<p>My D is likely going to go to college in NY or Mass while we live in California. I think we had a thread here about two weeks ago on this subject. Now I can't seem to find it. I was too busy reading the "getting in" threads and then the "acceptance" threads, so I didn't plan ahead. I remember theDad had some comments. So how about it? What do we fly and what do we buy? </p>
<p>Bring:</p>
<p>Buy there:</p>
<p>Hi Mardad,
We are from the East Coast and my son attends college in California so we were in the same boat with him as you are with your daughter. The thing to remember is, each person flying on a plane is allowed two large pieces of checked luggage. Since both my husband and I accompanied my son, and we needed very little for ourselves, we were able to bring quite a bit of his stuff within the six large pieces allowed. (He is a boy so maybe he had less clothes than a girl would :) ) He brought all of his clothes, a bunch of books, and his desktop computer and printer (minus the monitor). (He ended up buying a laptop one year later, but wanted to find out more about what he would need before buying a new computer.) We arrived on the day before orientation started, and purchased a bunch of school supplies, the monitor, and a small inexpensive microwave and refrigerator in local stores that day (Turned out he really didn't care whether or not he had the fridge or microwave.) I had ordered the sheets, towels, etc, and a bike from a student agency which had sent us information, but this turned out to be a bad thing to do, as we had a lot of trouble with the order and these things could just as easily have been purchased at Target or someplace similar at a lower price for the same or better quality. He is a junior now and puts stuff in storage over the summer. He has a very large suitcase which he brings home on breaks, often filled with dirty clothes, and he usually leaves out-of-season clothes at home (like sweaters) and returns with in-season clothes (short sleeve shirts). Another tip, we rented a minivan when we took him out there as a freshman, because all of this stuff really fills a vehicle up quickly. Others have had things shipped to the motel where they are staying, but we did not use that approach, so I can't give any comments on that approach.
Good luck.</p>
<p>Thanks MOT,
Bring (limit 2 large bags per travelling person):
Clotehes
Computer, if functioning
Books
Buy
Computer if old one is on its last legs (its last cpu?)
School supplies from a store similar to the one at home
Fridge
Bed supplies
Bike
Seasonal clothes</p>
<p>MotherOfTwo, can you rent a minivan to go just one way?</p>
<p>Mardad -
Sorry if I was unclear about the minivan. I meant that we rented a minivan at the airport in California instead of a sedan or something. I assume you will rent a car in Mass or NY after you fly from California.
Also, make sure to pack the computer VERY WELL if you do what we did. The people in baggage handlihg weren't very careful with it even though it was marked fragile. Something came loose inside, but my husband was luckily able to figure it out and fix it.</p>
<p>One last thing - about the monitor, flatscreen monitors were much less common three years ago, so I was referring to the large, thick type monitor. I'm sure it would be feasible to bring a flat, thin monitor on the plane if she had a desktop (rather than a laptop).</p>
<p>Mardad:</p>
<p>Remember that a lot of things can be ordered online and delivered to the college address. As well, in September, it will still be warm, so your D may wish to wait until she sees what styles are fashionable before buying.</p>
<p>Some ideas, however:
SILK UNDERWEAR (available through catalogs such as Landsend, LLBean); it adds a layer of warmth without being bulky and is machine washable.
WATERPROOF BOOTS (it's the slush and water as snow melts that 's the real concern). I have short boots and knee-high boots. Boots with Gore-Tex are best, though pricey. They keep the water out, but do not overheat feet.
PARKA. I wear one that is down-filled, but many prefer jackets that have fleece lining as it's less bulky. Northface, EMS, REI are popular brands.
GLOVES, HAT,SCARVES. A few of each, as they can easily be mislaid.
Lots of SWEATERS that can be layered. It may be cold outside, but inside, it may be overheated.</p>
<p>S#1 brought his laptop to college and back every time he came home. We brought a printer but it could easily have been purchased at a local Staples or Target or Walmart. He had X-long twin sheets. The first year, he brought a comforter, but the following year he decided one
blanket was enough, as his dorm was overheated. </p>
<p>Oh, and if you go back to the thread about good college advising websites started by Mr. B, I provided a link to a website for Belmont High that has a very comprehensive list of supplies to consider for college. Happy reading.</p>
<p>marite, thank you these are wonderful suggestions. Here is the site:</p>
<p>mardad - One key item I noted on the older thread was that stores such as Target, BB&B etc. can be "denuded" when you get there because so many other college families buying. Suggestion was made to order on-line from BB&B and arrange pickup at nearest store.</p>
<p>I was afraid of that possibility, that's why I used the student agency, but the stores were fullly stocked with linens, etc. I think they ordered extra knowing people would be buying these things. I was surprised.</p>
<p>Mardad,</p>
<p>If Daughter comes toNYC Barnard, there will be no shortage of places to shop. There is now a target in union square, before it is over she willbe taking the train down town discount shopping at Century 21, Filienes, Syms and the like. Now that we are into spring/summer gear winter stuff can now be purchased for a song. You can order stuff at bedbath and beyond and have it picked up at the store on 6th ave and 23rd street (would be easier to rent car/mini van once you get here). Find out if the school recommends a specific type of computer and see if they offer a discounted rate if you purchase through the school.</p>
<p>Marite, Every time you had snow this winter I would comment to my son, "another foot of snow in Boston. . ." He refuses to wear anything but sneakers, despite a mile walk to school. (Only uphill on the way home.) Perhaps he'll be more sensible next year. As far as the gloves, hat and scaves go, I would let the kid decide what s/he needs once s/he gets on campus. I am always amazed at the kids I see, bare headed and with coats unzipped, when the wind chill is down around zero. Just glad their mamas can't see them.</p>
<p>Think Walmart. If Walmart doesn't have it, your D doesn't need it. :)</p>
<p>But do you really want to buy it there?</p>
<p>1moremom:</p>
<p>The other week, as I was debating whether to pull up the hood of my down parka, I espied a guy wearing shorts and flip-flops. Each to his own.</p>
<p>However, my crocuses are coming out, so winter--touch wood--is soon going to be just a memory.</p>
<p>My crocuses are out, but it's snowing on them . . .</p>
<p>mardad - re clothes/winter gear. I re-emphasize 1moremom's point - these kids do not wear winter gear much. Heavily discussed on another thread several weeks ago. S has not owned boots for years, wears nothing heavier than a fleece, usually unzipped etc. Let her buy what others are wearing when the colder weather arrives - plenty of time for that either in stores or on-line. Parkas etc. are expensive and if it's not the style, she won't wear it.</p>