- Share This Post
- 0
- submit
- 5
-
Sparkle (0)
Have you gone to your student’s college orientation yet? What’s the number one thing on your mind? If you’re like us, it’s not about the variety of programs the university offers, how fancy the rec center is or how to pay bills -- a subject close to college administrators hearts.
No, the real questions most moms have are mom questions.
What does my teen need to set up their dorm room? Where can we get the best stuff for the least amount of money? What are the things we might be forgetting that our babies will need when we’re not there?
That’s where we come in. Between us we have moved five kids into college dorms (and then moved them on into apartments -- a whole other topic). We’ve learned a lot between kid #1 and kid #5, and we’re ready to share what we’ve learned about what’s worth purchasing, what’s useful and what you shouldn’t waste your money on.
This series has four parts. In this first part we’ll share general tips. Part 2 focuses on Office/Tech/Toolkits. Part 3 focuses on bed/bath/linens and kitchen/cooking supplies and Part 4 on on Health & Storage Items. Finally we have “Julie’s Ultra-Complete College Packing List” created by Nancy’s daughter. Julie created this list three years ago when she entered freshman year. She gets requests for it all the time. We promise, if you use “the list,” your student won’t be missing a thing.
General Tips
- Dorm rooms come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Some colleges provide dorm-sized refrigerators and/or microwaves while others don’t. Knowing the room layout and what is provided is the first step in determining what you will need to bring. Check dorm rules before shopping. Most have limits on allowable appliances, microwave wattage, refrigerator size, etc.
- Coordinate with roommates to avoid duplication. You do not need and will not be able to fit two 42” flat screen TVs in a dorm room. We don’t know of any kid who doesn’t want his or her dorm room to be the coolest, hippest place on campus. Talk about expectations and reality.
- Talk with your student about what you’re prepared to provide. It’s much better to have a discussion in the kitchen rather than an argument in the middle of Target.
- Make a list. Devise a strategy. We recommend shopping early for the best selection. If college is away from home and you decide to wait to shop until you get there, map out your “go-to” stores before you leave. Make sure your car is large enough to fit the biggest item on your list.
- Fast-forward a couple years. Is your student planning on living in the dorm for multiple years, or moving into an apartment as a sophomore? Make your purchases with that in mind. If the dorm is only for freshman year, some items will only be used for nine months, like extra-long twin bedding, bath caddies, etc. (Girls seem to be especially keen on lots of dorm-specific accessories that don’t transfer well to apartment living.)
- Students need a bit of home. Wall and desk space is precious, but if your student hasn’t made the effort, make sure a family photo and a couple shots of good friends makes their way into the dorm room.
Additional Tips for Unfamiliar Cities
- Find a doctor and a dentist. Kiplinger's financial magazine suggests using your own medical insurance (if there is coverage in your student's college town) is a significant way to save money during the college years. We discovered that campus health clinics don't always operate at night or on weekends. Joan’s daughter Libby developed a severe case of strep throat on the weekend when the college medical clinic was closed. She also had a tooth infection that ended up requiring a root canal. Nancy’s daughter Megan had a severe case of mono two weeks into her first semester. Lesson learned: Find out where the closest 24-hour medical clinics are. Figure out ahead what dental practices in town accept your insurance. Don’t wait until everyone is in panic mode.
- Explore the town. Take the time to figure out where the closest grocery store, mall and restaurants are. Joan and Libby searched for fun, inexpensive restaurants and a couple of them became Libby’s comfort food hangouts that first year
