<p>My D will be a freshman moving into McNutt-Crone in the fall. We are planning on flying rather than driving therefore I thought we could just purchase most of the stuff for her dorm when we arrive. Can someone who has done this recommend some local stores? Is there a Target or Bed Bath and Beyond? When I tell people this is our plan , they are skeptical. We will bring her clothes and a laptop, and purchase sheets /comforter in Bloomington. What else does she really need? Thanks.</p>
<p>This plan should work fine. There is a Target and 2 BBB stores in Bloomington. BBB has a program that allows you to order everything online and pick it up locally. I believe IU also has a night during the first week when students can get a bus to Wal-mart for forgotten items. The RPS moving in guide has a pretty good list of things she might need–ie alarm clock; shower things, etc.</p>
<p>lsb312, we’re coming from California and are also moving into McNutt-Crone (Kelley LLC) and have the exact same plan. So we’ll see you at Bed Bath and Beyond!</p>
<p>Thanks rrah and Tulare, when I tell people here in NY that we are not driving they all say "What about all of her stuff? " As long as she has clothes and her ipod my daughter is pretty much good to go. I just felt like maybe I was missing something. My daughter is also Kelley LLC, in fact she is flying to IU right now for orientation. Thanks again!</p>
<p>Don’t get me wrong, my D thinks she needs to bring all of the many, many pairs of high heeled, open-toed shoes she owns. She hasn’t fully grasped the walking for miles in snow concept. But with two checked bags each (free on Southwest) we can get all of her clothes there and buy bulkier items like bedding, toiletries, etc. when we get there. Let us know how orientation goes. I’m glad to see another parent is staying behind (I am too and only felt slightly guilty). My D goes at the end of this month and is pretty well prepared with all of the great tips we’ve found on this forum.</p>
<p>lsb and Tulare,</p>
<p>Be sure to take advantage of BB&B’s preorder program. First, it will save you ALOT of time if you are able to go pickup your prepacked order, rather than shopping the aisles with a gazillion other freshman families. Second, if you wait to shop there, some items quickly become unavailable. Ordering ahead will help ensure that your daughters get the things they need/want.</p>
<p>Thanks Illinoismom, I just called BB&B and the representative told me to go my local BB&B and ask for the "Pack and Hold " program. She said they will give me a scanner to scan all items we want to purchase and then they send the order to the BB&B at the college mall, Bloomington. Sounds great. Thanks for the heads up regarding items selling out.</p>
<p>Tulare, actually my husband did go with my D for orientation but I’m sure it is not necessary. Soon enough, they will be traveling by themselves . They will be well prepared for all of those business trips they are sure to have in the future. We also fly Southwest, the 2 free checked bags will come in handy.</p>
<p>Wow, thanks for the good advice IllinoisMom. I hadn’t thought about the crowds and BB&B running out of things. We’ll definitely pack and hold. We only have one day between arriving and moving in, so that will make it less stressful.</p>
<p>^^^ You are both welcome. The reason I can give this advice is because I’ve lived through freshman move-in shopping TWICE! You’d think I would have learned my lesson after the first.</p>
<p>We are considering flying rather than driving, as well. We live in Maine and our son is attending IFS so he starts in August. The thing is he wants to bring his bike and guitar. We can ship his bike ups, but we’re trying to decide whether to ship his guitar, take it as carry-on (?) or check in as luggage. We’d be flying Southwest. Any advice is welcome!</p>