pair of dress socks
-1 tie
-accessories (belts, jewelry, watches)</p>

<p>Both:
-enough clothes for 2 weeks (jeans, casual slacks, shirts, etc.)
-bathrobe
-boots (rain and/or snow, depending on climate)
-costumes (60’s, 70’s, 80’s parties, Halloween)
-flip flops (1 pair for the shower and another pair if you like to wear them anywhere else)
-gloves
-pajamas (Don’t scare your roommate!)
-raincoat
-shoes with good tread for ice (I personally prefer YakTrax that go over the shoes.)
-slippers
-socks (15-30 pairs, double if you play sports daily)
-special athletic wear (cleats, leotards, tights, athletic supporters, sweats, etc.)
-sweaters/sweatshirts
-swimsuit
-tennis shoes
-T-shirts
-umbrella
-underwear (15-30 pairs, double if you play sports daily)
-winter coat
-workout clothes (several sets if you will use the gym or play sports frequently)</p>

<p>COMPUTER
-laptop or desktop computer, power cable
-flat-screen monitor, interface cable, power cable (if you have a desktop computer)
-2GB USB flash drive
-10/100 Base-T Ethernet adapter cable (at least 10 feet long)
-cabling for computer (power and interfacing for each piece)
-laptop bag
-laptop lock
-microphone
-mouse pad
-Original software CDs/diskettes and manuals of your operating system, hardware drivers, and other computer programs
-printer, interface cable, power cable, paper, and plenty of ink/toner cartridges
-scanner, interface cable, power cable
-speakers
-surge protector with a replaceable fuse or UPS (uninterrupted power supply)
-web cam
-wireless modem
-wireless card (built in)</p>

<p>DÉCOR
-air freshener (no candles, incense, or other incendiary items—check with roommates for allergies)
-alarm clock (2 battery operated ones—it’s really hard to get up in college, and sometimes there are power outages.)
-area rug
-curtains (fire-resistant materials only)
-Dustbuster or DirtDevil hand vacuum
-family/friend photos
-fan (helps to regulate the temperature if the thermostat is set higher than you like)
-Febreeze
-folding or inflatable chair
-garbage bags
-holiday decorations
-hubby pillow (the pillows with arms on them for sitting up in bed)
-floor lamp
-flower vase
-memo board for door with dry-erase markers
-MP3/Ipod with headphones (Don’t forget charger!)
-posters/pictures
-seat cushions
-stuffed animal
-tapestries (fire-resistant materials only)
-telephone (order voicemail) or cell phone (Make sure you won’t be subject to roaming charges and that you get reception in your dorm room.)</p>

<p>FOOD
-bottled water
-cereal
-condiments
-basic spices
-snacks (peanut butter and jelly, popcorn, energy/granola bars, cookies, macaroni and cheese, etc.)
-soft drinks
-coffee/tea
-hot chocolate
-powdered drink mix</p>

<p>KITCHEN
-2 bowls
-can opener with bottle opener attached (church key)
-chip clips (or even just clothes pins)
-coffee pot
-cutting board (The super thin ones work great!)
-dish scrubber
-dish soap
-dish towels
-dish tub
-dusting cloths (swiffer, etc.)
-flatware
-hot pot
-ladle
-large spoon(s)
-microwave
-mixing bowl
-multi-purpose knife
-paper towels
-paring kninfe
-plastic food containers (various sizes)
-plastic zipper bags
-2 plates
-2 pot holders
-rags
-refrigerator (under 4 cubic feet)
-two mugs
-two plastic tumblers
-water bottle</p>

<p>Additionally, those residents in apartment-style halls may want to bring the following for their suite/apartment kitchens:</p>

<p>Full sets of the following:
-dishes
-glasses
-mugs
-silverware
-baking pans
-blender (for use in kitchen only)
-colander
-cookie sheets
-frying pan
-grater
-napkins
-pitcher
-plastic storage containers (large)
-sauce pans with lids
-serving dishes and utensils
-spices
-storage containers for flour, sugar, and other staples
-tablecloth/placemats
-tea kettle
-thermometers (oven, meat, and candy)
-toaster or toaster oven (for use in kitchen only)
-utensils (spatula, whisk, tongs, big spoons, kitchen knives)
-waffle iron (for use in kitchen only)</p>

<p>***Check with all suite/apartment mates before bringing the above-listed items.</p>

<p>LAUNDRY
-closet extender (tension pole)
-detergent
-fabric softener or dryer sheets
-deoderizier
-hangers (get the multi-tier hangers)
-iron (OK, stop laughing. Girls sometimes iron.)
-ironing board
-laundry basket/bag/hamper
-laundry rack
-lint brush
-quarters (lots)
-stain treater</p>

<p>MISCELLANEOUS
-batteries
-beach towel
-bicycle
-board games and playing cards
-books (not your whole library)
-camera
-coaxial cable for TV
-duct tape
-doorstop
-duffel bag
-DVD player
-DVDs
-earplugs
-energy-efficient light bulbs
-extension cords (at least medium duty that accepts 3-pronged plugs)
-film (if camera is not digital)
-flashlight with fresh batteries
-floor lamp with extra light bulbs (non-Halogen)
-footstool
-mattress spray (lice, bed bugs, mites)
-moving dolly (move-in day only)
-music (transfer CD’s to MP3’s or Ipods)
-musical instrument (Especially if taking a music class—most instruments cannot be played in or around the residence halls. There are practice rooms available in the music department for those enrolled in classes.)
-safe (big enough for laptop and other portable electronics as well as important papers and cash)
-safety pins
-sewing kit (needles, thimble, black and white thread)
-sleeping mask
-spare set of car keys
-storage boxes/baskets (to fit under bed on risers)
-sunglasses
-TV
-umbrella
-video games
-water bottle</p>

<p>PAPERWORK
-airline/bus/train tickets or gas credit card to go home
-copies of AP and SAT scores (I didn’t need to submit SAT scores to my college because my GPA was really high, but I found out I needed them to waive some placement testing.)
-area map (with useful locations marked on it)
-bank account with ATM card
-birth certificate (certified copy)
-car registration and insurance
-checkbook
-contact list (important phone numbers and email addresses)
-correspondence from the University (all)
-driver’s license or State-issued ID card
-financial aid forms
-green card (if you are a foreign national)
-health care proxy
-housing license (copy)
-medical and dental insurance cards
-passport (if you are a foreign national or are planning on traveling—otherwise leave it at home)
-renter’s insurance policy
-social security card (especially if you need a job)</p>

<p>SCHOOL SUPPLIES
*<em>Instead of hauling reference books, try <a href="http://www.m-w.com%5B/url%5D"&gt;www.m-w.com&lt;/a> for dictionary and thesaurus reference as well as <a href="http://www.encarta.msn.com%5B/url%5D"&gt;www.encarta.msn.com&lt;/a> for an atlas.
*</em>You aren’t starting a home business, so choose small containers of each item. You probably will never use 6 boxes of paper clips or 4 rolls of transparent tape in 4 years of college.</p>

<p>-MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, Pulblication Manual of APA, or Turabian Guide to Research Papers, Dissertations, and Theses
-3-ring notebooks
-address book
-address labels
-binder clamps
-birthday cards (Birthday candles are forbidden in most dorms.)
-book bag, waterproof
-bulletin board
-calendar
-CD labels
-CD-R’s
-colored pencils
-coloring books (Believe it or not, college kids like to do this to unwind.)
-crayons (for the coloring books)
-construction paper
-desk lamp with extra light bulbs (non-halogen, UL approved)
-drawer organizer
-dry-line error correction tape
-envelopes
-file folders
-file labels
-foreign language dictionary and verb conjugation book
-glue
-hanging file folders
-highlighters (multiple colors)
-index card files or empty shoe boxes
-index cards (3 x 5 and 4 x 6 in multiple colors)
-markers
-masking tape
-notebook paper
-package tape (for moving out at the end of the year)
-paper clamps
-paper clips (both large and small)
-pencil sharpener or extra lead
-pencils
-pens
-planner
-pocket folders
-Post-It notes
-reading light (for reading in bed when your roommate is sleeping. Recommended: LightWedge—available from Amazon.com)
-rubber bands
-ruler
-scissors
-shipping labels (for moving out at the end of the year)
-spiral notebooks
-stamps
-staple remover
-stapler
-staples
-Sticky Tack or Command poster hangers
-thumbtacks/push-pins
-three-hole punch
-transparent tape with dispenser</p>

<p>**Things you’ll probably have to buy when you get to college: ScanTron forms and Blue Books for exams, as well as specialty equipment for different classes such as dissection kits for biology—not to mention $300-500 in textbooks each semester. These items are usually available in the college bookstore. Other wonderful locations to buy textbooks are ecampus.com and amazon.com.</p>

<p>ART/GRAPHIC/DRAFTING SUPPLIES
**If you will be taking art, interior design, cartography, theatre arts design, industrial technology, engineering, or even Natural Resources Planning and Interpretation classes, you may need some art supplies. You probably won’t need all of them; but, since art supplies are expensive, bring them with you if you already own them.</p>

<p>-acrylic paints
-architect’s or engineer’s rule
-brushes
-compass
-cutting edge
-cutting mat
-drafting triangles
-drafting/artist’s tape
-dusting brush
-erasers (Pink Pearl, Art Gum, and kneadable)
-erasing guide
-flexible spline
-foam board
-foam cutting knife
-French curves
-graphite sticks
-ink for technical pens
-painter’s knives
-palette(s)
-pastels
-pencils
-protractors
-rubber cement remover
-sketch box
-tacky glue
-technical pens
-templates
-T-square
-vellum
-watercolor paper
-watercolors
-xacto knives and extra blades</p>

<p>SPORTS
EQUIPMENT
**Here are some ideas, but you should only bring what you know you will use.<br>
-baseball/softball
-baseball/softball bat
-baseball/softball glove
-basketball
-batting glove
-cross-country ski equipment
-football
-hackey sack
-pool cue
-rollerblades
-rock climbing equipment
-SCUBA gear
-shin pads
-skateboard
-soccer ball
-surfboard/body board
-swimming cap
-swimming goggles
-tennis racquet and balls
-volleyball
-volleyball knee pads
-wetsuit</p>

<p>TOOL KIT
-adjustable wrench
-Allen wrench set
-duct tape
-hacksaw
-hammer with claw
-matte/carpet knife with retractable blade (and replacement blades)
-nails and screws (not for the walls!)
-plastic box to hold it all in
-screwdrivers (Phillips, flathead, torque)
-pliers (needle-nosed and slip-lock)
-string/twine
-tape measure</p>

<p>RESIDENCE HALL
SURVIVAL SKILLS
**Domestic skills you should possess before coming to college:
-wash dishes
-do laundry
-vacuum a carpet
-empty the trash
-clean a bathroom
-clean a fridge
-clean a kitchen
-hook up your computer
-hook up your media systems
-iron a shirt
-mend a rip/seam/hem
-mop a floor
-sew a button on</p>

<p>And, yes, you may have a hallmate who has never washed dishes before. (I did!)</p>

<p>FIRST-AID KIT
-alcohol wipes
-aloe vera gel (for sunburns)
-analgesic cream
-band-aids
-elastic bandages
-gauze bandages
-gauze pads
-heating pad
-hot/cold packs
-hydrogen peroxide (takes blood out of clothing too!)
-ice-pack (chemical)
-pain relievers
-plastic bags to make ice bags
-rubbing alcohol
-thermometer (and the sleeves that go with it)
-tissues</p>

<p>MEDICINES
-allergy medicines/anti-histamines
-anti-diarrheal medicine
-anti-itch cream
-cold/flu remedies
-cough syrup
-decongestants
-heartburn medicine
-Neosporin
-pain/fever relievers
-prescription medicine (either a three-month supply or have your prescriptions transferred to the Student Health Center)
-upset stomach reliever
-vitamins
-your home doctor’s phone number to renew prescriptions</p>

<p>EMERGENCY DISASTER KIT
********************If you go to school in an area prone to natural disasters, you will probably want an emergency disaster kit. Keep this kit in your car if you have one on campus; otherwise, keep it somewhere safe in your room. Check the freshness of all items at semester and summer breaks. NOTE: If you are a nice person, make sure everyone on your floor has a kit, too. Otherwise, you may have to be mean to people you care about during an emergency or short yourself on your own supplies. You can get additional information from <a href="http://www.fema.gov%5B/url%5D"&gt;www.fema.gov&lt;/a>, <a href="http://www.areyouprepared.org%5B/url%5D"&gt;www.areyouprepared.org&lt;/a>, <a href="http://www.ready.gov%5B/url%5D"&gt;www.ready.gov&lt;/a>, and <a href="http://www.redcross.org%5B/url%5D"&gt;www.redcross.org&lt;/a>.
-3-days’ worth of all prescription medication
-3 sets of warm clothes
-5 gallons of drinking water
-battery-operated radio with fresh batteries
-can opener
-cash and credit card on your person at all times (not recommended to keep in unsecured location)
-chlorine bleach
-feminine products
-first-aid kit
-flashlight with fresh batteries
-hand sanitizer
-packaged food (5000-8000 calories of nutritious food) that does not have to be heated
-pain relievers
-paper plates
-plastic bucket with tight lid
-plastic garbage bags with ties (for personal sanitation)
-plastic ware
-sanitizing wipes
-sleeping bag or space blanket
-stomach remedies
-sturdy shoes
-three sets of underclothes
-toilet paper (at least 2 rolls)
-tube of disposable cups (hot/cold)
-warm jacket</p>

<p>travel bag of toiletries:
-comb
-conditioner
-deodorant/antiperspirant
-shampoo
-soap
-toothbrush
-toothpaste</p>

<p>MOST IMPORTANTLY,
BRING THE FOLLOWING . . .
-open mind
-positive attitude
-sense of humor
-tolerant spirit</p>

<p>THEATRE ARTS SUPPLIES
If you are a theatre arts student, you will work backstage—even if you aspire to be a leading lady. Additionally, some non-theatre arts students may take a general education course that requires backstage work. Theatre arts design students should invest in these supplies if they don’t already have them. Other students should only bring them if they already own them and are planning on working in the scene shop or on load-ins and strikes.</p>

<p>-adjustable wrench with a long lanyard
-construction knee pads
-cordless drill (18V or higher), batteries, and charger
-Phillips #2 bits
-framing hammer
-lighting gel swatches‡
-lighting template‡
-model making equipment and supplies‡
-Personal theatrical make-up kit%
-tape measure
-tool belt</p>

<p>%make-up students and students who perform in plays
‡design students only</p>

<p>WHAT NOT
TO BRING
**Weapons of any shape or form and incendiary devices are prohibited in most residence halls. Usually warm blooded, feathered and poisonous pets are also prohibited in the residence halls. Check with the housing office before bringing any of the following with you to school.
-air-soft/BB/pellet guns
-alcoholic beverages (if you are under 21 or it’s a dry campus)
-ALL of your clothes—not enough room
-ammunition
-barbecues
-candles
-CDs (upgrade to MP3 or Ipod)
-dart sets
-expensive keepsakes and jewelry (Things get broken and develop legs in college.)
-firearms
-fireworks
-high-school mementos (Yearbooks are OK, but don’t overdo it.)
-illegal narcotics
-incense
-other weapons (including non-cooking knives greater than 2½ inches)
-paint-pellet weapons
-pipes, bongs, beer kegs, stills, party balls (regardless of your age)
-refrigerators larger than 4 cubic feet
-toaster ovens
-toy guns
-VCR (Upgrade to DVD; they use less space)
-warm-blooded, feathered, or poisonous pets
-your boyfriend or girlfriend for an extended visit</p>

<p>ITEMS GENERALLY PROVIDED
IN EACH ROOM (so don’t bring)
-bed
-bookcase (check with housing website)
-closet
-desk
-desk chair
-dresser
-mirror (check with housing website)
-waste basket (check with housing website)
-window coverings</p>

211

<p>I guess we all need a hefty dose of humor at this stressful/emotional time.</p>

212

<p>Just picked up an idea from another thread of something we ended up needing but didn't have at move-in:</p>

<p>Bring a roll of masking tape and a sharpie to mark all student's bags, boxes etc with their name and dorm room. Because many dorms have upperclass students, athletic teams etc, helping on move in day, the stuff gets carried up without supervision. This ensures everything will end up in its rightful place.</p>

<p>With our 1st kid, we borrowed this from a wiser parent. With Kid #2 the following year, we were ready. It was a different school, but the same thing happened--luckily things that were momentarily "missing" all surfaced.</p>

213

<p>For this reason, you should make sure and somebody from your family should carry computers, TVs, etc.</p>

214

<p>I just printed out some Avery labels with d's name, dorm & room on it. Everything will have a label on it or it doesn't go into the car!</p>

215

<p>I didn't see these mentioned yet, although I may have missed it. I bought some XL and XXL Ziploc "Big Bags" <a href="http://www.ziploc.com/%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.ziploc.com/&lt;/a> to pack with linens, towels, socks, T shirts, etc. May be good for stuff like cables, sneakers, etc, too. Why didn't someone invent these a long time ago? There have been coupons for them recently in the Sunday paper inserts.</p>

<p>They are fairly heavy gauge and have handle cutouts. There is a white write-on area to put name and room #, as mentioned above. I'm thinking they'll be easy to tuck into tight spaces in the station wagon---and things that don't need to be unpacked right away can just be tossed in the bottom of the closet or under the bed.</p>

216

<p>I also bought some of those huge Ziploc bags. They're really strong looking and handy, much better than using garbage bags.</p>

217

<p>i'm packing right now and i've found space bags to be a lifesaver. (you know, those bags that connect to a vacuum cleaner to suck all the air out.) especially if you're planning on flying to school, they make packing easier. and since my suitcases are all pretty heavy, i can carry the bags up to my dorm individually if need-be.</p>

<p>i got 2 sets at linens n things (5 bags each) for a really good price.</p>

218

<p>Re: birth control pills - Students who have always been reliable with this occasionally forget more often with the added stress of entering college. Students who have just recently taken it up can have even more trouble. It certainly depends on the young woman, but an alternative is the Depo-Provera shot. You get a shot in the arm four times a year - that's it. All you have to remember is the appointment.</p>

<p>While we'd all like to think our daughters won't need it, I'd rather be safe(r) than sorry.</p>

219

<p>We are amazed at how the space saver bags work except for one problem...we only seem to get one use out of them. Does anyone have a brand that was more reliable for at least a few uses? We bought ours at Linens and THings.</p>

220

<p>D's dorm assigment packet included a bunch of stickers with her dorm name on them, a place for her name, room number and cell phone #. Could very well be color coded to boot, these are blue.</p>

<p>We've had very good luck with the Space Saver bags, multiple uses. Both the roll kind and the vacuum variety. Sent a few to S#1 for storage purposes year before last as well; for compacting AND keeping things sealed up and clean. The sliding thingy does tend to come off, but I just wiggle it back on and away we go. The jumbo ziplock bags are handy, too, but I can't always find them.</p>