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