High School Class 2013: Picking Colleges..Check in Here!

[spima3]

Wow! Just came across this thread and wish I had found it earlier! Our DS's university is 10 minutes from home, so of course he will be living at home. That being said, I have the same emotions that you all have mentioned with sending your kids hundreds & thousands of miles away! I've been telling myself I was over-reacting b/c DS is still going to be here, now I believe that it's a normal parent reaction to sending kids to college. What a relief! I am excited, proud, nervous, happy and sad all at the same time. Best wishes to all of you and your kids in this life changing journey!

Our DD18 will also be a commuter and is NOT happy about it. It was strictly based on finances, so she didn't get to dorm like she wanted to. She has always been very independent. The first day of pre-school, as we were entering the building, she turned and remarked: "You're not coming in with me, are you?"

She would have thrived and been thrilled if she could have moved away to college. Although commuting, it isn't like HS, but she will need to see that for herself.

Question I have for those w/ commuters. What do you expect from them still living at home. DD is annoyed I still expect her to pick up her stuff, keep me informed if she's going somewhere (she is driving my car), help clean up around the house, etc.

She somehow has it in her head, she wouldn't have to do any of this if she went away to school. I really wish she could have moved away to school as well. It seems she is both immature and independent at the same time.

So I am curious as to what other commuter parents expect?

 

[LisaR]

Sorry to hear others are going through the range of emotions, but glad to know it is normal and I am not alone!

I really wish our first to go was a girl. I'm lost on what to suggest to my son for his room. Anything I ask him about needing, he says no. Do you want some sort of mirror for your desk for putting in contacts (bathrooms are likely down the hall)? Nah. Do you want a rug in case your room isn't carpted? Nah. Do you want a fan in case the A/C isn't good enough? Nah. Do you want anything to hang on the wall? Nah. I'm really at a loss here. It took me a month just to get him to commit on new sneakers. So I think I just need to get some things and stop asking. But I just don't know what is typical for boys.

Anybody out there with boys previously away at school have suggestions?

I am so glad my first is a girl. My son would be just like your son. I have a friend who is about ready to kill her son. He doesn't want to shop, make any decisions, etc. My daughter has color coordinated everything, has a visual of exactly where all her stuff will go, has a planner and a calendar, etc. Yep, big difference between a girl and boy. Good luck! I'll be there is a few years with my son.

 

[donac]

Our DD18 will also be a commuter and is NOT happy about it. It was strictly based on finances, so she didn't get to dorm like she wanted to. She has always been very independent. The first day of pre-school, as we were entering the building, she turned and remarked: "You're not coming in with me, are you?"

She would have thrived and been thrilled if she could have moved away to college. Although commuting, it isn't like HS, but she will need to see that for herself.

Question I have for those w/ commuters. What do you expect from them still living at home. DD is annoyed I still expect her to pick up her stuff, keep me informed if she's going somewhere (she is driving my car), help clean up around the house, etc.

She somehow has it in her head, she wouldn't have to do any of this if she went away to school. I really wish she could have moved away to school as well. It seems she is both immature and independent at the same time.

So I am curious as to what other commuter parents expect?

My son was a commuter for his first two years (Really his 2nd and 3rd since the first he was away and didn't handle it very well.) We didn't expect him to help clean the house but we expected regular house rules. Pick up after yourself, do your own laundry and let us know where you are and when you are going to be home. We did want some help with the lawn come the warmer seasons. His normal chores were taken up by his younger brother the year he was gone so we didn't change that.

Good luck.

 

[mom2rtk]

Are any of your kids bringing a fridge or microwave? Of course, we might not know his roommate before he goes, and it would be nice to share some of these things, but might have to just get them for him anyway.

Haha! I feel the same way. So far all DS has purchased are 2 sheet sets and a mattress cover! Hopefully he'll find out this week who his roommate is, and they can plan some of the shared stuff.

I know guys don't generally want/need all the things girls choose to buy, but certainly he needs more than he has. Our DS has agreed to a trunk he can padlock; we just need to confirm what size will fit. I told him we need to sit down together this week and figure out what all he should buy now and what can wait & see.
I can't decide if it'll be harder or easier when it's DD's turn - certainly more expensive!

And I'm torn along with everyone else - really happy for and proud of DS. But will also miss him like crazy!

I like your trunk idea. Where did you get it? Our tour guide at the school said she used an under bed safe. Has anyone seen any of these? How have others dealt with securing any valuables?

Got DS a cheapy gray rug at Walmart for his dorm room. His bedding was black with gray. His dorm room had a bathroom with separate sink area so that one could be in the bathroom and another at the sink. Room was centrally climate controlled and there was really no need for a fan. His girlfriend at the time painted him a picture. He hung that on the wall. He did want a blank dry erase calendar for the wall to keep up with his "stuff". He also used a blank dry erase board for other notes, etc.

He used command hooks like crazy-not enough of those. Not really sure what he did with them all, but did say that if you left one on the wall over "damage" then you wouldn't get chaged for room damage. He did that and his roommate ripped it down with the first layer of sheetrock paper. so they shared a $30 dorm damage fee.

His room was pretty basic and really the guys don't decorate like the girls do. Not as fun for mom, but it is what it is.

If they don't have more rooms come open, I think my son will be placed in an older building they are reopening this year. And I think it has window units for A/C. So it MIGHT be fine, but I have no way of knowing.

I like the dry erase board idea. And the command hooks. Hadn't thought of that.

Yeah, boys aren't as much "fun", but not nearly as expensive, either! My DD can't walk through Target without finding another $100 worth of stuff she needs! She really wants an end table, but I don't know if she'll have bunkbeds, being in a triple.

The good news is, Matriculation Day is a week after she moves in, and we'll go out for that (2 hours away). I can bring anything she needs. Plus, there's a Bed, Bath, and Beyond, literally 2 blocks from campus, and she got a gift card for graduation.

I also set her up with a checking account with a debit card, linked to her savings account, and a credit card here. Our local bank has branches near her school, and this way, we have a way to deposit money for her or manage anything if she needs us to. And it gives her a few weeks to get used to having these items before she's totally on her own. The credit card scares her--not sure why, she has no issue using mine, ha ha...

You should have seen my daughter go crazy over decorating her first locker last year when she entered middle school. I can't even IMAGINE how it will be when she gets her hands on a dorm room.

I just wish I knew what building my son will be in so we will know what is close by. He won't have a car along this year, so knowing what's within walking distance would be helpful in planning what we need to bring.

Our DD18 will also be a commuter and is NOT happy about it. It was strictly based on finances, so she didn't get to dorm like she wanted to. She has always been very independent. The first day of pre-school, as we were entering the building, she turned and remarked: "You're not coming in with me, are you?"

She would have thrived and been thrilled if she could have moved away to college. Although commuting, it isn't like HS, but she will need to see that for herself.

Question I have for those w/ commuters. What do you expect from them still living at home. DD is annoyed I still expect her to pick up her stuff, keep me informed if she's going somewhere (she is driving my car), help clean up around the house, etc.

She somehow has it in her head, she wouldn't have to do any of this if she went away to school. I really wish she could have moved away to school as well. It seems she is both immature and independent at the same time.

So I am curious as to what other commuter parents expect?

Our older son will be a Junior this year commuting to a small private University about 25 minutes from home. Things were a little different for us in that he didn't even want to live away. But still the same growing pains on what was expected here at home. I think we have finally come to a decent balance. He has a list of chores he is expected to do. It's part of the price of room and board at Mom & Dad's house. I loosen up on that when he has a paper due or finals week.

Sorry to hear others are going through the range of emotions, but glad to know it is normal and I am not alone!





I am so glad my first is a girl. My son would be just like your son. I have a friend who is about ready to kill her son. He doesn't want to shop, make any decisions, etc. My daughter has color coordinated everything, has a visual of exactly where all her stuff will go, has a planner and a calendar, etc. Yep, big difference between a girl and boy. Good luck! I'll be there is a few years with my son.

LOL, that sure does sound just like my son. I think he just doesn't want to admit school is so close, and prefers to squeeze a few more ounces of fun out of summer before giving in.

I finally gave up on him doing any shopping and just decided to pick up the bare essentials myself. I have bedding, a bunch of toiletries and a rolling duffle bag laying on the floor in the living room. I keep thinking of more things so will make another run this week. He has NEVER been a shopper, so was in need of some new clothes too, so I stocked him up on socks, underwear, shorts and jeans. He has enough t-shirts to last and I wouldn't dream of trying to pick out what he wants for those.

I finally gave up on getting him to go shop for sneakers. I decided if he wanted to wear shoes with no tread (at all) then that's just what he'd have to do. He then shocked me by picking a pair online last week. One tiny step at a time I suppose.

 

[spima3]

Our older son will be a Junior this year commuting to a small private University about 25 minutes from home. Things were a little different for us in that he didn't even want to live away. But still the same growing pains on what was expected here at home. I think we have finally come to a decent balance. He has a list of chores he is expected to do. It's part of the price of room and board at Mom & Dad's house. I loosen up on that when he has a paper due or finals week.

Could you be a little more specific on the "chores"? I have been battling w/ DD over her room and other things for the past two years.
IF I can present something to her as "this is the stuff other parents expect from their kids", then maybe I can get more co-operation.

If I'm being honest, I was looking forward to the possibility of her dorming. A little sad as another step older and good-bye to their childhood, but the lack of conflict would have been a relief for both of us. Then she would be her roommate's problem.

 

[Christine]

I must be hard-hearted!! I will miss my son like crazy--he's my buddy (we watch our "shows" together) but I don't think I'll cry. I didn't with my DD. Probably feel lonely but I'm just so happy for him I can't wait to see him meet some new people (he went to a REALLY small, sort of unsocial high school).

It's definitely easier dorm shopping for a boy. My DD wanted all this stuff. My son just said "get me something blue." We actually went out to Macy's yesterday because they seem to have a good selection online and my DD's dorm sheets from there (5 years ago) were really nice. Well, they don't carry that stuff in their stores anymore so I couldn't get a look at anything. Oh well.

My son won't get his roommate until August 1st. Their dorms don't allow microwaves and small refrigerators so no worries there. I guess they can just discuss who will buy the area rug.

 

[Katy Belle]

I really wish our first to go was a girl. I'm lost on what to suggest to my son for his room. Anything I ask him about needing, he says no. Do you want some sort of mirror for your desk for putting in contacts (bathrooms are likely down the hall)? Nah. Do you want a rug in case your room isn't carpted? Nah. Do you want a fan in case the A/C isn't good enough? Nah. Do you want anything to hang on the wall? Nah. I'm really at a loss here. It took me a month just to get him to commit on new sneakers. So I think I just need to get some things and stop asking. But I just don't know what is typical for boys.

Anybody out there with boys previously away at school have suggestions?

DS18 is a computer geek, so he is planning to take his desk top computer, and cares about NOTHING else. I bought a comforter and one set of sheets. He does want a fan, he has slept with one for years and hates to be hot. He is planning on getting a fridge, with some of his graduation money. His Aunt gave him towels for Graduation. Other than that, we have nothing. I guess I will pick up a rug. Maybe a small trash can? What do boys carry their stuff to the shower down the hall in? When I was in the dorm we girls had a basket with shampoo, etc in it, do boys take a basket to the bathroom?

 

[mom2rtk]

Could you be a little more specific on the "chores"? I have been battling w/ DD over her room and other things for the past two years.
IF I can present something to her as "this is the stuff other parents expect from their kids", then maybe I can get more co-operation.

If I'm being honest, I was looking forward to the possibility of her dorming. A little sad as another step older and good-bye to their childhood, but the lack of conflict would have been a relief for both of us. Then she would be her roommate's problem.

When our oldest was closing in on college starting 2 years ago, I didn't get any chance at ALL to focus on the emotions involved. Those were some of the most stressful weeks of my life as a parent. He never does anything until he is READY to do it. And he just wasn't ready to drive until he HAD to. So he didn't get his license until 2 DAYS before classes started. And it's a challenging commute into the city. He about did me in with that. But hey, I didn't have time at all to feel sad about him starting college! I was too busy having a nervous breakdown!

As for the chores, they aren't a lot, but we do expect them to be done regularly. He empties the dish washer every night before bed and the cat box every couple days. He empties the upstairs trash and brings down one of the garbage cans Sunday nights. He shares a room with the brother, but is rather like Felix from "The Odd Couple" so I don't have to remind him to keep it clean.

I must be hard-hearted!! I will miss my son like crazy--he's my buddy (we watch our "shows" together) but I don't think I'll cry. I didn't with my DD. Probably feel lonely but I'm just so happy for him I can't wait to see him meet some new people (he went to a REALLY small, sort of unsocial high school).

It's definitely easier dorm shopping for a boy. My DD wanted all this stuff. My son just said "get me something blue." We actually went out to Macy's yesterday because they seem to have a good selection online and my DD's dorm sheets from there (5 years ago) were really nice. Well, they don't carry that stuff in their stores anymore so I couldn't get a look at anything. Oh well.

My son won't get his roommate until August 1st. Their dorms don't allow microwaves and small refrigerators so no worries there. I guess they can just discuss who will buy the area rug.

Yep. That was my son. I asked him about bedding and it was like pulling teeth to get "blue" out of him! I can't get him to a store with me though for anything.

Thanks for mentioning that your dorm won't allow the microwave or fridge. I'll be sure to check on that before we do anything on that front.

DS18 is a computer geek, so he is planning to take his desk top computer, and cares about NOTHING else. I bought a comforter and one set of sheets. He does want a fan, he has slept with one for years and hates to be hot. He is planning on getting a fridge, with some of his graduation money. His Aunt gave him towels for Graduation. Other than that, we have nothing. I guess I will pick up a rug. Maybe a small trash can? What do boys carry their stuff to the shower down the hall in? When I was in the dorm we girls had a basket with shampoo, etc in it, do boys take a basket to the bathroom?

LOL, but I've been toiling over that same question about what boys take to the bathroom. When I went away to school I had a plastic caddy with all my shampoo, makeup, etc. But I have NO idea what boys use. It's hard to plan when we don't have a building assignment, but I'd say the odds were high that he'll be in a building with bathrooms down the hall.

I was putting together a medicine kit for him and wondered what to put it in. With a girl, I'd probably get a nice little toiletry case. For him, I guess I'll just put it in a big Ziploc bag.

 

[SplashMtnCrew]

Question I have for those w/ commuters. What do you expect from them still living at home. DD is annoyed I still expect her to pick up her stuff, keep me informed if she's going somewhere (she is driving my car), help clean up around the house, etc.

She somehow has it in her head, she wouldn't have to do any of this if she went away to school. I really wish she could have moved away to school as well. It seems she is both immature and independent at the same time.

So I am curious as to what other commuter parents expect?

We expect the same things we always have, pickup after himself, same chores, help out when he can. DS will still have to tell us where he's going, time he will be back, etc. Not b/c we have to know everything but as a courtesy & respect. We all let someone know where we are going & how long we'll be gone just so someone knows, has nothing to do with lack of trust. BTW, DS has his own car! DH and I want our DS to focus on school and keeping his grades up to maintain his scholarships & grants and hopefully receive more next year, so we aren't requiring DS to work. If DS wants to that's great, but not at the expense of his education. We expect him to work during the summer just like he has been doing for the last few years.

 

[Gina]

My DS doesn't go off to college until next year, but I'd never be able to afford to get a bunch of stuff for him all at once so I'm trying to gather some things now as the sales start. (Hope it's okay for me to lurk here and get ideas!)

I'm just very happy to hear he's not the only male who couldn't care less what he goes off to college with, aside from his computer. He has one set of twin XL sheets already from a summer program he did at the college last summer, and I got those in charcoal grey. His bath towels will be the same. A very smart person suggested that because, as she said, "with boys, it's all going to end up grey anyway!" Brilliant. Good thing, too, because when I asked DS at first what color sheets he wanted, he looked at me as though I had just asked him what color he'd like his nails painted, LOL. Boys, gotta love 'em.

Since all the dorms at his chosen school are set up as suites, he'll be able to just keep his shower stuff in the cabinet, thank goodness. I don't know what guys do if they have to get that stuff down the hall -- I can't imagine mine skipping down there with a cute little caddy, ROFL. Guys probably just throw each item down the hall one at a time in the general direction of the bathroom, then gather it up like hackey sacks and punt each thing into the bathroom.

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

Gina--LOL on the "gray stuff"--I get my DS16 large packs of gray socks--it saves me the aggravation when they just turn that color, anyway!

The fridge thing is a dilemma in our house, too. DD's school allows fridges, or micro-fridges, but you need to rent the micro-fridges. As it happens, DD won a mini-fridge at a senior function, but we don't know if she should bring it. She was finally contacted by the second of her two roommates, but I don't know that they've started discussing such things. Or maybe the other two, being sophomores, already worked this stuff out.

And I have no clue on the bathroom situation--I read that, with her housing, there's typically 6 girls sharing a bathroom--I assume that's like a regular bathroom, but again, I have no clue. I'm kicking myself for not looking more at this housing choice when we visited, but honestly, she wanted a freshman dorm, this choice was ~5th on her list, she thought maybe in future years, so why bother?

To be fair, though, it's probably bothering me more than it bothers her. She's figuring they'll all work it out, which I'm sure they will, but we all know there can be bumps in the road with roommates. Plus, DD's a slob, no two ways about it--I'm worried she's going to tee off her roommates. And housemates, since at home, she puts her crap everywhere, and her housing has at least one lounge.

 

[Christine]

Gina--LOL on the "gray stuff"--I get my DS16 large packs of gray socks--it saves me the aggravation when they just turn that color, anyway!

The fridge thing is a dilemma in our house, too. DD's school allows fridges, or micro-fridges, but you need to rent the micro-fridges. As it happens, DD won a mini-fridge at a senior function, but we don't know if she should bring it. She was finally contacted by the second of her two roommates, but I don't know that they've started discussing such things. Or maybe the other two, being sophomores, already worked this stuff out.

And I have no clue on the bathroom situation--I read that, with her housing, there's typically 6 girls sharing a bathroom--I assume that's like a regular bathroom, but again, I have no clue. I'm kicking myself for not looking more at this housing choice when we visited, but honestly, she wanted a freshman dorm, this choice was ~5th on her list, she thought maybe in future years, so why bother?

To be fair, though, it's probably bothering me more than it bothers her. She's figuring they'll all work it out, which I'm sure they will, but we all know there can be bumps in the road with roommates. Plus, DD's a slob, no two ways about it--I'm worried she's going to tee off her roommates. And housemates, since at home, she puts her crap everywhere, and her housing has at least one lounge.

My DD's school did the rental of the micro-fridges also. They were not allowed to have personally purchased ones in their room, only the rental ones. So she and her roommate split the rental and it wasn't a huge deal.

It sounds like your DD will be in a suite style dorm. She probably won't want to leave her stuff in that bathroom so I think a caddy isn't a bad idea. She can just leave her shampoo/soap/razor, etc. in the caddy and take it in and out of the bathroom.

My DD was in a dorm with a hallway, so the caddy was definitely necessary. My son's choice could go either way but, even with a suite, I don't think he'll want to leave his stuff in there. The bathrooms didn't look like they had storage areas in them. We shall see.

 

[SydSim]

As for guys, if memory serves, they threw a towel over their shoulder, grabbed their bar of soap and headed to the showers. Some of the more adventurous ones brought shampoo!

 

[TLuvsD]

Our D just finished freshman year, she lived in a suite style dorm.

The girls stashed stuff in the bathroom. She used a locked decorative box from Home Goods for her camera/lenses. It was on the top of her closet shelf, did not draw attention to the camera. The desk had a locking drawer for her laptop/wallet/etc.

Command hooks are sold at Micheals. You can use a 40% coupon. They may pull off cleanly or they may cause some damage.

A mirror is handy, especially for contacts.

Take surge protectors and extension cords, just in case.

It's a roller coaster ride of emotions. Good luck to all

 

[mom2rtk]

I'm just very happy to hear he's not the only male who couldn't care less what he goes off to college with, aside from his computer. He has one set of twin XL sheets already from a summer program he did at the college last summer, and I got those in charcoal grey. His bath towels will be the same. A very smart person suggested that because, as she said, "with boys, it's all going to end up grey anyway!" Brilliant. Good thing, too, because when I asked DS at first what color sheets he wanted, he looked at me as though I had just asked him what color he'd like his nails painted, LOL. Boys, gotta love 'em.

Since all the dorms at his chosen school are set up as suites, he'll be able to just keep his shower stuff in the cabinet, thank goodness. I don't know what guys do if they have to get that stuff down the hall -- I can't imagine mine skipping down there with a cute little caddy, ROFL. Guys probably just throw each item down the hall one at a time in the general direction of the bathroom, then gather it up like hackey sacks and punt each thing into the bathroom.

I love the "everything gray" plan! But since I already got "blue" out of my son, I'm running with it.

I guess if he frustrates me too much, I'll start letting his little sister choose things on his behalf.

And LOL on punting the shampoo down the hall. That's probably not too far off the mark.

To be fair, though, it's probably bothering me more than it bothers her. She's figuring they'll all work it out, which I'm sure they will, but we all know there can be bumps in the road with roommates.

I'm sure it's bothering me more than my son right now too. I got off to a bad start with my first roommate and ended up moving out at the end of the first trimester. Things got SO much better after that. But I know it was a bumpy start.

As for guys, is memory serves, they threw a towel over their shoulder, grabbed their bar of soap and headed to the showers. Some of the more adventurous ones brought shampoo!

A mirror is handy, especially for contacts.

Take surge protectors and extension cords, just in case.

It's a roller coaster ride of emotions. Good luck to all

I suggested a small mirror for my son's desk so he can take care of his contacts instead of standing over a sink in the communal bathroom and he looked at me like I had 2 heads. Whatever.

Just added surge protector and extension cords to my list. Thanks for the suggestion!

I like the idea of a locked box, probably the locked chest even more. Depending on what his roommate has, he might want to bring a video game system and I'm sure he'll want somewhere to secure it.

I'm still hoping someone chimes in with where to find a locking chest or underbed safe.

So is it any easier getting her ready to go back this year? I sure hope so.

 

[mom2travel]

I love the "everything gray" plan! But since I already got "blue" out of my son, I'm running with it.

I guess if he frustrates me too much, I'll start letting his little sister choose things on his behalf.

And LOL on punting the shampoo down the hall. That's probably not too far off the mark.

I'm sure it's bothering me more than my son right now too. I got off to a bad start with my first roommate and ended up moving out at the end of the first trimester. Things got SO much better after that. But I know it was a bumpy start.



I suggested a small mirror for my son's desk so he can take care of his contacts instead of standing over a sink in the communal bathroom and he looked at me like I had 2 heads. Whatever.

Just added surge protector and extension cords to my list. Thanks for the suggestion!

I like the idea of a locked box, probably the locked chest even more. Depending on what his roommate has, he might want to bring a video game system and I'm sure he'll want somewhere to secure it.

I'm still hoping someone chimes in with where to find a locking chest or underbed safe.

So is it any easier getting her ready to go back this year? I sure hope so.

I have not ordered DS' trunk yet, but would probably order from "EverythingSummerCamp" - that is where we bought DD's trunk for camp. Good quality. And can get removable wheels that snap in easily but securely for transporting.
We just need to check on room dimensions/bed height. I'm thinking the trunk size would depend on how he sets up his bed.

He still needs a trash can, a bucket or something for his shower stuff, a comforter, and a laptop.

Do kids still use drying racks? DS has a bunch of stuff he doesn't put in the dryer (or only for a little dewrinkling) so will need to put his wet clothes somewhere

 

[mom2rtk]

I have not ordered DS' trunk yet, but would probably order from "EverythingSummerCamp" - that is where we bought DD's trunk for camp. Good quality. And can get removable wheels that snap in easily but securely for transporting.
We just need to check on room dimensions/bed height. I'm thinking the trunk size would depend on how he sets up his bed.

He still needs a trash can, a bucket or something for his shower stuff, a comforter, and a laptop.

Do kids still use drying racks? DS has a bunch of stuff he doesn't put in the dryer (or only for a little dewrinkling) so will need to put his wet clothes somewhere

A bucket....... That would probably be fine to put on the floor too if there's not enough room on the sink. Or to put down while he went in to use the toilet. And maybe it's manly enough he'll go for it!

And I'll check out that site for a trunk. Thanks for the suggestions!

Mine puts everything in the dryer so no need for a drying rack.

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

Maybe a small, folding drying rack, if you think he'd use one. You might want to check out the laundry room first, they might have one, or an indoor clothesline.

I had to laugh about kicking the soap down the hall, too. I always ask DS16 if he actually used soap when he showers. I don't worry so much about DD18 in that regard.

And actually, I don't think my DD has a suite-style dorm. BU has brownstones that they bought and converted to specialty housing. I'm really kicking myself--we walked past the Ed. brownstone a few times, never stopped in. I know she won't have kitchen access, and it's ~6 students/bathroom. But, that's the thing--is it more like a dorm, or a house bathroom? Luckily, it's small, and has its own lounge and laundry.

 

[LisaR]

One of the problems I am having is knowing what will fit in the dorm and what is really necessary. We bought some under the bed storage containers this weekend and the more I look at them, the more I am certain they are going back. They are too big, at least I think they are. They are tall and I am having flash backs to the toddler years and toy boxes where everything is thrown in and you can't find anything. This is where I think having a boy would be an advantage. They probably won't care if they have to cram spare clothes, towels, and sheets in tiny little unorganized spaces. My ultra organized daughter lives by the saying, "A place for everything and everything in its place." It makes me wish we had paid more attention on the tours of the dorms. I guess we will find out when we get there if things will fit.

 

[mom2rtk]

One of the problems I am having is knowing what will fit in the dorm and what is really necessary. We bought some under the bed storage containers this weekend and the more I look at them, the more I am certain they are going back. They are too big, at least I think they are. They are tall and I am having flash backs to the toddler years and toy boxes where everything is thrown in and you can't find anything. This is where I think having a boy would be an advantage. They probably won't care if they have to cram spare clothes, towels, and sheets in tiny little unorganized spaces. My ultra organized daughter lives by the saying, "A place for everything and everything in its place." It makes me wish we had paid more attention on the tours of the dorms. I guess we will find out when we get there if things will fit.

Keep talking. You're making me find a silver lining to getting my boy ready for dorm life.

Maybe you can just wait on the underbed storage until you get there. You could measure then run out and get something. I'd like to hope all the nearby stores will really stock up on things the students need.

I have no hope for knowing what sort of space is available. My son checked again yesterday and he is still assigned to a virtual dorm. I keep hoping that resolves itself. But we only have 3 1/2 weeks. It is entirely possible he will move in one place then need to move a couple weeks later. And since he will not have a car, I'm not even sure how that will happen.