Items Necessary for College Dorm

**freedeal** · 09-15-2007, 03:26 PM

My son is a senior in HS and will be going off to college next year. I was in Kohl's earlier and found their XL Twin Sheet Sets on sale 80% off. So I went ahead and bought a couple for DS.

This got me thinking about what other items he will need when he goes off to college that I should start looking for early when on sale.

Any ideas of things I should put on my list?

**mommymath** · 09-15-2007, 05:15 PM

Does he know his roommate? Perhaps you can half the cost of a small fridge and microwave. Let's see -- (dredging from my memory) -- you'll want a basket with a handle for carrying shower stuff to and from the shower, towels, a lamp if there isn't a decent one in the room, possibly a small electric fan depending on the climate, some cold remedies (so when he gets sick he doesn't have to drag himself out to get some), earplugs, an alarm clock ...

**amecoy75002** · 09-15-2007, 05:30 PM

a very LARGE hamper LOL my twins waited until the 3 foot tall hamper was overflowing and then did laundry.

Laundry detergent / softner and coins (if needed) one son had a debit card for laundry machines

We found that the basic dorm room was okay for our boys, just got them sheets, towels, hamper, shower tote, et al.

We borrowed a small frig from neighbor and a tv from friends. Love to Barter stuff!!!

College is expensive enough, you do not have to out fit the room to the nines!!!

**leezza** · 09-15-2007, 05:37 PM

Well maybe the following:

2 large mugs/or bowls,(for making soup or noodles in)

couple of sets silverware

papertowels

leezza

**annertak** · 09-15-2007, 07:08 PM

Flip-flops for sure to go to the shower in, quarters for laundry - big!

I got my son a toaster that toasts, and fries an egg, so he can make his own Egg McMuffins. That was a hit. I agree with the lamps & fan, toiletries (shampoo, soap, toothpaste, deodorant, advil or tylenol, antihistamine, etc.), a few bowls, plates, glasses/cups and cutlery. Even if they don't have a kitchen, you'd be surprised how creative they can get with a microwave. Also, most dorms have a community range that they can bake or cook with if they want to. Another biggie for my DS was an electric teapot. They can heat up water for cocoa, tea, instant coffee, whatever. Also a Brita filter pitcher is good so they can fill it with water to keep in the mini fridge. If his dorm doesn't come with a mini fridge & micro, I would absolutely suggest those. Maybe a small area rug?

Other than that, my DS started out with everything he owned going with him. Now he's a senior & he only took what would fit in his car.

**geckoace** · 09-15-2007, 08:00 PM

lets see so far i agree, shower caddy, towels, flip flops, xtra long twin sheets, quarters, laundry bag, microwaveable soups (cup a noodles) a plate/bowl/cup/utensil set, toiletries, laundry detergent, plastic bins to transport and store stuff. a fan would be nice and a desk lamp.

depending on the dorm setup (we had 4 to bathroom and you were responsible for upkeep) some cleaning products and tp an paper towels

snacks, a mini fridge (check with the college about this)

but my advice don't over do it, for some reason college students amass a lot of stuff and it has to be moved in and out of the dorms for years so keep it to a minimum.

**Nada.Leona** · 09-15-2007, 08:59 PM

If I may suggest something -- Dorm life = chaos at times, especially in the beginning and after exams. So don't go spending a LOT of money on ANYTHING (especially anything electronic) because chances are, it won't be worth a dime by the time next summer rolls around.

Also, here in our city, every year in early spring, right after exams, the local university puts on their annual "Dump'n'Run" -- it's where all the students leave their name brand clothes and shoes, perfectly good kitchen apparatus', beds, books, furniture, etc. etc. etc. and it's sold for less than 1/10 what they paid originally. A student from the area might be okay to bring home their stuff after school but kids from China or even from across the country can't bring it with them! So it all gets left.

Long story short: shop on Freecycle and yard sales for anything you buy for his dorm. It's not going to be worth the money you spend on it in the end.

**Telephus44** · 09-15-2007, 09:36 PM

Having been in college somewhat recently (ok, only 7 years ago...), the things I found most valuable were:

1. A Hotpot. You can make ramen, mac and cheese, and tons of stuff in a hotpot. You don't have to go down to the dorm kitchen, either. You can warm up cans of soup in a hotpot. Seriously - this was the one must-have item for me. And a can-opener!
2. A One-cup coffee maker. If you leave the coffee out, you can also use it for tea or soup. You could also just boil the water in the hotpot, but I was lazy.
3. I had an aunt that bought me tons of HBA type stuff - this was a godsend for the times when I had no money but a killer cold and just wanted some NyQuil - she bought me cold medicine, Tylenol, bandaids - a bunch of things that were just great not to have to run out and buy.

**always2busy** · 09-16-2007, 02:25 AM

All that stuff is great but don't forget actually school supplies. Notebooks, paper, pens, pencils, computer disks. The stuff at most college book stores are way over priced.

Also, plastic tupperware type containers could be helpful.

Some college students don't have sinks in there rooms and have to use the bathroom sinks to wash their dishes; which doesn't happen very often. Don't forget dish soap.

I also loved having a cordless phone in my dorm. Another essential item was a big calender. It has to be big enough to write all your assignements on.

The Christmas before I graduate from high school my mom bought me luggage. It came in handy because I traveled alot with my colleges debate team.

Good Luck!

**pita1213** · 09-16-2007, 07:56 AM

during the summer a lot of stores will have checklists for the college students. about 3/4 of what is on the list is not needed so don't go by their lists. some colleges do compile lists for incoming freshmen. they will tell you what is allowed and what isn't. if you ds knows what college he wants to go to, contact the school and find out what is and isn't allowed. no point in buying something he can't take. don't spend a lot of money on things. until he knows his roommate, you have no idea if they are responsible and will take care of things or if they are a horrible slob with no respect for others property.

if you find a good deal on a comforter, if he's not going to take one from home, a regular twin comforter fits a twin xl bed. it's only the bottom sheet that has to be xl. check bb&b and LNT for clearance bedding. it should be far enough into the school year for it to be on clearance. and don't forget those 20% off coupons.

**Lorelei** · 09-16-2007, 08:15 AM

Definitely check with the college to see what is provided in the dorm and what is allowed for the students to bring. Also see if a laptop is mandatory and, if you are looking at financial aid, when you need to buy it in order for it to count as part of the college needs. Apparently if you buy it too early it won't be considered a college expense.

As you get closer to the time he leaves, you might want to stock up on little freezer meals & serve-in-the-bowl soups. Convenience foods you may never buy for home can be cost-savers at college if they allow him to eat a meal in his room occasionally. If he gets sick, they might be the only thing he eats if he doesn't feel up to going to the dining hall.

Oh, and can't stress this enough - add extra "miscellaneous money" to your budget for senior year. That is one expensive school year! Lots of fun, but costly.