When you head off to college there are a number of items you need to take with you. Moving out of your parent’s home and into your own can be a big eye opener, especially when you realize all the “stuff” it takes to make a home comfortable and usable. You have to have certain items for every room of the house, and even if your dorm comes furnished, you still need things to fill the cupboards, drawers, table, and desktops, not to mention linens for the bed, towels for the bathroom, etc. Because it can be quite overwhelming, and may leave you feeling lost, the following a checklist that will help you gather your off to college needs. It may not be completely comprehensive, but it should help you cover the basics so that you do not show up and feel like and interloper.
Even if there is a store close by where you can go pick up the things you miss, it is a good idea to go prepared so that during those first few days of getting settled, meeting new friends, and starting school, you do not feel like you have to be out running errands just to be able to sleep comfortably, have sheets, etc.
Kitchen Supplies
Cups
Bowls
Plates
Mug
Fork, knife, spoon
Can opener
Tupperware
You can infuse your own style when at college.
Linens
Sheets and pillowcases
Towels
Pillows
Mattress pad
Blankets
Comforter
Laundry
Stain remover
Quarters for laundry mat
Lint brush
Sewing kit
Toiletries
Medicine
Band-aides
Shower stuff
Hair styling products
Soaps
Tweezers, clippers, razors
Floss and toothpaste
Lotion
Room Needs
Lamp
Alarm
Trash can
Storage
Hangers
Bulletin board/dry erase
Electronics
Computer
Printer
Phone cord
Ethernet cord
Headphones
Surge protector
Extension cords
Music player
Desk Supplies
Memory sticks
CD-Roms
Address book
Stapler and staples
Printed paper
Pens, pencils, markers
Notebooks
Pocket folders
Labels
3 x 5 cards
Paperclips
Rubber bands
Scissors
Ruler
Highlighter
Envelopes/stamps
Dictionary and thesaurus
Other Stuff
Cleaning supplies including dish soap, laundry detergent, and basic cleaners
Household products (light bulbs, trash bags, Ziploc bags)
Storage containers
Proper Clothing
If your school has a dress code, it is important to think about that. If you are going to school in a different climate than where you live, you may need to adjust your wardrobe accordingly. In addition, make sure that you have enough clothes to get you through the whole week, as you may not have a washer and dryer in your dorm, and will have to wait until you go home, visit a laundry mat, or get quarters for the nearest machines.
You know yourself well, if there is anything else that you will need to be able to enjoy your time in college, make sure you have it, even if that means a candy stash, or a set of your favorite books, a subscription to a favorite magazine, or a blanket you have had since you were a small child.
Parenting viewpoints from parents in the trenches, because parenting doesn’t come with a manual. In addition to