If your child is going away to college this year, you probably have been shopping all summer in preparation.
I have done that a few times and wanted to share what we have on our necessary dorm checklist:
Bedding
Sheets (usually extra long)
comforter
pillow
mattress pad
blanket
Personal Items
shower caddy
towels (bath and beach)
toiletries
medications (incl OTC cold, fever medicine)
first aid kit
collapsible laundry bag
clothing
jackets/sweaters
swim suit
underwear
shoes/flip flops
Household
shoe bag
tall mirror
hangers (the thin fuzzy kind will maximize space)
laundry bag
small plastic stackable bins/drawers
paper towels
plastic plates, cups
trash bas
windex
Simple tool kit & extension cord
School Supplies
laptop or computer
printer
printer ink
power cord
lock for computer
pens/highlighters/pencils
lined/printer paper
dry erase board or clipboard
binders/file folders
desktop storage
desk lamp/light bulbs
When shopping for dorm items, many stores will add many things to your suggested supply list. From my experience there are several things that really are not necessary. For example, if you can send your student with a cell phone, most likely it has an alarm on it so you do not need to purchase an alarm clock. Most computers and cell phones also have calculators on them, so they probably do not need to take a calculator. (Unless of course, your child needs a specialty financial or scientific calculator).
Nowadays, so many TV shows and movies are available on line. They can use their computer for those things and really do not need a TV. Besides, if they live in a dorm, there are lots of TV rooms on campus.
Similarly, you do not need to send a stereo with your student. With radio stations and sites like Spotify and Pandora, all one needs is a computer with speakers. A small MP3 player is a nice thing to send with your student.
Refrigerators and microwaves are usually available to rent on campus. It is easier to rent them and not have to haul them around after the school year ends. It is especially nice if one roommate rents the microwave and another rents the refrigerator. Toasters, hot plates etc, are usually not allowed in most dorms so check before you plan to buy any of these items.
Snacks and sodas or juices are nice, but they will be more likely to get something from the school cafes. Cereal, oatmeal and dry soup is nice to have, but they will most likely buy what they need on campus, as they need it.
As far as decorations, consider bringing a bulletin board and maybe some photos. Your student will be getting freebies as a freshman with the college logo and will soon fill their dorm room with souvenirs from their new life. Trust me, it may look sparse to start out with, but that will change once school starts. They do not need to bring lots of decorative items from home. Those items will stay with you long after they move out of their dorm, maybe even forever if you let them.
I hope this lists helps, as we over bought stuff when our son went to college and I know that you want to send your child with all the comforts of home, but the truth is, they do not need much. There will meet so many people and will be too busy studying and socializing to notice that they are not without the excess things. Besides, there is a student store that carries just about anything they might need, in case they forget something.
Do you have a student going off to college this year? Or if you are a recent student, did I leave anything off of this list?
another jennifer
Super helpful tips! Moving into a dorm seems so much easier now than when I was in college. Not having to lug all the electronic equipment alone (because everything is on your computer or phone) is a huge help!
organizedisland
Yes, Jennifer I agree! Thanks for stopping by the Island. Hope you have a great weekend!
Paloma
Have I told you how much I admire you? The way you put things together and how clearly you express yourself on organization is amazing... no wonder I can't organize my own drawer! LOL! 🙂 I guess we're all different! 🙂
organizedisland
Oh Paloma you are so sweet - that is the nicest compliment! ((Hugs)) Thank you!
Elise
Wow that is quite the list! Stopping by from a blog hop, feel free to stop by mine when you get a chance:
http://www.iheartpears.blogspot.com
organizedisland
Hi Elise - thanks for your comment. I will be visiting your blog. 🙂
Tami Rebekah (@Bohotreehouse)
OMG!! I remember going off to college!! I had soo much stuff and had to haul it up three flights of stairs!! Haha those were not the days! Love your blog!! too cute! Can't wait to read more!
organizedisland
Thanks for your sweet comment Tami! 🙂
Nessa
This really brings back memories of when I first went away to college. I absolutely love college shopping. I'm sure my mother did not feel the same way though :p
organizedisland
Thanks for stopping by Nessa!
austine
Oh the good old days of sharing a room, staying up late to study and working to make that late deadline. Cafeteria food and new friends.
organizedisland
Amazing how fast those days go isn't it? Thank you for stopping by 🙂
Scattered Musings of A Creative Mind
Great tips, I have a few years before I'll have to do this type of planning and shopping
dropping by via Friendship Friday hop. I've enjoyed my visit and I'll be stopping back by in the future. (following in all the networks we have in common)
Food Stories
Looks like you thought of everything, good job 🙂
organizedisland
Thanks for stopping by!