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Saturday, June 28, 2014

64. Items to Bring to College as a Freshman

High school graduation is upon us (or for some already over). What are some of the things you will need for college as a freshman (or for your son/daughter)? There’s really two lines of thought on this: A) Take the Minimum or B) Be Prepared.

A) Take the Minimum
Some would recommend moving in with minimal possessions until you (or your son/daughter) have a chance to see what roommates bring, what's needed for storage/organization/etc, especially if the parents are close enough that things left behind can be brought on the weekend. If possible, pack like you're (or your son/daughter) going on a long trip where you'll need school supplies.

B) Be Prepared.
See the sample list below. Keep in mind some may be wants while others may actually be needs. I have bolded what I believe are needs. You (or your parents) will have to determine/negotiate that. Your budget may have an impact on these as well.

1. For the Room

a. Comforter/bedspread
b. Pillow
c. Bed linens (ask what size bed you’ll have, bring extra)[/b]
d. Clothes hangers
e. Coffee mug (if you drink coffee)
f. Drinking cups, dishes and silverware for snacks
g. Poster putty (or 3M Command strips) for hanging up decorations/posters
h. Plastic containers with tight lids for storing snacks, detergent, etc.
i. Salt and pepper shakers
j. Headphones (so your music doesn’t bother your roommate or neighbors)
k. MP3 Player/iPod (or if you have a smart phone with decent storage disregard)
l. Cell phone/chargers
m. Power strip approved by the housing office
n. Desk lamp or bed lamp
o. HDTV/Bluray/DVD-Player (there’s usually a common area TV if you don’t bring one)
p. Stereo/IPod Docking Station
q. Fan (for noise & cooling things down)
r. Hair dryer
s. Alarm clock
t. Small refrigerator/microwave (check with college for restrictions)
u. Crates or stacking containers
v. Paper towels, glass cleaner
w. Sewing kit, scissors, safety pins
x. Posters/Wall Art
y. Shoes hanger
z. Ear plugs (In case your roommate snores)
aa. Message board for your door (very useful for communication with roommates)

2. Cleanliness

a. Bathrobe
b. Carrying case for toiletries
c. Shower shoes
d. Towels, washcloths
e. Soap
f. Shampoo
g. Shaving cream and razors
h. Small bucket for carrying shower things
i. Facial tissues
j. Toilet paper (some schools provide it if common bathrooms)
k. Laundry basket/bag
l. Laundry detergent
m. Dryer sheets
n. Dishwashing detergent (if you have a dishwasher)
o. Band-Aids
p. Cold/Flu medicine
q. Aspirin
r. First-aid kit
s. Vacuum Cleaner (Think a small one if your dorm doesn’t offer one if you have carpet)

3. School

a. Computer/laptop
b. Computer carrying case (or just put it in your backpack)
c. Printer (Keep in mind you can print for free in many school computer labs)
d. Ink
e. Printer Paper
f. USB/Thumb Drive (for transferring files)
g. Binders, folders, notebooks
h. Notebook Paper
i. Writing utensils
j. Desk supplies such as scissors, staplers, paper clips, markers, etc)
k. Dictionary (Or use Dictionary.com)
l. Thesaurus (Or use Dictionary.com)
m. Backpack
n. Calculator (Or use Smartphone/Ipod)
o. Day-planner (Or use Smartphone/IPod)
p. Index Cards
q. IPAD/Kindle (for buying books digitally)

4. Things also to consider

a. Access to money (i.e. bank account, bank card, credit card, etc. Might want to open an account with a bank that has many branches in your home state/college state. Bank of America, Chase, Compass Bank, Wells Fargo for example might be good options.)
b. Umbrella
c. Key ring (for dorm room/campus mailbox)
d. Flashlight
e. Vitamins (to keep you healthy and away from the doctor)
f. Batteries
g. Flashlight
h. Thank you notes
i. Stamps
j. Snacks for your room
k. Bicycle (save money on gas, car insurance and upkeep)
l. Buy books used on amazon or craiglist. Also, see if you can purchase books used from upper classmen.
m. With social media (Facebook, MySpace, etc.) consider contacting your potential roommate to discuss things in advance. Also, there are often times Facebook groups for incoming classes. Consider joining to get to know your classmates.
o. A tool kit and duct tape. Often needed in dorm room or apartment settings.

5. Things to talk to roommate about. Don't double up on these!

a. HDTV (unless you’d like 2 or 3 units – play video games while watching a movie? Lol)
b. Blu-ray/DVD player
c. Iron
d. An ironing board, if needed
e. Chair(s), bean bag(s)
f. Microwave
g. Mini-Fridge
h. Video game systems


Anything else to add to this list? Your thoughts on Wants Vs Needs? Leave a comment!

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