College Dorm Stuff

[CTdiznymom]

Haven't read thru the entire thread but just off the top of my head....

Wall tack to hang posters without doing damage to dorm walls.

ANT AND BUG SPRAY

Something that was invaluable to mom & dad (ok, mostly dad) was a hand truck dolly for moving in and out. The one we got from Xmas tree shop for $15 was collapsable, and was more like a rolling flat cart. Like the ones you see at BJ's when you buy bulk cases. Best thing we bought.

I would also wait until they get their room mate assignments. The colleges will also suggest items they may want.

 

[maktrk96]

How many are handling sending your son/daughter off to college well? I'm not. This is my first child and I'm having a very difficult time with this. Of course the first college is 3,000 miles away from us and then the other is like a 11 hour drive. I'm praying she chooses the closer one. lol

 

[santa's surpriz]

As a banker, the most valuable lesson you can teach a child BEFORE they go to college is how to balance a checkbook! Make sure they know how to reconcile an available balance against outstanding transactions (reinforce the importance of tracking transactions not just balances.) If a register is not his/her style try a small notebook. We take it for granted but kids are clueless. they really do not teach this in school anymore. Online banking is wonderful but it easy to lose sight of tracking. I recommend students reconcile daily just like we did in the "old days" with monthly statements. Also, it may not be a bad idea to have your bank "turn off" the "overdraft authority" attached to the checkcard (That the amount an account is allowed to ovedraft you & still charge you per transaction. It's always scary when a student overdrafts bc the transactions are small, but they are a plenty. I've seen accounts OD for transactions totaling less than $100, but they did so many transactions they OD fees exceeded $300-400!)

 

[Coll0610]

I remember buying a tabletop fan on my first trip to college after moving in. Like everyone else said, be sure to to check with the school before buying anything big. My sister wasn't allowed to have a microwave and was only allowed to use the bed risers that the school sold.

 

[CTdiznymom]

As a banker, the most valuable lesson you can teach a child BEFORE they go to college is how to balance a checkbook! Make sure they know how to reconcile an available balance against outstanding transactions (reinforce the importance of tracking transactions not just balances.) If a register is not his/her style try a small notebook. We take it for granted but kids are clueless. they really do not teach this in school anymore. Online banking is wonderful but it easy to lose sight of tracking. I recommend students reconcile daily just like we did in the "old days" with monthly statements. Also, it may not be a bad idea to have your bank "turn off" the "overdraft authority" attached to the checkcard (That the amount an account is allowed to ovedraft you & still charge you per transaction. It's always scary when a student overdrafts bc the transactions are small, but they are a plenty. I've seen accounts OD for transactions totaling less than $100, but they did so many transactions they OD fees exceeded $300-400!)

Excellent advise.

May I also add....Tell your kids not to sign anything. Credit Card companies prey on college Freshman. They think they're getting a free something or other and the next thing you know they have a new credit card.

Also...check your cell phone contract and make sure your not going to rack up roaming charges. You want to stay connected as cheaply as possible.

 

[punkin]

How many are handling sending your son/daughter off to college well? I'm not. This is my first child and I'm having a very difficult time with this. Of course the first college is 3,000 miles away from us and then the other is like a 11 hour drive. I'm praying she chooses the closer one. lol

I'm with you! DD17 is just a baby...she may be ready to go away, but I am definitely not!