Before heading to the mall or retail store, it's helpful to create a list of needs and wants when it comes to shopping for college. Help your student be a savvy shopper by making a budget and sticking to it. A few more tips for your planning may include shopping early ti minimize family stress. You don't want to spend the last few days/weeks arguing with your student about what to take along.
Moving Checklist
Kitchen Items
Once your student gets settled into their room, head out to the grocery store to stock up on some essentials like snacks, microwavable popcorn, bottled water/juice, and canned soup etc.
Plates, bowls, cups
Forks, knives, spoons
Can opener
Chip clips
Room Needs/Storage
Bedside lamp
Alarm Clock
Wastepaper basket
Storage cubes
Clothes hangers
Fan
Small dry erase board or bulletin board
Electronics
Phone
Phone cord/Ethernet cord
Computer/printer
Surge protector
Extension cords
ipod
Camera
Linens/Laundry Supplies
Don't overestimate how often your student will be doing laundry. 21 pair of socks may see like a lot, but three weeks fly by when your student is busy settling into college life.
Sheets and pillowcases (extra-long)
Towels (bath, hand, face)
Pillow
Mattress pad (extra-long)
Blankets
Comforter/Duvet cover
Laundry bag/basket
Laundry soap
Toiletries/Misc
Shower tote
Shower shoes
Shampoo and conditioner
Hair care products
Bath and face soap
Toothpaste and toothbrush
Tweezers
Nail clippers
Shaving supplies
Lotion/moisturizer
Cotton swabs/Facial tissue
Pain relievers/cold relief medicines
Band-aids
Academic Supplies
CD-ROMs/Memory Sticks
Calendar/planner
Stapler with staples
Printer paper
Pencils and pens
Notebooks
3-Ring binders
Notecards
Post-it notes
Paper clips
Scissors
Highlighter pens (multiple colors)
Stamps/envelopes
Clothing Guidelines
Encourage your student to not pack four season's worth of clothing. Remember that residence hall room closets are fairly small. Your student will be able to retrieve extra clothes from home during breaks.
21 pair underwear and socks
7 pair of pants/jeans
14 shirts
Pajamas
2 Sweaters
Light/heavy jacket
Glove/hat/scarf
2 pair of shoes
A few dress clothes items
Shared Items
Check with roommates to avoid duplication. Space is tight (so are electric outlets, generally) so divvy up the large items.
TV/DVD player
Refrigerator
Microwave
Posters/art
Area Rug/carpet
Also, don't forget the items that will make the residence halls feel like home. Bring along a few photos of friends and family, mementos, or anything that will personalize the student's space.
