Packing List for College Dorms

College and life in the dorm can be intimidating.

Sending your high school graduate away to college can be an emotional and overwhelming time for both of you. Preparation is key to packing for the dorm room. While it is important to take the proper clothing and school supplies, dorm life is 24/7 and many other supplies are necessary to make the transition from home to school successful and comfortable.

Room Decor and Furnishings

Most dorms room have a mattress and bed frame and a desk and chair for each student. Allow the student to pick out her bedding, curtains and rug for the room. She is creating a new life for herself at college and establishing her independence, making it important that she express her personality and style in the room decor. Throw pillows, afghans and extra blankets help make the space more comfortable. Young men may not be as concerned with details and might simply want something comfortable and functional. Other items to consider purchasing are bath towels, washcloths and a shower curtain. Dorm room mattresses are not known for their comfort, so purchase an egg crate or a memory foam topper, particularly if your son or daughter has difficulty sleeping.

Electronics

Have your daughter contact her suite or roommates before arriving on campus. It is important that they coordinate who is bringing what piece of electronic equipment. Sharing a DVD player, small refrigerator, microwave and TV prevent the small dorm room from becoming cramped with duplicates. College students should have their own laptop, so make sure your son has a memory card, Ethernet cord, surge protector and a printer. Extra batteries, headphones, a small fan, lamp and alarm clock are other necessary items to pack.

Personal Needs

Most young women will not have any trouble remembering to take the makeup, grooming supplies and other toiletries that they use on a daily basis, but some items that are used occasionally --- such as cotton swabs, nail clippers, tweezers, an ice pack and heating pad --- may be forgotten. Although your teen may have worn lounging pajamas at home, a robe may be necessary at college, particularly if the shower facilities are down the hall. Medical supplies for those times when your son cuts himself or does not feel well are invaluable. Items including acetaminophen, diarrhea and nausea medicine, antibiotic ointments, self-adhesive bandages, hydrogen peroxide, cough drops and antacids should go in a first aid kit. Find stackable desk trays, a pencil sharpener, stapler and staples and a sewing kit. Adhesive hooks, a dry erase board and a cork board are also handy.

Other Furniture

If the room is large enough, some students bring bean bags, director's chairs or other casual chairs to use while studying, watching TV or entertaining guests. Other furniture ideas include a storage unit and bookcase. Stackable plastic organizing cubes come in a variety of sizes and can be used for a nightstand and underbed storage. Check the college's website for a list of furniture that comes in each dorm area, and the room's size. When you tour different colleges, before your child decides where to go, take notes about the dorm areas. This is an effective way to remember any special needs.

References

• CollegeBoard: Off-to-College Checklist
• Seventeen: 17 Things You Need for College