It's getting to be that time.... my oldest is going to college Sept 5. I tried to find the thread from last year with the check list of items they must have and the useful tips for students and parents but I can't find it. Any advice???

I did a search for "college" and came up with this...

Questions for parents with kids in college already...

A small tool kit (screwdrivers, hammer) and bandaids with antibiotic cream. Tylenol.

__________________
I've never lied to you. I've always told you some version the of truth.

depending on the size of the dorm room, my kids loved the mini-fridge - our's been through 3 incarnations already

Bed Bath and Beyond will print out a list of must have items (and items you can't bring) specific for your child's school.

Wal Mart and Target have all their college items out right now.

This is a really long post, but I hope you'll find it worth reading. My daughter was an RA at her college and summer college for 3 years. I asked her to review the list of supplies recommended by the college and give comments as my son is attending the same school starting this fall. Following is the list and her comments:


**Mycoupons says my post is too long. I'm dividing it into 2 separate posts

(I apologize if the format is crappy. I copied/pasted from an e-mail)


Camera - only if you already have one and use it regularly. This isn't really an essential, seeing as you'll be on campus for four years and will see pretty much the same stuff all day every day. Plus, most cell phones and laptops these days come equipped with one good enough for any student's MySpace needs.


Cell phone - Well, yeah, how else will you keep in contact with people?

Cold drinks (water will be available throughout campus) - I mean, you CAN, but like they say, they'll have water, and most people go out and get lunch and stuff afterward. If your DD or DS can't live without his or her favorite cola or waters, wait til you get to campus and buy some. No point in bulking up your car with extra junk.

Handcart - Depends on where you end up living and how densely you pack. Most freshmen buildings don't have elevators, so they're kind of pointless. If you end up in George Read, Thomas McKean, or the Towers, then go on and bring one. Otherwise, just pack an extra person to help with heavy lifting. They take up less room.

Toolbox to assemble miscellaneous items (seewww.udel.edu/reslife/students/prohibited.htmlfor guidelines on hanging decorations on residence hall room walls) - If you're bringing an unassembled kit for a TV stand or something, but only if that's the case. DO NOT bring nails and a hammer for hanging pictures and clocks. This is against regulation and your student will be charged upon moveout for damage to the walls.

Towel for washing up - just... use one of your student's towels. He or she can wash it.

For Your Room
Air mattress for visitors - In my four and a half years at college, I have only ever had one visitor that required an air mattress, and she brought her own. Most visitors you're going to have also live in dorms on campus, and walking escorts are offered. so there's no real reason to have a spare bed in your room. That's what futons are for.

Alarm Clock - A lot of students use their phones or an application on their computers; one way or another, this is highly recommended by me, especially if you've got a class before 10.

Bed lamp (no halogen) - This is discretionary. You CAN get a lamp for reading in bed, if that's what you do, but most students go into the floor lounge if they're planning to study when their roommate falls asleep.

Bed Risers - again, discretionary, but if you just want more
space under your bed for storage, you're better off bringing an adjustable wrench to raise and lower the mattress - this can be done relatively easily, and the mattress can be raised pretty high. If you're looking for more space in the room period, invest in lofts. If your student finds him or herself in Dickinson or a Rodney Single, INVEST IN LOFTS.

Blanket(s), quilt, or comforter - just bring any bedding your student usually uses with you.

Butterfly chair - This is up to you, but all student rooms come equipped with a desk chair per student. If the student already has a butterfly, or any other kind of casual chair, go ahead and bring it, but in my opinion, it's not really worth it to buy one.

Carpet Also check:Residence Hall Essentials - I'm not saying this is essential, but it definitely helps with making the room livable. At least an area rug.

Clothes hangers - yeah, all doubles come with a SINGLE dresser and two Armoires. If your student has a lot of clothes, bring a lot of hangers.

Bulletin/Tack board and push pins - yeah, no, not really necessary. Does your student use one now? If not, s/he's not going to be using one in college.

Dry erase memo board and markers (for outside of door) - I'm going to argue that this is a worthy investment. However, be advised that people (Freshmen particularly) have a tendency to steal dry erase markers, so don't put a lot of money into it.

Fan - if your student's dorm is not located on Laird Campus, it will not be air conditioned. You have been warned.

Foam egg pads - I had one, and it was nice? But I'm not going to say it's necessary.

Folding tables, folding chairs - in my experience, folding tables are used exclusively for beer pong. Do your student's RA a favor and leave it at home.

Lamps (no halogen) - see "Bed Lamps"

Laundry basket or bag - please.

Light bulbs - only if your student is bringing an extra lamp or three. Protip: if a bulb in the room burns out, tell the RA and/or contact maintenance, and it will be handled relatively promptly.

Linens for a 36" X 80" single bed (two sets, extra long) Also check:Residence Hall Essentials - I wouldn't say you need two sets, but yeah. you're going to need this.

Mirror - there are a few in the bathroom and one in each armoire. If you NEED a full length mirror, pick one up at KMart or the bookstore. They run $10 to $20.

Over-the-door hooks - I have no idea what these are even used for. Hang your jacket up or put it over your chair. Simple! Magic!

Photographs of family and friends at home - If you want them, if you've got them. Not a necessity, thanks to Facebook.

Picture album - see above
Picture frames - see above

Pillows - you'll need one, you'll want three. Go with two.

Pillow with arms - if you've got one and you use it, sure. Otherwise, regular pillows are just fine.

Posters - I'm going to say this is a necessity, only because of the whole roominess factor. I hate barren rooms. One or two posters helps out a lot; there are poster sales all over campus the first two weeks, though, so don't worry about bringing them with you, as they'll most likely get squished in transport.

Power strips with an internal circuit breaker - make sure there's a circuit breaker. There's not usually a problem with this, but it is a regulation, so please keep to it. You may or may not need one, so it might also be a good idea to wait until move in to assess the number of outlets in your room. Depending on where you are placed, there may be an outlet every other foot, or there may be two in the entire room.

Storage cubes & units (shelves) - nonessential. Maybe a bookshelf or a DVD rack, but generally, this isn't going to be a necessity, particularly more than one.

Surge suppressors for all electric equipment, such as TVs, stereos, CD players, computers, etc. - This is nice, but kind of outdated. Not really necessary.

Telephone (one landline per room is mandatory) - Please bring a phone with your student. Plug it in and set up voicemail on day one; it saves a lot of stupidity and stress later.

Wall calendar - not NECESSARY, but still a good idea.

White poster putty (for hanging posters on walls) This is the only approved product for hanging posters in the residence halls. Get some.

Yaffa blocks - this goes along the same lines as storage cubes and units. In fact, I don't know why this has a separate line.

Keeping It Clean - In general, any of this stuff will be helpful. There aren't cleaning people that come and clean your room - that's something you have to do yourself. Please note that all rooms come with ONE trash can and ONE recycle bin. Both are pretty small. I'm bolding the stuff I actually used regularly; the rest is up to you.
Air freshener
All-purpose cleaner
Broom
Clothes Drying Rack - if you have time to let your clothes hang dry and don't want to spend $1.25 per load, go on and get/bring one.
Detergent, bleach, softeners, dryer sheets, stain pretreater
Dish soap - only if you're bringing dishes. Paper plates are a sound investment, just sayin'.
Dishcloth - see above.
Dishtowel
Dustcloth
Glass cleaner
Iron and small ironing board - only if you've got clothes that need to be ironed.
Minivac - please get some sort of vacuum if you have a carpet.
Paper towels
Quarters for laundry (Also - use your UD1FLEX account)
Sponge
Trash bags - or plastic bags. The trash cans are small.
Housing personnel clean only public areas and the bathrooms in traditional halls. Students living in apartments or suites must supply their own products and equipment for cleaning, such as: toilet paper, toilet cleaner, plunger, bath mat, extra garbage can.

This is a really long post, but I hope you'll find it worth reading. My daughter was an RA at her college and summer college for 3 years. I asked her to review the list of supplies recommended by the college and give comments as my son is attending the same school starting this fall. Following is the list and her comments:


**Mycoupons says my post is too long. I'm dividing it into 2 separate posts. This is post #2 of 2.

(I apologize if the format is crappy. I copied/pasted from an e-mail)

Personal Care
Allergy medication
Antiperspirant - I cannot stress enough the necessity of personal hygiene.

Bathrobe - Most people either go in wearing their clothes or a towel. If you're the kind of person that wears a robe, bring one.

Cold medication - I don't know about all that, but some headache meds wouldn't be a bad idea. Please make a note that your RA technically is not allowed to give you meds, even if it's just ibuprofen, so if you get headaches or colds regularly, keep your own med stash.

Contact lenses - only if you wear them.
Contact lens solution - see above.
Eye glasses (extra pair) - see above.

First-aid kit (bandaids, ace bandages, antiseptic cream, medicine, etc.) - this is discretionary, but I do suggest bringing some bandaids and that sort of thing for paper cuts.

Flip-flops for shower - this is a hygiene thing.

Hairbrush - yyyyes.
Hair dryer/ curling iron - again, only if you use it currently/
Nail clippers and nail file - I hate repeating myself.
Personal-care products

Prescription medications

Sewing kit - wouldn't be a terrible idea if you actually know how to sew.

Shampoo - that whole "personal hygiene" thing again.

Small plastic shower caddy to carry personal supplies from room to shower - I just carried my stuff, though some people opt for a carrier. Can't say it's a bad idea, it's just... up to you.

Soap and soap dish - that whole "personal hygiene" thing again.

Tissues - stealing toilet paper from the bathroom = just as effective.

Toothbrush holder - just get a cap for it.

Towels and washcloths - that whole "personal hygiene" thing again.

Vitamins

School Supplies

Backpack - keep the essentials in here.

Batteries - most things you're going to bring with you have AC adapters with rechargeable lithium batteries. If you bring something that needs batteries, get a four or eight pack. That's all you'll probably need for the year.

Binders - This depends on your class. Some classes have a lot of handouts, while others you're just fine to have a plain notebook for note taking. Generally, you're going to want a binder for your sciences, languages, and some histories. Tell you what - get two 1.5" binders and a couple notebooks. That should be plenty.

Bookends - I never needed or used bookends, nor can I think of anyone who has.

Calculator - if you have one, bring it with you. You'll need it for your freshmen core classes, like math and chem.

Calendar - this goes along the same lines as wall calendar. I advise it.

Computer - Also check:Technology Purchase Consulting | Technology Purchase Consulting - please bring a computer with you. It can be impossible to find an open computer in the labs.

Computer printer with cartridges - you get about 100 free pages to print per semester in the labs. I didn't need a printer until I became an RA, and even then I had a tendency to use the one in the office.

Computer printer paper - same with printer.

Computer software (seewww.udel.edu/bookstore for online ordering) - this is silly and frivolous, but please make sure your computer has the Microsoft Office on it. It's the simplest way of making sure your computer's files will be compatible if you choose to print them in the university labs.

Desk organizer - it all gets messed up anyway.

Dictionary/Thesaurus - this is why we have the internet. Also, big library in the middle of campus. Get accustomed to it quickly.

Erasers - most pencils have these already, right?

Ethernet card/cable - a standard ethernet cable is an essential regardless of whether or not you have a laptop. Some dorms don't have a very good wireless signal in the rooms, which can get annoying.

Filing supplies
Glue - this isn't fourth grade. You're not going to be making collages and dioramas.

Highlighters - i recommend these for making notes in your textbooks.

Hole punch - If you're going the binder route, you'll probably need one of these. Get one of the thin ones that you can keep in the binder.

Index Cards - most people only use these around testing season. Get them at the bookstore or on main street when you need them.

Laptop lock - discretionary. I hardly used mine my freshman year, though I generally carried mine with me everywhere. if you wind up with a roommate that forgets to lock the door and you don't plan on carrying your laptop with you, go ahead and get one, just so you're not worrying about it.

Notebooks - I already talked about this, but as far as notebooks go, some people (who have incredible self-control, btw) get along taking notes on their laptops.

Organizer/Planner - this goes along with "calendar"

Paper (notepaper, looseleaf)
Paper clips - no, Get a stapler.
Paper shredder
Pencils - you will need these for test taking. Mechanical pencils are fine.
Pencil sharpener - only if you're opting to use #2 pencils.

Pens - I like taking my notes in pen. Also useful if you like writing in the margins of your textbook after you've hilighted it.

Post It note pads - I've always had a bias against post its. I never really found them useful except once every two years or so. Get flags instead of the big square ones.

Rubberbands - no idea what you would need these for.

Ruler - can be occasionally useful, and it's only like 50 cents.

Scissors - you will need these for the most random things. Get a decent pair - $2 - $5 from 5 & 10 on Main Street.

Super glue
Stapler - you WILL need this.
Staple remover

Tape - please don't use tape on the walls for your posters, or anything else. It might be handy to have around, but I can't say I ever really needed it.

USB Flash Drive - you shouldn't need more than 500MB, though you can easily pick up a few gigs for $10 or so these days. Either way, definitely worth getting one, for easy transport of files all over campus! But mostly from your laptop to the printer in the labs.

White-out- if you're a fan of writing in pen, you'll need this.

Odds and Ends
Address book - I personally find address books silly.

Business casual attire - you'll only need this if you're a Business major or applying for an internship. If you're a business major, you know this already. If you're applying for an internship, you've gone through at least a semester of college and I have no idea why you'd be looking at this list.

Calling cards - I don't know what these are.

Deck of cards - eh.

Duct tape - AB. SO. LUTE. LY. NOT.

Envelopes - occasionally useful, but generally not necessary.

Flashlight - I have no idea why you'd need a flashlight.
Gym Bag - If you're planning on using the gym, sure.

Rain boots - Good for the winter when it rains.

Safety pins

Stamps

Stationery

Stuffed animals - I just felt the need to comment here.
Suitcase

Umbrella - it can suck when it rains. Buy something that costs more than $1.

Entertainment

Bicycle (with lock) - I am a big supporter of bicycles on campus. Please don't forget to bring a lock! However, it's really not as far to walk as one might think, and there are buses.

Blank CDs - unless you're making a mix for your girlfriend, don't waste your money. You can buy them for $1 apiece pretty much anywhere.

C’s - no idea what this is meant to be. CDs, probably.
DVDs - yyyyeah, or get a NetFlix account.
DVD player - If you're bringing a television. But if you're bringing a TV, don't forget the coaxial cable. $5 at 5&10 if you forget that.
DVR - no one uses this anymore. Do they?
MP3 player - especially if you're a gym nut.

Radio, stereo, or CD player - just get some decent speakers for your computer.

Sports equipment (i.e., basketball, baseball glove, tennis racket, footballs, frisbees, wiffle balls & bats) - you can bring these with you if you play regularly. But if you play regularly, so do about 300 other people on campus. Not hard to get your hands on a ball.

Television - if you spend a lot of time hanging out in your room or having people over, it's a good idea to have a TV and DVD player. The university has free cable - use it!

Television cable wire - you'll need this for the cable. I mentioned it under DVD player.


Snack Attack

Automatic drip coffee maker - the coffee at the dining hall's not that bad.

Can opener - you will be surprised when you realize you need this and don't have it.

Chip clips

Combination microwave and refrigerator unit - Also check:Residence Hall Essentials

Electric tea kettle (with on/off switch)

Microwave - For popcorn! ... and little else!
Mugs

Paper products(i.e., napkins, paper towels)
Plastic storage bags
Plastic storage containers
Plates, coffee mugs, glasses and utensils - go with paper and plastic for this.
Recipes from home


Refrigerator - you'll want this within a week if you don't have one.

Water pitcher with filter - I recommend this over buying bottled water constantly. Get a nalgene or a camelback or something and fill it with filtered water.

Thanks for all replies, esp Savdra99's 2- parter. That is exactly the type of thing I'm looking for. She is not going to be very far away, so I guess I am being a little anal about shopping for what she needs. Guess I'm just trying to keep my mind off the real issue of my dd leaving home.....

Hi...Yes, I posted this last year when I was in the same boat...The suggestions from everyone were invaluable...It helped us so much...The only problem was that we packed WAY too much stuff...When he brought everything home in May, I could see that he didn't use half of it...Especially the cleaning supplies (why am I not surprised?)...It may be different with girls...I don't know...If I had it to do over again I wouldn't have stressed myself out so much...I was making much ado about nothing (per usual)...He's only an hour and a half away and if he really needed something that badly he could come home to get it or buy it at Wal-Mart...You would have thought I was shipping him off to a deserted island for five years! Less is more...trust me on this one. Plus, she will have much less to bring back home at the end of the school year. Good luck! ~Lisa

One thing I'm planning on sending with my kid are those Purex laundry detergent/3-in-1 sheets. A lot easier to carry than detergent and fabric softener. Plus, it's pre-measured.

Shower shoes, shower caddy, quarters for laundry (lots of them), foam crate for bed, bath robe, mini-fridge.

Make sure that they can use them. My dd was not able to use them at the dorm laundry facility.

oh wow, thanks for the heads up.

I wonder why they wouldn't be allowed to use them?