Dorm Room Hints from College Students and their Parents

Recently, a friend of mine posed this question on Facebook: “All my young college friends….what was something that you realized was needed and appreciated for your dorm room?” The response was great! So many great suggestions were offered up, and some of them are things that you might likely never think of until it’s too late. So, I have listed below the wonderful ideas that her friends gave her. They are in no particular order, and the list is by no means comprehensive, but I thought it might be helpful for those of you having family members heading off to college. As a former “college Mom,” please know that you parents are on my heart and in my prayers during the coming weeks and years. These are such exciting years for you, but also can be an emotional roller coaster. You have done an amazing job of parenting to get your child to this point in his/her life. Although your relationship with your child will evolve over the coming years, it typically gets even better. You’ve got this!!

Sincerely,

Susan

 

Things you might want to take with you to college:

Durable laundry bag/ rolling laundry hamper

Futon if you can fit it

Duffle bag/luggage set for trips home

Keurig and K-cups/travel mugs

Good water bottle

2 sets of sheets/Full size comforter/ Extra pillows/ mattress topper

Personal momentos/photos

Ziplock bags in several sizes

Office supplies such as push pins, sticky notes, binder clips, etc., pens, paper, highlighters, stapler, staples, 3-hole puncher

Umbrella/raincoat/boots

Trash Can

Water filter pitcher

Curtains and rugs

Over door hangers

Toilet drop ins for back of toilet

Air tight containers for snacks

Bins/shelves to put books, backpacks, etc. in

Lap desk

Reading pillow

Good lamp

Small fan

Bathrobe

Dishes

Quick and easy food choices

Batteries

Shower caddy

Room freshener

First Aid Kit. A “nurse mom” suggested these things in a shoebox: Basic first aid, Motrin, Cold Medicine/Vicks, Emergen-C,canned soup, Gatorade, soda crackers, rice, Lysol wipes, hand soap and labeled it “Use when sick.”

Can opener

Microwavable bowls

Shower Shoes

Hand sanitizer

Power strip/ Surge Protector/ Extension Cords/Long chargers

Sunscreen

Command Strips in every size

Toilet paper

Shoe rack

Computer/Calendar

Small tool kit

Microwave

Lamp/ Cosmetic Mirror

Toothpaste/Soap

Daily Vitamins