How to Buy College Dorm Supplies
The acceptance letter is in hand, the financial plans are in place and you are almost ready to move into the dormitory. One problem-what do you bring? All you need to do is follow a few guidelines to make sure you have the college-living necessities-and not floor to ceiling clutter-when you move into the dorms.
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Instructions
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Take an inventory of what you already have. Most likely, you already have things like towels, washcloths and a laundry basket. If you don't, add them to your list. After you know what you have, it will be easier to determine what you need.
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Consider what will be different in your life. If you have relied on your parents to get you up and going in the morning, invest in an alarm clock because mom and dad won't be in the next room. You may have an ache or small scrape or cut before you make it home again, so make sure you have first-aid basics.
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Think about sizing down. Right now, you probably keep your toiletries in the bathroom, dishes in the kitchen, clothes in your bedroom. This will most likely change come fall. Consider what items are essential, and leave others with your parents until you need them.
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Go shopping. Many department and discount stores package common items specifically for students going off to college. For example, you may need a pot to cook macaroni and cheese in, but you don't need a whole top of the line cooking set. Browse newspapers and flyers for back-to-school specials.
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Buy on-site if possible. Your new city more than likely has grocery, discount and department stores similar to the ones in your hometown. If car space is a problem, think about getting groceries or buying a futon when you get to your college town.
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Tips & Warnings
Be sure to check admission and moving help materials your school may send you. They will tell you specifics, like if you can have a toaster oven in your room or if mini-fridges are provided.
Look for used items. New sheets and pillowcases might be a good idea, but perhaps you can use your older sibling's refrigerator. Buying second-hand is also an option.
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Comments
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Chris Wright
Nov 16, 2007
Great article! We just moved our daughter off to her freshman year in the dorm. I found it was helpful to wait until your child has been in the room a week or two, before you buy storage items, etc. Some of what we bought beforehand didn't work in her room, or was already provided by school.
