He's my only child so be nice I have questions My son will be living in the dorms. I have an idea of the things he will need like laptop, small refrigerator, tv, etc. But what other things are good to buy without going broke. Of course the University says only their sheets will fit their "extra long" beds so what all do I need to buy or look out for? What about college roommates are they evil? Does Nursey need to check some things out?

I'm doing the same thing! I'm trying to figure out this stuff too.

RodeoSchro said:

I'm doing the same thing! I'm trying to figure out this stuff too.

Okay so umm...let's get a plan together My son is going to UNT and they sent this order form today with all there stuff saying ordinary sheets won't fit there beds. WTH! I mean Im already paying 3000 for the damn room Im trying not to go broke

Just there sheets and towels/bathroom stuff for a pack is 200 I think it's cheaper @ Wally world

Small appliances:

• Alarm clock
• Fan
• Desk lamp
• Floor lamp
• Phone, cell phone or phone card
• Stereo or radio
• Television(optional)
• Refrigerator; can purchase or rent there
• Hand vacuum
• Coffee pot if allowed(optional)
• Hot pot; you don’t need if allowed a microwave
• Microwave if allowed(optional)

School Supplies:

• Pens
• Pencils
• Pencil sharpener
• Paper – lined, plain or graph
• Notebooks
• Sticky notes
• Highlighters
• Scissors
• Calendar
• Backpack
• Calculator
• Computer supplies; printer, surge protector, ink, disks, etc.

Personal care items:

• Soap
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Feminine napkins
• Tampons
• Shower shoes
• Lotion
• Toothpaste
• Toothbrush
• Toothbrush holder
• Makeup
• Deodorant
• Contact lens solution
• Hairspray/gel etc.
• Razors
• Shaving Cream
• Cosmetics

Linens:

• Extra long twin sheets; 2 sets
• Extra long twin mattress pad
• Bath towels; 2
• Hand towels; 2
• Wash cloths; 2
• Pillow
• Pillow cases; 2
• Blankets; 2

For the laundry:

• Laundry hamper – collapsible or a bag
• Laundry basket
• Laundry detergent
• Laundry dyer sheets
• Change

Medications and personal needs:

• Glasses
• Contacts and solution
• Headache pills
• Cold and flu medicine
• First aid kit; band aids, alcohol swabs, q-tips, ace bandage, etc.

Other needs:

• Hangers; multi pants and skirt hangers work well in a dorm closet
• Extension cords
• Removable poster adhesive
• Under the bed storage container
• Trash can and bags; small
• Milk crates or other storage type containers
• Throw rugs(optional)
• Dishes; bowl, plate, utensils, mug
• Can opener
• Cutting knife and board
• Dish soap and sponge
• Glass cleaner
• All purpose cleaner
• Paper towels
• Deodorizing spray

A fan, yes, my daughter's dorm room got so hot, no air conditioner. And change (quarters, more likely). Maybe you can order extra long sheets online.

morningsong said:

Small appliances:

• Alarm clock
• Fan
• Desk lamp
• Floor lamp
• Phone, cell phone or phone card
• Stereo or radio
• Television(optional)
• Refrigerator; can purchase or rent there
• Hand vacuum
• Coffee pot if allowed(optional)
• Hot pot; you don’t need if allowed a microwave
• Microwave if allowed(optional)

School Supplies:

• Pens
• Pencils
• Pencil sharpener
• Paper – lined, plain or graph
• Notebooks
• Sticky notes
• Highlighters
• Scissors
• Calendar
• Backpack
• Calculator
• Computer supplies; printer, surge protector, ink, disks, etc.

Personal care items:

• Soap
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Feminine napkins
• Tampons
• Shower shoes
• Lotion
• Toothpaste
• Toothbrush
• Toothbrush holder
• Makeup
• Deodorant
• Contact lens solution
• Hairspray/gel etc.
• Razors
• Shaving Cream
• Cosmetics

Linens:

• Extra long twin sheets; 2 sets
• Extra long twin mattress pad
• Bath towels; 2
• Hand towels; 2
• Wash cloths; 2
• Pillow
• Pillow cases; 2
• Blankets; 2

For the laundry:

• Laundry hamper – collapsible or a bag
• Laundry basket
• Laundry detergent
• Laundry dyer sheets
• Change

Medications and personal needs:

• Glasses
• Contacts and solution
• Headache pills
• Cold and flu medicine
• First aid kit; band aids, alcohol swabs, q-tips, ace bandage, etc.

Other needs:

• Hangers; multi pants and skirt hangers work well in a dorm closet
• Extension cords
• Removable poster adhesive
• Under the bed storage container
• Trash can and bags; small
• Milk crates or other storage type containers
• Throw rugs(optional)
• Dishes; bowl, plate, utensils, mug
• Can opener
• Cutting knife and board
• Dish soap and sponge
• Glass cleaner
• All purpose cleaner
• Paper towels
• Deodorizing spray

A fan, yes, my daughter's dorm room got so hot, no air conditioner. And change (quarters, more likely). Maybe you can order extra long sheets online.

Great list Morning thanks So for 3000 there is no air conditioner Not liking that and Imma be broke looking at this list

Morning you ever heard of the University having their own catalog for dorm stuff?

I loved this place almost a one shop stop place. Bed Bath & Beyond they have a lot of things through out the summer for kids going to college. You should be able to find oversized/long sheets.

Morningsong covered EVERYthing, good job. I would get a lock box or trunk of some size so he can lock up his valuables... something he can push under his bed. Imperative, a couple of flashdrives and yes an external hard drive. My family brought my daughter assorted gift cards to fast food and dinner chain restraunts for Sunday dinners and sometimes for Sunday breakfest.

Oh, LYSOL. Yes, I'm so serious. I would consider getting the extened warranty for the laptop, the ones were if you drop it, spill coffee on it, or its stolen they'll replace and/or repair at no cost.

--------------------------------------

[Edited 5/7/12 17:46pm]

TD3 said:

I loved this place almost a one shop stop place. Bed Bath & Beyond they have a lot of things through out the summer for kids going to college. You should be able to find oversized/long sheets.

Morningsong covered EVERYthing, good job. I would get a lock box or trunk of some size so he can lock up his valuables... something he can push under his bed. Imperative, a couple of flashdrives and yes an external hard drive. My famliy brought my daughter assorted gift cards to fast food and dinner chain restraunts for Sunday dinners and somtimes for breakfest.

Oh, LYSOL. Yes, I'm so serious. I would consider getting the extened warranty for the laptop, the ones were if you drop it, spill coffee on it, or its stolen they'll replace and/or repair at no cost.

Im on my way to BB&B and I was gonna by a trunk with a lock, but something smaller is better you're right. I think I'll give him my laptop that I bought in Feb-it has a warranty and I'll buy a new one Nice TD3 and I hope this is helping Rodeo too

nursev said:

Morning you ever heard of the University having their own catalog for dorm stuff?

I'm sure most do now, like my son's school, but he stayed home so I dismissed paying attention to anything dorm related, but the school was so thorough about everything else I'm sure they are thorough about that too. My daughter went to a small private college so they didn't have that kind of stuff available, so "we" learned the hard way. But a lot of that stuff on that list is just normal everyday stuff that can get forgotten about in the hustle and bustle of things. The medicine kit got forgotten about, and changing from one climate/altitude, headache and cold medicines are handy. And yes, lysol, we had to clean the first day she moved in, dusty.

morningsong said:

nursev said:

Morning you ever heard of the University having their own catalog for dorm stuff?

I'm sure most do now, like my son's school, but he stayed home so I dismissed paying attention to anything dorm related, but the school was so thorough about everything else I'm sure they are thorough about that too. My daughter went to a small private college so they didn't have that kind of stuff available, so "we" learned the hard way. But a lot of that stuff on that list is just normal everyday stuff that can get forgotten about in the hustle and bustle of things. The medicine kit got forgotten about, and changing from one climate/altitude, headache and cold medicines are handy. And yes, lysol, we had to clean the first day she moved in, dusty.

Oh okay so I guess it a norm. This is new for us both when I went to college I stayed at home. I'm glad my son wants to experience dorm life though. Thanks for the tip about cleaning and TD3's Lysol-will do

Congrats on your son's graduation and college acceptance! I graduated college a few years back and remember dorm living well. I'm also still in the university system and see/deal with undergraduates on a regular basis so I have a few suggestions.

1. Bed, Bath, and Beyond is the way to go. When my older sister went to college, she ordered sheets and a comforter from the university catalog and stopped using them after a semester. For one thing, the comforter got all misshapen after a couple of washings. Also, I never used those special extra long fitted sheets. My regular twin sheets from home worked fine. If you want to be on the safe side, you could buy one set of those long sheets, and then test out a set of regular twin sheets when you get to the dorm. Really, only the fitted sheet (the one that covers the mattress) might be the problem, but that wasn't my experience.

2. I'm going to add a few notes to morningsong's list:

morningsong said:

Small appliances:

• Alarm clock -- Cell phones now double as alarm clocks and don't need to be manually changed with day light savings time! If you still want to get a clock, make sure your son tries out the sound in the store. It needs to be something that will actually wake him up!
• Fan -- Definitely!
• Desk lamp -- One lamp is good to start out with. Some dorms come with floor lamps so it could be good to wait and see what your son's room will look like. Plus, your son will soon find out that actual studying can only be done in the library so he won't need to worry about having enough light in his room.
• Floor lamp
• Phone, cell phone or phone card
• Stereo or radio -- a luxury, plus computers now double as that so if anything, maybe speakers for his computer, but again, a luxury
• Television(optional) -- not necessary; I didn't have one for all my four years in college, and now, my students all use their computers.
• Refrigerator; can purchase or rent there -- depends on your son's preference; most students their first year will be on a meal plan so they'll be doing most of their eating outside. Refrigerator would be good for keeping drinks cool, but not entirely necessary.
• Hand vacuum -- Hmmm... I'm not sure what parents think their kids are doing in college, but cleaning is really the last thing happening. Some schools have weekly cleaning; some have floor vacuums/brooms that can be shared. If you're going to get any cleaning supplies, I'd probably get paper towels and/or those clorox/lysol wipes.
• Coffee pot if allowed(optional) -- Undergraduates are lazy. A coffee pot involves some form of cleaning so unless your kid is really into coffee, then no.
• Hot pot; you don’t need if allowed a microwave
• Microwave if allowed(optional) -- Probably the only appliance an undergraduate will use! More than a refrigerator! If your son's dorm has a communal/shared kitchen, that will most likely have a microwave, but that microwave will look pretty nasty very quickly so a personal microwave, if allowed, might be worth it.

School Supplies:

Whatever your son used in high school will be fine. Also, I'd wait to buy this stuff at the school bookstore, and also what he needs will depend on what courses he'll be taking. Most students I've had in class now take notes on their computers (particularly in large lecture courses) so that might affect how many notebooks, if any, he'll need.

• Pens
• Pencils
• Pencil sharpener
• Paper – lined, plain or graph
• Notebooks
• Sticky notes
• Highlighters
• Scissors
• Calendar -- most computers have these; also the student bookstore will have university planners, which are the best because they include important school dates. But again, this will depend on your son. Learning how to manage their time is the biggest lesson undergraduates will learn their first year away from home.
• Backpack
• Calculator -- depends on your courses; some science or econ classes will require specific types of calculators so I'd wait until after classes start.
• Computer supplies; printer, surge protector, ink, disks, etc. -- I second the other poster who mentioned a zip drive, but again, this will be another big lesson undergraduates will need to learn, how to back up all their work. As for a personal printer, you can get a decent one for relatively little, but keep in mind that most campuses have computer terminals where students can print out their work. Usually students are given a number of free pages, but then will pay a small fee for each printed page once they go over the limit. Last thing, a lot of coursework is submitted electronically so it will also depend on your son's classes if a printer is worth it.

Personal care items:

All I'm going to add is, YES!!!! SHOWER SHOES!!!!! A little plastic case to hold all bathroom supplies might be helpful if your son's dorm has communal bathrooms where you can't leave your stuff inside the showers.

Linens:

See above.

For the laundry:

Ahhh... Laundry... Well, aside from detergent, the only other thing necessary is a laundry bag. Most machines in dorms will work with money that's put on student ID cards (kind of like a debit card) so change shouldn't be necessary.

Medications and personal needs:

Tylenol/Advil

Other needs:

• Hangers -- Don't go crazy with these; some dorms also have drawers
• Extension cords -- DEFINITELY; also those things that have multiple outlets (I don't know what they're called)
• Removable poster adhesive
• Under the bed storage container -- Depends on dorm room; sometimes beds can be bunked or have drawers underneath them already. You might want to wait and see.
• Trash can and bags; small -- Most rooms come with a can so maybe just bags
• Milk crates or other storage type containers
• Throw rugs(optional)
• Dishes; bowl, plate, utensils, mug **Again, most undergraduates are on meal plans and/or don't have a free sink to wash dishes (and will get progressively lazier as the semester progresses) so if anything, you may want to buy some disposable plates/bowls/cups/utensils from Costco. Obviously not environmentally friendly but a more realistic option. Let's face it. These things are going to be used for cereal and/or ramen noodles.**
• Can opener
• Cutting knife and board
• Dish soap and sponge
• Glass cleaner
• All purpose cleaner
• Paper towels
• Deodorizing spray

^ The cleaning supplies above most likely won't be used. Like I mentioned before, what you'd probably need to buy are paper towels and a tube of disinfecting wipes. I do agree, though, that you might want to bring cleaning supplies for when you first arrive. Rooms aren't always "move-in" ready.

OK! I've gone on WAY too long. I hope some of this helps! Bottom line: don't panic and don't overbuy things!

LittleBear said:

Congrats on your son's graduation and college acceptance! I graduated college a few years back and remember dorm living well. I'm also still in the university system and see/deal with undergraduates on a regular basis so I have a few suggestions.

1. Bed, Bath, and Beyond is the way to go. When my older sister went to college, she ordered sheets and a comforter from the university catalog and stopped using them after a semester. For one thing, the comforter got all misshapen after a couple of washings. Also, I never used those special extra long fitted sheets. My regular twin sheets from home worked fine. If you want to be on the safe side, you could buy one set of those long sheets, and then test out a set of regular twin sheets when you get to the dorm. Really, only the fitted sheet (the one that covers the mattress) might be the problem, but that wasn't my experience.

2. I'm going to add a few notes to morningsong's list:

morningsong said:

Small appliances:

• Alarm clock -- Cell phones now double as alarm clocks and don't need to be manually changed with day light savings time! If you still want to get a clock, make sure your son tries out the sound in the store. It needs to be something that will actually wake him up!
• Fan -- Definitely!
• Desk lamp -- One lamp is good to start out with. Some dorms come with floor lamps so it could be good to wait and see what your son's room will look like. Plus, your son will soon find out that actual studying can only be done in the library so he won't need to worry about having enough light in his room.
• Floor lamp
• Phone, cell phone or phone card
• Stereo or radio -- a luxury, plus computers now double as that so if anything, maybe speakers for his computer, but again, a luxury
• Television(optional) -- not necessary; I didn't have one for all my four years in college, and now, my students all use their computers.
• Refrigerator; can purchase or rent there -- depends on your son's preference; most students their first year will be on a meal plan so they'll be doing most of their eating outside. Refrigerator would be good for keeping drinks cool, but not entirely necessary.
• Hand vacuum -- Hmmm... I'm not sure what parents think their kids are doing in college, but cleaning is really the last thing happening. Some schools have weekly cleaning; some have floor vacuums/brooms that can be shared. If you're going to get any cleaning supplies, I'd probably get paper towels and/or those clorox/lysol wipes.
• Coffee pot if allowed(optional) -- Undergraduates are lazy. A coffee pot involves some form of cleaning so unless your kid is really into coffee, then no.
• Hot pot; you don’t need if allowed a microwave
• Microwave if allowed(optional) -- Probably the only appliance an undergraduate will use! More than a refrigerator! If your son's dorm has a communal/shared kitchen, that will most likely have a microwave, but that microwave will look pretty nasty very quickly so a personal microwave, if allowed, might be worth it.

Tylenol/Advil

Other needs:

• Hangers -- Don't go crazy with these; some dorms also have drawers
• Extension cords -- DEFINITELY; also those things that have multiple outlets (I don't know what they're called)
• Removable poster adhesive
• Under the bed storage container -- Depends on dorm room; sometimes beds can be bunked or have drawers underneath them already. You might want to wait and see.
• Trash can and bags; small -- Most rooms come with a can so maybe just bags
• Milk crates or other storage type containers
• Throw rugs(optional)
• Dishes; bowl, plate, utensils, mug **Again, most undergraduates are on meal plans and/or don't have a free sink to wash dishes (and will get progressively lazier as the semester progresses) so if anything, you may want to buy some disposable plates/bowls/cups/utensils from Costco. Obviously not environmentally friendly but a more realistic option. Let's face it. These things are going to be used for cereal and/or ramen noodles.**
• Can opener
• Cutting knife and board
• Dish soap and sponge
• Glass cleaner
• All purpose cleaner
• Paper towels
• Deodorizing spray

^ The cleaning supplies above most likely won't be used. Like I mentioned before, what you'd probably need to buy are paper towels and a tube of disinfecting wipes. I do agree, though, that you might want to bring cleaning supplies for when you first arrive. Rooms aren't always "move-in" ready.

OK! I've gone on WAY too long. I hope some of this helps! Bottom line: don't panic and don't overbuy things!

OMG I love this and it's so thoughtful and considerate of what a teen will and won't use Thanks for the Congrats and you're right nowdays some things can be eliminated cuz the laptop can double as a stereo and such. This is great

^^^ a lot of things you said above I was thinking too, especially with computers and smart phones, as well as other stuff, but it's a good reminder.

The cleaning stuff I'm thinking mom (or dad) will be using that first day at least so it'll be good to have it along. Every parent was cleaning that first day, those rooms had been closed up for a while. But a big tub or two of those cleaning wipes is a good idea.

And I'm thinking you're thinking surge protector (or two) along with extenstion cord, that way they don't overload but still have a lot of outlet access.

morningsong said:

^^^ a lot of things you said above I was thinking too, especially with computers and smart phones, as well as other stuff, but it's a good reminder.

The cleaning stuff I'm thinking mom (or dad) will be using that first day at least so it'll be good to have it along. Every parent was cleaning that first day, those rooms had been closed up for a while. But a big tub or two of those cleaning wipes is a good idea.

And I'm thinking you're thinking surge protector (or two) along with extenstion cord, that way they don't overload but still have a lot of outlet access.

You guys are great! I'm taking all this in so the first day will go smoother than expected. Love all the info-keep em coming

my daughter signed up to go into the navy .. she leaves for basic in sept ..

jon1967 said:

my daughter signed up to go into the navy .. she leaves for basic in sept ..

I hope every thing works well for her

nursev said:

Morning you ever heard of the University having their own catalog for dorm stuff?

Some Michigan dorms do for the stuff that gets left at schools? Worth checking into but if they don't do you dollar stores near you? I would hit them and save a bundle. Also I didn't see the following:

battery operated latern

flashlights

Umberlla

picture handing materials

2 rolls of quarters

[Edited 5/7/12 21:27pm]

nursev said:

He's my only child so be nice I have questions My son will be living in the dorms. I have an idea of the things he will need like laptop, small refrigerator, tv, etc. But what other things are good to buy without going broke. Of course the University says only their sheets will fit their "extra long" beds so what all do I need to buy or look out for? What about college roommates are they evil? Does Nursey need to check some things out?

The more nights he spends at the dorm, the more money he will save (and you, if yo subsidize his lifestyle).

The guys who had nice T.V.s, computers, and (at that time, VCR) recorders, tended to stay in their dorms more than going out. I didn't have these things, so my entertainment was the bars and nightclubs---Even making as little money as I was back then, it wasn't unheard off for me to blow a few hundred in a week due to this. The guys who could find entertainment in their own dorms spent a fraction of this.

I would also buy him a whtie-noise generator

They really work, and cancel out noise from outside the general listening area.

Dorms are noisy.

For those who don't know what white noise generators are, there are two kinds.

the kind I'm talking about actually releases a low level sound that it outside of our

hearing range. We don't perceive the sound, but it is a sound, and cancels out

noises from outside our general area.

Several large corporations use it in their offices--you can have a conversation with

someone near you, and someone 20 feet away will barely be able to hear mumbling

because of them---yet, the office will sound quiet--almost earily quiet.

The other type, simple emits an 'ocean' sound which blocks out external noise.

You hear a sound on that one though, and it's generally used for sleeping.

DO...NOT...GET...HIM....AN iPad....

I teach at a Uni, and students DO NOT use them for anything but ignoring lectures.

nursev said:

OMG I love this and it's so thoughtful and considerate of what a teen will and won't use Thanks for the Congrats and you're right nowdays some things can be eliminated cuz the laptop can double as a stereo and such. This is great

Awesome! Glad I could help! College living is a big step, and it's good to get a handle on what you can before arriving because there are going to be so many other things that your son will have to think about (i.e. what classes to register for, where to study...). The last thing you want him to worry about is something like not having shower shoes! At the same time, it's OK if you can't cover all the bases. A lot of things you really won't be able to figure out until you're there, and if you realize after the fact that you actually needed something you didn't buy, you can always order it from Amazon. A huge part of the college/dorm experience is having your son figure these things out too. It's a pretty exciting time!

Another huge expense that might not seem so obvious are books. A flimsy paperback workbook for an elementary language course can easily cost over $100. So for this reason it might make sense to wait and buy only what's really necessary for his dorm. You can always buy that extra set of sheets or towels after your next paycheck, but textbooks need to be bought very early on in the semester. Professors and TAs will not tolerate excuses like, I couldn't do the reading because I still haven't bought my books. A big no-no!!!

morningsong said:

And I'm thinking you're thinking surge protector (or two) along with extenstion cord, that way they don't overload but still have a lot of outlet access.

Yes! A surge protector! Thanks! That was included in your list so I agree with you.

Speaking of cords, duct tape is good to have. Sometimes outlets are only on one side of a room so duct taping wires/cords to the ground will prevent tripping.

imago said:

DO...NOT...GET...HIM....AN iPad....

I teach at a Uni, and students DO NOT use them for anything but ignoring lectures.

^My condolences! Students will also use their phones and computers to not listen to lectures so there's no guarantee with technology. It ultimately is the student's loss if s/he isn't paying attention during lecture, and unfortunately, it's a lesson some need to learn the hard way. Academic advice is an entirely different thread, though.

nursev said:

What about college roommates are they evil? Does Nursey need to check some things out?

Get a GPA Boost Just By P...t Roommate

If they are going 2 school in an Urban area they might need a gun or at least a taser.

Lots of places sell bedding for extra-long twin beds. Lands' End is one. (I bought flannel sheets and a fleece blanket for my niece as a graduation present.)

1) Ear Plugs

2) A bookcase, those books will pile up fast as hell. By my second year in college I had

books stacked all over the place because I didn’t have enough shelf space

3) A removable drive, always handy when you can carry your files around. Plus, having his

work backed up someplace other than his computer is always handy. He could also use

Dropbox these days, but I still like to keep something extra just in case internet is not available.

4) The latest version of one of the writing handbooks (MLA, APA etc). I know it’s available

online, but online leads to more distractions than necessary. If he can do some work

without needing to be on the internet he may be able to get more work done.

5) One of those plastic kettle’s that heat water. Those were so fucking useful back when I was

on campus. He doesn’t have to worry about cleaning it, as he can just rinse it, but it lets

him make a quick cup of tea, coco, coffee, or soup without having to go out and purchase it.

6) Some kind of fold away laundry basket. These are cool because when he has dirty clothes

it can sit out without looking weird, but when he’s done it can be folded away to save space.

7) Sandals for the shower. Those showers can be gross as fuck, foot fungus is not cute.

I get what people are saying about food being available on campus, especially with a meal

plan, but having been there, I can tell you that the food isn’t always very good. There are

also usually limited hours of operation, so when he’s up at 2am finishing that paper he

should have already done, he’s going to need something easy to snack on. So some quick

dry foods and snacks will be handy as well as 2 small plates, 2 small bowels, 2 cups, etc

(one for him and at least a friend). Even if he doesn’t use them, they are there.

LadyCasanova said:

1) Ear Plugs

2) A bookcase, those books will pile up fast as hell. By my second year in college I had

books stacked all over the place because I didn’t have enough shelf space

3) A removable drive, always handy when you can carry your files around. Plus, having his

work backed up someplace other than his computer is always handy. He could also use

Dropbox these days, but I still like to keep something extra just in case internet is not available.

4) The latest version of one of the writing handbooks (MLA, APA etc). I know it’s available

online, but online leads to more distractions than necessary. If he can do some work

without needing to be on the internet he may be able to get more work done.

5) One of those plastic kettle’s that heat water. Those were so fucking useful back when I was

on campus. He doesn’t have to worry about cleaning it, as he can just rinse it, but it lets

him make a quick cup of tea, coco, coffee, or soup without having to go out and purchase it.

6) Some kind of fold away laundry basket. These are cool because when he has dirty clothes

it can sit out without looking weird, but when he’s done it can be folded away to save space.

7) Sandals for the shower. Those showers can be gross as fuck, foot fungus is not cute.

I get what people are saying about food being available on campus, especially with a meal

plan, but having been there, I can tell you that the food isn’t always very good. There are

also usually limited hours of operation, so when he’s up at 2am finishing that paper he

should have already done, he’s going to need something easy to snack on. So some quick

dry foods and snacks will be handy as well as 2 small plates, 2 small bowels, 2 cups, etc

(one for him and at least a friend). Even if he doesn’t use them, they are there.

I totally agree about the food thing. A jar of peanut butter, crackers, instant soup or noodle bowls, nuts - any of these can be real lifesavers. I always had a little electric carafe for heating water, too (as you mention - we didn't have microwaves in our rooms back then). And I'd keep Cup o' Soup, hot chocolate, tea and instant coffee around all the time.

And a great big "yes" to earplugs. Hugely helpful. You never know when you're going to get a roommate who snores - or is just plain noisy.

Ending yr 2 with child #4

It's REALLY hit or miss on the small stuff

3 colleges in the past 5 yrs ( with last 2 kids ) "only our sheets will fit " was BS on all 3 schools

there are so many factors really

I know folks don't like to admit it sometimes but the 99 cent store can have some useful stuff, just don't get extension cords and light bulbs from there, but those little waste paper baskets, paper towels and stuff.

nursev said:

RodeoSchro said:

I'm doing the same thing! I'm trying to figure out this stuff too.

Okay so umm...let's get a plan together My son is going to UNT and they sent this order form today with all there stuff saying ordinary sheets won't fit there beds. WTH! I mean Im already paying 3000 for the damn room Im trying not to go broke

Yeah, you need to get some twin xl sheets. The mattresses are longer than a regular twin bed. Don't order from the school The different things he will need will be much more inexpensive elsewhere. I bought everything at Bed Bath and Beyond, Target and Ikea when I dormed.

I think that everyone here has covered it pretty well, but again... EAR PLUGS!!! Oh lawd Girls especially are so damn loud. I probably averaged 2-3 hours hours of sleep per night because of it. I don't know how I lived through it.

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[Edited 5/8/12 16:26pm]