College Packing - Freshman

[dthogue]

My oldest DD will be a college freshman this fall - I've been following all the threads on paying for college, but now need help in packing for college. What tips can you share - things not to forget and experiences to help make this transition easier for all. Is there an item(s) that she might need that I might not be thinking about? Thanks for your help!

Tammy

 

[Dana49]

We let both of our children take whatever they thought they needed in their first year. However, we gave them restrictions on much we can fit into two cars. With both, as the years went by, they chose to take less and less. I wouldn't get too involved in this "what to bring" thing. Stress-wise, it's much easier for you to just go with the flow.

 

[poohlover]

2 things my college age DD's really thought was great was a first aid kit...I packed Tylenol, baindaids, cold stuff, stomach stuff, ace bandage, heat pack, cold pack, what ever you may need when you are sick...first it was great as when someone else was sick it opened a path to a new friendship, and when you are not feeling well...you want it then! You don't want to walk where ever to get something! I add bags of M & M's (for medicinal purposes only!) every few months (think exam times here).

The other was a small set of screwdrivers, hammer, duct tape!, and some other wrenches. Kids that bought some furniture at Ikea never thought of what they would need to put it together. Came in very handy!

Check out the school's limitations on what they can have in rooms...some don't allow coffee makers ect.

Good luck!

 

[bdcp]

First, check the list that schools usually post about what they cannot bring. Also, lists put out by stores, etc are way too big. We've sent two boys off to school and they both ended up bringing home some clothes and a few other items after the first semester that they just didn't need. My two only took two sets of towels and one set of sheets. The idea is to wash and put the sheets right back on, but most college kids rarely wash sheets. I'd also suggest a portable file box. Dorm rooms tend to have limited storage so dont' plan on her keeping a suitcase there-mine had collapsible gym bags for when they came home. Closet space is limited so, girls especially have to be willing to pare down their wardrobes.

 

[Twende]

I am a parent who has put three kids through college recently, two will graduate soon ...... one with a BS and one with a Masters! Sorry, it's been a long road and I just had to brag!

Have you toured the dorm where she will be staying? That always helps you see exactly what you are going to need.

The suggestion of a good basic first aid kit is perfect and a must!

The tool kit is also one of favorite things to make sure that the kids have and of course know how to use. One of the colleges one of children attended would not allow tools of any kind but all of the others did!

Another must in my book was a flashlight just in case of emergency. You never know when the power might fail or some weird critter sneaks in and gets under a bed or dresser. Our one DD ended up with a large snake loose in her dorm. It was a wild one, as in one that come in from the outdoors rather than one that some dorm mate had sneaked in as a pet!

The kids use to need a stack of quarters to run the laundry but it seems most colleges have wised up and included either laundry cards where you load on money or free laundry that is tied to the school ID. If the laundry room is in another building you may want to get her a hamper on wheels.

Schools have different rules about the use of extension cords and or power bars so you need to check the college's web site and see what is allowed.

We always packed a good mattress cover and pad. Most of the mattresses have seen some wear and tear and I just felt better knowing that the bed was covered. Our son liked to sleep on one of those egg shell pads so he packed one of those every year.

We use to send the kids with addressed and stamped envelopes but with the commonness of the computer we gave up expecting letters.

I think most kids today take a computer with them to college. All colleges have computer labs and in fact ours still use those for printing to save themselves the cost of ink.

One thing I have learned is to not allow them to take anything that is irreplaceable to college. DD lost/had stolen her favorite necklace. She was so upset but there was really not much to do about it. Things disappear so make sure those things are just that things! Expensive items can be marked with an engraving pen. We borrowed ours from our local police department. You can also check with your home owners policy and see if they cover dorm room content and what those limits are.

We were surprised when 2 out of 3 of our children asked to have us bring them a bike on our first visit to them. The learned quickly that many campuses are large and that a bike makes life easier. Now these two were in the south and I think the nice weather had a lot to do with that. Our other child was in college in the north and I suspect that the snow may have discouraged bike riding! If they want a bike make sure you get a good, easy to use and compact bike lock.

All of our kids wanted good sturdy back packs. College books cost a literal fortune and weigh way too much!

We learned to hit Walmart at home at the end of summer and stock up on spiral notebooks, paper and basic school supplies. It seemed by the time college started their local stores charge much more for these basic items.

Depending on your child preferences and hobbies you will have to pack some strange stuff. Our one DD loved to ice skate and found she missed her skates. Another child got into an outdoor adventure club and before we knew it she had acquired rock climbing gear with all kinds of ropes, helmet and beaners. She now has off campus housing and has an entire bedroom devoted to her and her housemates outdoor gear!

The kids have always packed (or purchased at the local store when we arrive), some of their favorite snack foods. All three kids ended up with refrigerators and microwaves in their rooms. It ended up being cheaper to buy them than rent them but then you do have to haul them around and store them over the summer and sometimes beyond that. You would laugh if you saw the mini frig tucked into a corner of one room in our house right now. DD did not need it this year as she is in a house but she remarked that you just never know where she might end up next year so please just store it for me!

Those summers home were the biggest adjustment for all of us. Beside trying to find a place to store their accumulated material goodies; you have a child who is now use to coming and going whenever they please. It took a few conversations on everyone part to remember to be respectful of others in the house.

All in all it has been an incredible experience for all of us. Try to just smile, relax and have a bit of fun. Oh yeah, sneak a box of tissues in the car for the ride home! You will survive this!

 

[donald&daisy]

I would second the person who said don't over pack. I brought soooo much stuff my first semester and by the end of college I could easily fit all my possessions in the trunk and back seat of my car. I can't really think of anything special I wished that I had...Oh, maybe a magazine subscription. It is fun to get mail and everyone needs some down time

 

[Lynn CC]

My DS thought the most important items that he couldn't live without were his Bose noise canceling headphones (the guy next to his room had music that literally shook DS room (for a while until the RA set the rules). He used them for studying in his room throughout the year too.

The other item was a CAT 6 Ethernet cord for his laptop. They were not provided for them, they had to bring them, an item that they need to hook up to the internet which is very important to college students! DS called before and asked if his room was going to be wireless or not and even though they are wireless now they were not in 2005 when he moved in.

 

[WeRblam]

My DS thought the most important items that he couldn't live without were his Bose noise canceling headphones (the guy next to his room had music that literally shook DS room (for a while until the RA set the rules). He used them for studying in his room throughout the year too.

The other item was a CAT 6 Ethernet cord for his laptop. They were not provided for them, they had to bring them, an item that they need to hook up to the internet which is very important to college students! DS called before and asked if his room was going to be wireless or not and even though they are wireless now they were not in 2005 when he moved in.

Don't you mean CAT 5 cord? Or did they change it to CAT6 recently?

 

[trip]

If you don't loft your bed, my DD's liked bed risers - it gives more room for under bed storage. They elevate your bed from 5 - 8 inches.

 

[Ciao Mickey]

Extension cords, plastic hangers, light bulbs.

Best to check out the dorm first and see what is needed.

 

[Green Tea]

I was going to suggest a mattress pad but the wise post above already did that. Thanks, for all that advice Twende. I am sending my first off in the fall. A tool kit was my first college purchase. DS got one for Christmas. The first aid kit is a GREAT idea. I will start putting one together.

 

[cats mom]

Another must in my book was a flashlight just in case of emergency. You never know when the power might fail or some weird critter sneaks in and gets under a bed or dresser. Our one DD ended up with a large snake loose in her dorm. It was a wild one, as in one that come in from the outdoors rather than one that some dorm mate had sneaked in as a pet!

Lots of great suggestions!

Just had to comment on the snake incident.
DD had a mouse in her room just the other day. She thought it was her roomie, who owns a snake and feeds the darn thing mice, playing an April Fools joke on her... nope. It was an escape, not only did the mouse get out, so did the snake.
Ewww!
DD says the cute guys from down the hall did find the flashlight helpful when searching for the mouse.


I sent a small shredder with DD. She and my DH both thought I was crazy; but I know how many credit card apps she was getting here, and figured it would probably be even worse once she got to school. The shredder is one of the things she says her roomies borrow most. But she is in apartment style housing and has a private room with lots of space. Might not be as workable in a tiny, shared space.

 

[tinkerbellmagic]

Hi, My DD is a freshman in college. I was very much into making sure she had everything she needed without bogging her down. I agree with the poster that said the college check lists provided in places like Bed Bath & Beyond can be a bit excessive. Some dorms don't allow some of the things on those lists, like irons. They are handy as a starting point though.

One purchase we didn't have to make - DD didn't need the vacuum/mini-vac suggested on those lists because a vacuum cleaner is kept on every floor in her dorm. There is also a microwave on her floor. They're not allowed in the rooms. It is good for your child to check out the message board for incoming freshman at her college. DD learned a lot about what she could/could not bring by reading the message board.

Like others have mentioned, I also highly recommend the bed risers and the egg crate matress pads. DD says that pad makes a huge difference. We bought under the bed storage units on wheels for extra storage. She has a rolling suitcase for when she transports between home and school. It fits nicely on the bus and train. The tower fan came in handy. Cork wall tiles that act as mini bulletin boards for photos and notes. We bought an area rug at Home Depot for 29.99 that she will just throw out at the end of the year, rather than bring it home. While her sheets, purchased thru the Penney's catalog, were the extra long size you need for college, her bed spread was not extra long and it looks fine.

I wanted DD to start college life with something new and pretty that fit her personality, so when she fell in love with a beautiful bedspread and it cost more than I wanted to spend, I caved. I was lucky to get it on sale and apparently lots of other people fell in love with it too, because it sold out quickly. She gets compliments on it all the time.

Some of our college purchases:
1. 4 teir iron shelving unit from BB&Beyond. It is slim, folds up, and looks nice. Here is is: http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=110173&RN=1012

2. We bought this fridge when it was on sale for about $10 less:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage...haier&lp=8&type=product&cp=1&id=1168043811177
It has no freezer part for ice, DD does not miss that feature, and there is no defrosting.

3. Clothes drying rack (essential for girls fine washables): Be careful, there are many cheap ones out there. First we bought a $10 one from Target in their 07 college section - BIG MISTAKE!!! It kept falling apart while we were putting it together. We took it back. We then bought a white metal rack that folds and unfolds. We purchased it at BB&B, I believe. It was all white metal and around $24-$30, I think. Buy this early as things tend to go out of stock the closer it gets to college. Ours looks similar to this one, only ours is white, so not sure if it's the same as this one:
http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=11818528

4. Pop Up Hamper: These are nice. DD's holds 2 loads and has a side pocket for detergent and fab softener (fab softener sheets, not liquid). DD's looks similar to ths one: http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=12987358

5. 3x Strength All Laundry Detergent - bottle is smaller, easier to carry, lasts longer.

6. We bought this drawer organizer:
http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=13011591

7. Floor lamp: we got this cheap one you see everywhere: http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=14554920&RN=262&BTSMode=true:

Good luck!

 

[dakcp2001]

Its been a few years since my graduation, but the things that people always seemed to forget were the coax cables to hook the tv to the cable outelet, in case you wanted the TV on a diff side of the room. The cables you need to hook up your DVD player to teh tv as well. Also Hangers, power strips, & extension cords were biggies! Everyone would get to school, then run ot the local (back then ) KMART and those aisles of the store would be wiped out for weeks.

 

[flakypuff]

I am a parent who has put three kids through college recently, two will graduate soon ...... one with a BS and one with a Masters! Sorry, it's been a long road and I just had to brag!

Have you toured the dorm where she will be staying? That always helps you see exactly what you are going to need.

The suggestion of a good basic first aid kit is perfect and a must!

The tool kit is also one of favorite things to make sure that the kids have and of course know how to use. One of the colleges one of children attended would not allow tools of any kind but all of the others did!

Another must in my book was a flashlight just in case of emergency. You never know when the power might fail or some weird critter sneaks in and gets under a bed or dresser. Our one DD ended up with a large snake loose in her dorm. It was a wild one, as in one that come in from the outdoors rather than one that some dorm mate had sneaked in as a pet!

The kids use to need a stack of quarters to run the laundry but it seems most colleges have wised up and included either laundry cards where you load on money or free laundry that is tied to the school ID. If the laundry room is in another building you may want to get her a hamper on wheels.

Schools have different rules about the use of extension cords and or power bars so you need to check the college's web site and see what is allowed.

We always packed a good mattress cover and pad. Most of the mattresses have seen some wear and tear and I just felt better knowing that the bed was covered. Our son liked to sleep on one of those egg shell pads so he packed one of those every year.

We use to send the kids with addressed and stamped envelopes but with the commonness of the computer we gave up expecting letters.

I think most kids today take a computer with them to college. All colleges have computer labs and in fact ours still use those for printing to save themselves the cost of ink.

One thing I have learned is to not allow them to take anything that is irreplaceable to college. DD lost/had stolen her favorite necklace. She was so upset but there was really not much to do about it. Things disappear so make sure those things are just that things! Expensive items can be marked with an engraving pen. We borrowed ours from our local police department. You can also check with your home owners policy and see if they cover dorm room content and what those limits are.

We were surprised when 2 out of 3 of our children asked to have us bring them a bike on our first visit to them. The learned quickly that many campuses are large and that a bike makes life easier. Now these two were in the south and I think the nice weather had a lot to do with that. Our other child was in college in the north and I suspect that the snow may have discouraged bike riding! If they want a bike make sure you get a good, easy to use and compact bike lock.

All of our kids wanted good sturdy back packs. College books cost a literal fortune and weigh way too much!

We learned to hit Walmart at home at the end of summer and stock up on spiral notebooks, paper and basic school supplies. It seemed by the time college started their local stores charge much more for these basic items.

Depending on your child preferences and hobbies you will have to pack some strange stuff. Our one DD loved to ice skate and found she missed her skates. Another child got into an outdoor adventure club and before we knew it she had acquired rock climbing gear with all kinds of ropes, helmet and beaners. She now has off campus housing and has an entire bedroom devoted to her and her housemates outdoor gear!

The kids have always packed (or purchased at the local store when we arrive), some of their favorite snack foods. All three kids ended up with refrigerators and microwaves in their rooms. It ended up being cheaper to buy them than rent them but then you do have to haul them around and store them over the summer and sometimes beyond that. You would laugh if you saw the mini frig tucked into a corner of one room in our house right now. DD did not need it this year as she is in a house but she remarked that you just never know where she might end up next year so please just store it for me!

Those summers home were the biggest adjustment for all of us. Beside trying to find a place to store their accumulated material goodies; you have a child who is now use to coming and going whenever they please. It took a few conversations on everyone part to remember to be respectful of others in the house.

All in all it has been an incredible experience for all of us. Try to just smile, relax and have a bit of fun. Oh yeah, sneak a box of tissues in the car for the ride home! You will survive this!

Thanks...and about the tissues I think i need stock in kleenex. I didnt think I would start to feel that ping in my heart already but yes its starting already

 

[CTdiznymom]

Off the top of my head...the best thing we purchased was for my DH more so than my DD's when they went off to college. I found a rolling collapsable cart that you can move them in and out with. Saved my DH's back, when moving those heavy bins and boxes. I think I found it at Xmas tree shop for around $15. I would rec. something similiar, especially when you can't park right next to the front door of the dorm.

 

[MrsPete]

I agree with the posters who say, "Tour the dorm!" Find out exactly what's there and how much space is available. I also agree with the sentiment about not overpacking. General advice:

Most dorms use extra-long twin beds; regular twin sheets will not fit. It's not hard to find these sheets, but it'd be a bummer to arrive with a brand-new set that won't fit.
Does the desk have a study light? If not, bring a lamp. Depending upon the furniture, a clamp-lamp that can attach to the side of a bunk bed can save much-needed space.
Most dorms have tile floors, and a bedside throw-rug is a nice thing.
Invest in six or eight heavy quality "milk crates" in a color your student likes. These are the best dorm furniture. Turned on their side, they're a great bookcase/nightstand. Stacked in the closet, they organize sweaters. And at the end of the semester, they make it easy to pack up and move home again.
If the bathroom's down the hall, a shower tote is necessary. It can be as simple as an empty plastic ice cream bucket.
Something small that locks is a nice thing to have -- a small lockbox or lightweight safe. I'd choose something that could hold a wallet, camera, and other valuables. LOTS of times dorm doors just stand open while kids are down the hall in the bathroom or next door talking, and lots of people walk through.

 

[OhioMom]

How exciting sending your daughter off to college! My oldest baby is actually graduating next month...I can't believe four years have gone by so quickly! He even has a job lined up, yeah!!!

Anyway, remember that your child will have a roommate. As the time gets closer and your daughter is able to contact her roommate(s) then you will know what the roommate is bringing. You may get lucky and find out that the roommate already has the tv, fridge, etc, so don't buy any big ticket items just yet.

She will need a laptop. It's never too early to start letting grandparents, uncles & aunts, and other family know because that could be a wonderful gift for everyone to go in on together.

One small thing my son asked for Christmas his freshman year was a Brita water pitcher. He was spending so much money on bottled water that he wanted to just drink the dorm water but atleast put it through the filtered pitcher. I found one at Walmart that was narrow that fit in his fridge.

Another thing was some cheapy plastic dishes and cups. With summer coming she can find some cute things. There will be times when she doesn't want to go out to eat on campus and just wants to stay in. If she has a few dishes, cups, and utensils she will be set. Don't forget a small bottle of dishsoap. Make sure she has a coffee mug for soup and hot chocolate.

Enjoy her senior year...prom is coming!! The time is going to fly by...best of luck!!

 

[Belle5]

Using my best Disney vacation tips, when my son went off we bought a box of powder laundry soap and divided it into snack size ziploc bags. That has worked out really well for him! Do not over-pack! My son uses his bike far more than his car.

 

[DeeInMS]

Besides FOOD....(I have a football player) pop up hamper and caddy (both at walgreens cheap) rug, cable cord, TV, sticky tabls to put things on the wall, mini vac(black friday) jump drive, ironing board, bug spray, under the bed bin, rolling duffle,matress pad, desk lamp, and I had to get him cute bath towels in his school colors with his monogram (I couldn't resist)