As a mother of four, I have spent the last ten summers getting someone ready for college. There have been years when my husband and I have had multiple dorm move-ins in various parts of the country. While others are blissfully bathing on the beaches, I spend those lazy, hazy summer days figuring out the most frugal way to furnish dorm rooms or off campus apartments. Of course, this is in my free time after work! So here’s hoping you can use some of these suggestions to ease your first August college delivery trip and shop for only what they will really need in their dorm room.
Girls are a mixed blessing. My girls couldn’t wait to shop for their dorm room, but they also felt the necessity to buy everything! My boys, on the other hand, were somewhat apathetic. As long as they knew there would be a TV and their computers would be working, the rest was “whatever”! The compromise.. let’s make a college shopping list. Not those mile long ones that the retail chains publish, but a list of what they actually may need to furnish their dorm rooms. Our list has been fine-tuned over the years with changes in trends, technology and campus dorm facilities.
Before you start your own list, encourage the kids to contact their roommate and decide who is bringing what for the room .. especially the television/DVD player/video game system. They may each want their own T V, but in reality there is probably not enough room nor cable hook-ups. Also READ the housing information handbook so you know how the dorm rooms are furnished. Desk lamps, TV cable, closet space, carpeting?? My best advice is to try to be organized and actually have some fun with your kid as you get them ready to go. Here’s hoping the following shopping tips can be of assistance as you tackle getting your student ready for college. Here are my top 12 college shopping tips.
Probably the most often overlooked preparation involves their computer. Make sure you have the proper components to hook up the computer. Ethernet cord or wireless card.. how will they hook up? You will most likely receive information from the school’s technology department that tells you. Read it and bring it with you. The most awful experience is leaving them with no internet access. This is a priority. Make sure you have invested in a good surge protector and a lock for their computer that can wrap around the desk or bed legs. 2 extension cords and multiple outlet strips and have Dad bring his tool box. You’re bound to need it.
If you are hitting the big box retailers.. BRING COUPONS. I start accumulating these coupons in the spring. All my family saves them for me!
Do not spend a fortune on designer label comforters and sheets. Most dorms have twin extra long mattresses. Regular twin sheets will not fit these mattresses. Thus whatever bedding you buy has a lifespan that is limited to the time they are in the dorms. You can find a large assortment of colors, fabrics and designs, all pre-packaged in twin extra long size for under $100.00. I would recommend a comforter, 2 sets of sheets, two pillows and a backrest. They spend a lot more time studying on their beds than at their desks.
Do purchase a mattress pad, egg crate or feather bed mattress topper . Dorm bedding is usually not that comfortable and these will help make the bed more comfortable.
Limit your bath purchases to 3 extra large bath towels, 2 washcloths, 1 hand towel. Good but not best quality. These will not see year two in most cases, especially with boys.
Bring a bathrobe, some shower slippers or flip flops and a small carry container for shower supplies.
A collapsible mesh laundry hamper is the best means of storing dirty clothes. They fit more than a basket and can “stuff” into closets or under beds. Also bring bags of coat hangers from home.
Send your student with rolls of quarters for laundry machines if that is the standard form of payment in their laundry rooms. Check their housing information package to see if the machines are coin operated.
Purchase or bring an Ipod charger/alarm clock. It is a multi-purpose item that will be well and frequently used.
Rent the micro-fridge from the school. It is dual purpose, inexpensive to rent and easier on everyone’s back than hauling your own into the dorm. Usually they can split the cost with their roommate.
There will also be last minute purchases once the room is set up. Save the under bed storage bins, yaffa blocks, over door hangers until you get there. We have lugged more of these to colleges, only to have to bring them back as there was no room or no need. Remember to bring extra coupons with you!
Don’t plan to rush move in day. Allow time to go out and shop for last minute items you may need to finish furnishing the room. While you want their room to be all put together, don’t overstay your welcome. Sometimes they have orientation activities or just want to start hanging out in the hall. Watch for the signs and you will know when it’s time to go. You may be feeling sad as you head home without them, so use that time to think about a great care package that you can make for them. That will surely help you both get over any blues that may set in!
Reference:
- Unique, creative and fun college care package ideas can be found at www.celebrationideasonline.com/college-care-packages.html
