<p>Tupperware containers to save food from the dining hall for the times when you'll be missing a meal</p>
<p>cereal bowl and spoon</p>
<p>Bottle opener.</p>
<p>Condoms are usually free and widely available on college campuses, so they're not really necessary.</p>
<p>A box to lock away valuables. </p>
<p>We got this one:</p>
<p>A lock is used around the bedpost that goes through the handle on top.</p>
<p>Have them bring all software CDs and manuals that came with their computers, just in case.</p>
<p>Target had a deal on a lint roller and a small bottle of that Downy wrinkle remover. I don't know why they don't sell small bottles of the wrinkle remover in the trial toiletries section, it's the perfect travel companion.</p>
<p>The things that I noted that my son asked for or bought on his own were an umbrella (I found one that had a flashlight in the handle!) and a dustbuster. My son is very untidy and tight with his money so for him to go and buy a dustbuster tells me that it must be an essential.</p>
<p>padfoot: "....Condoms, Waterproof jacket."</p>
<p>isn't that redundant?</p>
<p>If you're buying a new bike for campus, consider this: take off all the old things from your current bike (mirror, water bottle, etc) and leave a stripped bike at home. But don't do it if your younger sibs expect something usable in the garage!</p>
<p>I remember packing my daughter's software CD's and manuals freshman in a large ziploc. When I was helping her unpack I told her I would put them in her bottom desk drawer, out of the way but available. She was having trouble with her printer or computer so I told her to get her installation disk and gave her instructions. Her reply was, "I don't have that, I left it at home." I then told her to check her drawer; she didn't remember us putting everything there!</p>
<p>Mom to the rescue once again!!!</p>
<p>Salt and pepper.</p>
<p>Lock for laptop
paper towels
swiffer cloths
headphones
trashcan w/bags
corded phone in case the electricity goes and cell phone can't be charged</p>
<p>A map of the local area if student will be driving.</p>
<p>add to the medicines:Nyquil,Dayquil and aspirin/advil/tylenol
the new "squid"type power strips are very helpful as opposed to the standard stright strip
extra coaxial cable
have the duct tape handy on move in day
the handiest sewing kit to give a kid is those freebie types you get in hotel rooms,with the prethreaded needles,acouple of buttons,etc.also can be purchased
small tool kit
S and D both liked having a mag lite type flashlight and a swiss army/leatherman type tool
scissors-home office type and nail size type</p>
<p>Wonderful thread.</p>
<p>A roll of quarters for laundry (laundry soap etc can always wait until after they get out there, unless you want to haul it now)</p>
<p>And some 2 cent stamps for returning students to go with the ones from last year that are in storage. LOL.</p>
<p>Any and all prescriptions your child needs (make copies for your files)</p>
<p>Referrals to any necessary specialists, e.g., eye doctor or dentist, in the area from his/her doctor (it's nice to have them on hand just in case)--keep a copy for your files</p>
<p>Contact list of relatives/friends in the area, again just in case, plus give those folks your child's contact information should they be interested in inviting her/him out/to their home</p>
<p>The previous posters have already hit on the biggies!</p>
<p>Add: Hangers</p>
<p>Of course, if you're flying, put all those scissors and swiss army knives underneath the plane, not in your carry-on luggage (security check!)</p>
<p>Believe it or not...on our first visit we were asked to bring an ironing board since they had an iron but no ironing board. Also lots and lots of febreeze. </p>
<p>The small $10.00 computer tool kit we purchased became a very popular item as many people asked to borrow it.</p>
<p>I echo the Sudafed rec. Many states are putting it behind the pharmacists' counter now and a kid out on their own for the first time, feeling sick, doesn't need the hassle. </p>
<p>BB&B has laundry soap in little capsules that come in a small box -- Dropps(?). No lugging a bottle of detergent around. I spilled a small one once in my own laundry room and it took ForEver to clean up. We also bought a container of pop-up cleaning wipes which, I have no doubt, will never be opened! </p>
<p>Also an LED flashlight is better than one with a bulb -- brighter and doesn't need replacement like a bulb will. </p>
<p>This thread is Great! Reading it with a piece of paper and a pen at my side to make a list from all your fab. suggestions!</p>
<p>post-it notes; one S loves them, one S detests them. Too much like Mom, I guess.</p>