X-post: dorm room essentials as Christmas gifts

[Valerie(TX)]

for the kids going off to college next year?

What have been your kids' "indispensible" items?

(x-posted on college board)

TIA

[Ravin]

Dorm fridge. I had one in the dorm, and later another one in my barracks room while in training school in the Navy. That second fridge I actually still have--DP uses it for her snacks she doesn't want DD getting into, and water bottles.

[MomsintheGarden]

I have a college packing list that I can PM you (PM me if you'd like it, with your email addy - it's a Word file).

Ds is a college sophomore, and here are some nice items to have:
- very nice waterproof backpack
- small umbrella that fits inside the backpack
- waterproof sneakers
- lightweight, layerable travel-type waterproof jacket
- the usual clothes and stuff - lots of socks & underwear
- first aid kit with latex-free bandages, small tweezers (Walgreens has the best), and a digital thermometer
- Command strips to hang up things (dorm recommended)
- a fun group game or two
- college-recommended laptop computer, cables, docking station, etc.
- smartphone
- printer (this came with his computer)
- nice manual can opener
- the usual school supplies, but keep in mind that most work is done on the computer nowadays. Scissors & tape are important
- linens
- small size cleaners

I'd wait on things like a refrigerator, microwave, rug, or vacuum because it's best to consult with the college and his/her roommate before buying.

Have fun!
GardenMom

[JoyfulMama]

Hammer, screwdrivers, or small tool kit (invaluable).
Good whole punch, stapler, tape (scotch and masking), scissors, pencils, pens, paper clips, push pins, highlighters, sticky notes, extension cords, ruler, calculator, dictionary, book ends...
Headphones...
They used to sell books that had instructions for the new college student... How to do laundry, get out stains, how to cook basic things, but you could certainly make up your own book of helpful hints.
Bigger room items might be a microwave or electric kettle, a couple dishes and silverware, a nice thermal coffee mug, a small vacuum, a small stereo or dock for mp3/ipod or something with speakers, a computer (with a lock for it), or a printer.

[Nan in Mass]

Indispensible: desk stuff, laptop, thumb drives, lamp, waste basket, headphones, mug + spoon, hot pot, laundry basket, umbrella, backpack, calculator, bedding, boots (we pretty much lived in our snow boots all winter so comfortable hiking-boot-type ones are nice, since you are sitting through hot classes in them)
Dispensible but nice: printer, popcorn popper, lapboard, nice mechanical pencil

A tiny fridge and a small microwave are nice if you are allowed to have them but it is probably better to wait on those until you find out if your roommate is bringing them. An ironing board and iron are also things to think about if you are going to need dress clothes (depends on the college LOL).

-Nan

[Leanna]

Dorm Fridge - wish we had gotten the taller size
Microwave
Coffeemaker
Egg Crate Mattress Pad
Body Pillow
Reading Pillow
Comforter
Towels/Sheets
Laundry Basket
Soft blanket
Can Opener
ID/Cell Phone Case (everyone has a "Vera Bradley" case)
Lightweight bulletin board or white board
Posters/Pictures with 3M sticky hangers for dorm walls
Dishes/silverware - non breakable when possible
clip-on bed light
hanging organizers :shoes, jewelry
Backpack that holds a laptop
Camera
Dustbuster

Clothing:
Start replacing any worn out shoes/boots with something sturdy. Don't go cheap on the shoes. They won't survive the long walks across campus.
Warm coats- a lot of kids don't have something warm enough because they don't do much walking outside on a high school campus or as homeschoolers.

My 2dd is a senior, so I'm working on boots and coats this Christmas.:)

HTH,
Leanna

[kiana]

Board games are nice -- Settlers of Catan is a popular one among college students.

Some colleges (CHECK WITH THE DORM) will allow you to have a George Foreman grill in the room. One of my friends has one, and it's super awesome for college students, can make grilled cheese sandwiches, etc.

If the college math classes require a specific calculator, that would be a nice gift.