What to take to the freshman dorm

Flashback 2008

By Anthony Buccino

Looking at this list from the last century, you might want to update a few items, such as the VCR and cassette player. A few things have changed in the past nine years. You'll notice that cell phone is not on the list.

It's been quite a while since we packed up our daughter's stuff and sent her off to her freshman year at university. Fortunately, other people have found the following list -- though from 1999 -- helpful, if not something with all the answers, helpful is good.

Mostly the list sprang out my wife's stream of consciousness as we prepared for the empty nest. She scribbled notes as items came to her, mostly to remind herself and provide a checklist so we wouldn't forget some of the obvious things our student could coordinate with her roommate.

Looking at this list from the last century, you might want to update a few items, such as the VCR and cassette player.

A few things have changed in the past nine years. You'll notice that cell phone is not on the list.

Of course, another thing you'll notice is that this list was created for a daughter heading off to school, so, your list will vary.

Dorm Stuff

Mattress cover, Mattress pad (egg crate type) (twin extra long?)

 Pillow, Pillow cover

 Blanket, Quilt

 3 sets/ sheets

"Boyfriend pillow"

 Stuffed animals (from home)

 Area rug

 Posters, photos for walls

 Bath towels

 Hand towels, wash cloths (12 of each)

 Shower shoes or flip-flops

 Bathroom caddy (with holes in the bottom)

 Desk lamp (Not Halogen)

 Phone

 Clock radio (with battery back up)

 Storage cubes (to stack)

 Storage boxes (for under bed)

 Hangers

 Disposable camera W/FLASH

 Fun tack (for sticking things to the walls)

 Garbage can/bags

 Flashlight/batteries

 Wall calendar

 Fan (window or floor)

 Umbrella

 Back pack

 Phone card (for pay phone)

 Microwave mug

 Paper Plates, cups, napkins

 Vitamins

 Extension cord (computer!)

 Surge protector

 Dye Magnet

Desk Stuff (usually cheaper to buy at home than at school)

 Notebooks, refill paper, scissors, tape, pens, pencils, folders, highlighters, planner/datebook

 Stamps (letter & postcard)

 Stationery, address book,

Stuff you can split with your roommate

 (Depending on who lives closer...)

 Night-light

 Refrigerator

 TV/w VCR

 Bulletin board/push pins

 Door message board

 Hair dryer

 Curling iron

 CD/cassette player

Personal, Homey Stuff

Bring personal items to make the room 'cozy'

Clothes, make-up, don't forget robe/slippers

 Sweater or sweatshirt

 "First Aid" stuff - Advil, Band-aids, Tums, cough drops

Stuff you should buy Two of

 Detergent

 Fabric softener sheets

 Pump soap

 Shampoo

 Hair spray

 Deodorant

 Toothpaste

 Toothbrush

 Loofa

 Hand Cream

 Floss

 Kleenex

Stuff to bring on Move-in day

 Camera (Take before and after pictures)

 Small vacuum cleaner or Dust Buster

 Roll paper towels (leave there)

 Bottle antiseptic (Windex)

 Hammer, nails/tacks, brads, thumbtacks, tape measure (for windows)

Accounts

 Phone (Bill sent home?)

 Cable (Bill sent home?)

 Local bank - (with a branch at home!) checking or debit and Savings (for deposits and transfers)

 Laundry card

 Internet/computer

Goodies (packages sent from home)

 Cards, postcards (put in photos, bookmarks)

 Snacks - popcorn, pantyhose, CDs, cassettes, Videos

 Frame w/favorite photos

 Magnets for school fridge

 Holiday cookies (send AHEAD of time)

 Magazines, books

 Sleep mask

 Cute pillowcase

 "Giant" cookies

 Cute pens, pencils, pads

 Boxers, T-shirts

 Wand and tiara (of course, for the princess)

 Colorful scarf

 Newspaper from home

 Small stuffed animals

 Beads

 Hair stuff (barrettes, head bands)

 US Mail: Catalogs from home, glow-in-the-dark stars, key ring, pins, buttons.

Hope this helps with your separation situation. Like us, you'll probably find that after a few trips back and forth with a rented van, or whatever, you won't even need the list to get your little one back to the grounds of higher education.

© 2008 by Anthony Buccino

Back To School by Anthony Buccino

What to take to the freshman dorm By Anthony Buccino, first published by NJ.com on July 28, 2008.

Cherry Blossom Press

Nutley, NJ, Books

Belleville, NJ, Books

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