can you help me make a list of office supplies needed for college?

[msdznyduck]

I second the idea to check with the school......at my DS's college, laundry is FREE. (not the detergent, just the machines) Not that he uses it. Just brings it home to do most times.

He also needed a foot locker (with lock) so that when he is out of the dorm, he can put his whole backpack/laptop in there. He is sharing a 'quad' room with 3 other guys, and didn't want to rely on one of them to make sure to lock the door when they all were not in the room.

A fan also came in handy, since classes started late Aug., and he is on the 8th floor, it was REALLY hot in their room.

A power strip came in handy for behind the desk for all the 'stuff' that needed to be plugged in.......outlets are at a premium.

He took his wastebasket from home, and I just kept an eye on all the back to school sales the beginning of Aug., and got quite a lot for not so much $$.

He also needed colored pencils, markers, and crayons.....of all things, for college kids. Fortunately, I had picked up some for DD, and since DS is only 23 miles away, we were able to drop them off the next weekend.

 

[Tigger1221]

Oh also maybe if you know her well something to do in her spare time, books, drawing, whatever she likes.

 

[WatchinCaptKangaroo]

Check the Target dollar section for laundry supplies. They have sweater bags and laundry sacks there right now.

 

[zumbergc]

I always find the best time to get school supply items is towards the end of the summer, with all the back to school sales.

 

[spaceacewannabe]

Three hole punch - my DD uses this a lot.
I'll second the zip drive.

YES! I agree---a three-hole punch is so necessary and so easy to forget...I still can never find it when I need it.

 

[dopeyfanatic]

When my best friend went to college after hs I bought her a drawer/tub and fillded it with shampoo/conditioner/hairspray/moose....all the hair products. I also gave her laundry soap and snack foods. Nice big towels for her showers so she can fully cover/wrap herself afterwards. If you can get her one, a cheap microwave would be really nice. It will allow her to be able to make a quick something in her room while she's studying instead of having to go some where to eat. It will also save on her food bill. It's doesn't have to be big. A lot of foods though have a micro option instead of oven/stove. If you know anybody else that is close to her, try to throw her a going away shower. Like a baby/wedding shower, but for her dorm room supplies. That way you can get some cute little things to be centerpieces for the table, and then she could keep them. Like perhaps on one table a pencil holder full of pencils. Just a thought to help share the fun with helping this girl off in life, and lifting some of the burden off you to help provide for her. Not that it's your job, but I know I get in the mode that I want to provide it all for someone in need, and it doesn't work out that way on my income. But if you share it between you and a few people you'll be able to give her so much more!!!

 

[Twende]

She will need bath towels, wash rags and hand towel. Most kids like a shower caddy with holes in the bottom to carry soaps, shampoos, toothbrushes and etc to the bathroom.

She will need bed linens. Usually twin/single size but some colleges have extra long mattresses so check with the school. She will want a mattress pad and maybe a waterproof zipper cover for the mattress. She will need pillows and a comforter.

A small carpet to put at the side of the bed is nice if the room does not have carpeting.

Trash cans, alarm clock, reading light, extension cords or power outlets are great too.

Most schools ask you to bring your own hangers.

A hot pot, coffee maker or a small micro wave oven is nice. Always find out who the roommate will be before buying big stuff as the roommate my already have these things.

Many college kids take refrigerators, televisions, couches, television centers, music systems, microwaves, special bunk beds or loft beds and computer.

At some colleges a bike is nice. Make sure that she has a bike lock for it.

Candles and things that have open fires are never allowed. Even if the candle is never lit, it can not be in the room.

Some schools have very strict rules about tools and at other colleges you really can use a hammer, screwdrivers and pliers.

Most colleges will only allow things to be put on the wall with sticky putty that is made for that purpose and will not mar the walls.

Normal desk supplies are nice but don't go overboard. Stapler, scissors, pens, # 2 pencils, and spiral bound notebooks are a must.

Many colleges are starting to allow free laundry as part of housing fees. Others have put laundry accounts on their ID cards and the kids recharge the accounts as needed.

A mesh laundry bag or two is very nice as it takes up very little room.

A good back pack is a must. Depending on what courses she is takign she may need a specific calculator.

Most colleges have computer labs that are open for the students. They may have limited hours or just be a real pain to get into. A nice computer system is a real plus but not 100% necessary but it sure makes life easier.

A few colleges provide laptops as part of their tuition.

You really should go to the specific colleges web site and look to see if they do not have lists in their student housing section. If not call the housing department and see what they suggest.

You are making a big difference in this young lady's life! Thank YOU!

 

[kileybeth]

I think you are getting some great ideas here but I just wanted to reiterate about not over buying school supplies. She will also want/need to pick a lot of them out on her own after she gets her classes lined up, etc.

what I would do (as you can afford it) is pick up gift cards from multiple places. some suggestions would be (and of course pick what is near campus, google locations) target, staples, walmart, coffee shops, dunkin donuts, borders/barnes and noble, city bus pass (if she doesn't own transportation, fast food GCs, ruby tuesdays (gotta love 1/2 price appetizers), on and on and on.

And put them all in differnt size plastic type files that zipper shut. She can use these for other things as well. nice presentation too.

Paper and pencils and pens are good but sometimes a candybar or coffee at 2am is way better. . .

also if she is going to have to travel to get to campus, hauling paper and stuff a long ways is not easy.

A shopping spree just adds to the excitement!

 

[Grumpy's Gal]

you guys are great!!! I am making notes of each and every thing you said.

Thank you!!!

and if you think of more, post away! I'll check back!

 

[Tinkerbelle32]

Very important- A small dry erase white board and dry erase marker. When friends come by, etc. they will write on these boards(you hang on your door). We forever used these when I was in college.

 

[3mickeymom]

Everyone in my son's dorm is always running out of printer paper.