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Post by pinkgreen on Jul 6, 2016 20:46:44 GMT
DS will begin his freshman year in August. This is my first experience with a dorm from the parent side and I am beginning to shop for what he needs to set up his room. I have found some great ideas on NSBR, especially this thread: Freshman Dorm Survival KitMy question is this: What should we plan on packing/sending with him to begin with? I am thinking bedding, shower stuff, clothes, a few school supplies/computer, and similar. I don't want to overload him with stuff, as he is staying in a traditional dorm with a roommate and a shared hallway bathroom. In my mind I have two lists going: things for now, and things for later. We live only an hour away and have season football tickets, so we will see him frequently in the fall and can bring additional things as needed. He will also have a car, so he has the option of shopping when he needs to. Any thoughts from those with experience? |
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Post by Patter on Jul 6, 2016 20:50:22 GMT
Definitely an external battery charger. Our favorite is the Jackery Bar. This is great to keep in the backpack and have on hand when electronics run low on a battery charge. Also a good power strip or two for in the room.
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naby64
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,932 
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Post by naby64 on Jul 6, 2016 21:02:08 GMT
A community bathroom or one that is shared in a suite of rooms? If a community bathroom, make sure he has a dop kit or some sort of carry-all thing to take his toiletries to and fro.
I have sent 2 boys and 1 girl off to school. They have such completely different needs/wants. All of mine took a printer just so they wouldn't have to worry about any late night(re: last minute paper printing). Check with roommates - is anyone bringing a fridge/microwave/coffee pot or Keurig? None of the dorms my kiddos were in could have a hot plate which meant no coffee pots but they could do a Keurig. All of them wanted bedding PLUS a comfy throw type of blanket.
We got our oldest an over the door organizer for his closet. It helped corral a lot of misc stuff that didn't really have a storage space.
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Post by pinkgreen on Jul 6, 2016 21:08:35 GMT
It is a community bathroom - in the hallway. His room does have a sink. I was a bit surprised that he chose to go the traditional route, but he's saving me some money! He is going potluck for roommate, so far he does not have one assigned.
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Post by *KAS* on Jul 6, 2016 21:36:15 GMT
Depending on the laundry situation, a basket or bag of some sort to carry clothes, and detergent.
a lock box or locking cable for his laptop
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Post by hop2 on Jul 6, 2016 21:51:15 GMT
If you live 1 hour away and have season tickets send the minimum to start. Space is tight and if you'll see him often you can bring things to him. If he doesn't NEED it before that first time you go then wait for it.
For example DD only took a light jacket when she went last August we brought her won't cost in mid oct she only used it for about 2 weeks of November. Same with winter clothes ( which is probably different for a boy anyway they probably wear t-shirts & hoodies all year)
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Post by tuva42 on Jul 6, 2016 21:56:40 GMT
Check the university's housing website. My oldest DD's dorm did not allow power strips except for the outlet you plugged your computer in. Youngest DD's dorm this fall says no microwaves. He'll probably want a mini-fridge, but check with the dorm.
Most dorm beds require the extra-long twin bedding. He'll need something to put dirty laundry in. He may want a bedside lamp, alarm clock, etc. Or not if he uses his phone for an alarm.
Under bed storage is nice. Check and see if the beds can be lofted.
My older DD had a very vinyl tile, cold, dorm floor so we got her a little rug. Some dorms allow command strip hooks on the wall, others don't. Some allow push pins on the wall, some don't.
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Post by pierkiss on Jul 6, 2016 23:10:32 GMT
He will need a mini fridge and a microwave. He and his new roommate should figure out who will bring which one and then they can share.
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Post by littlemama on Jul 6, 2016 23:17:25 GMT
Ds' university recommends bringing the necessities on move in day, and then bigger stuff, like a mini fridge after the Labor Day weekend.
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Post by deekaye on Jul 6, 2016 23:17:55 GMT
He will need a mini fridge and a microwave. He and his new roommate should figure out who will bring which one and then they can share. Check with the individual dorm. One DDs dorm came with mini fridge and microwave, one didn't. |
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Post by 950nancy on Jul 6, 2016 23:19:50 GMT
Limited clothing. I would probably get him a good thick pad for the mattress. In my experience those mattresses are hard. Sleeping comfortably is always a plus. We sent everything he needed for the room right away.
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Post by mommaho on Jul 6, 2016 23:45:02 GMT
A small clip on fan - if the beds are bunked for more space underneath, hot air rises and it can get really stuffy!
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Post by momstime on Jul 6, 2016 23:49:19 GMT
Depending on where you live, a FAN is essential...not only to cool the room, but to blow the stink away from close living quarters.
A memory foam topper is critical, as those dorm mattresses are thin....live kraft cheese slices thin. Dorm beds are twin XL
A clip on lamp for the headboard is perfect for late night reading or studying.
Pop up hampers keep things tidy.
Put some detergent pods in a ziplock. You can always replenish those as you visit.
Paper towels and garbage bags!
Double rack hanger for closet. Those closets are small, and they share them.
Some sort of shoe organizer for the door.
Bathroom caddy to carry soap/shampoo back and forth
See if your campus participates in a bed loft rental. You would rent the loft and it raises the bed like a top bunk height. That leaves room under the bed for his desk and extra storage.
We gave my dd a small fridge, our basement couch and an old tv. Someone else brought chairs and a rug. She had 3 suite mates in a 2 bedroom suite w/bath, so a bit different. Plus, she's a girl...which meant christmas lights, decorator pillows, comfy throws and all the trapping of girly stuff.
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Post by mikewozowski on Jul 6, 2016 23:51:33 GMT
less is more. especially for boys. they don't want a cute room. they might want blackout curtains.
they want what they NEED and usually a good computer or gaming setup.
i know loads of people who have gone overboard on the dorm shopping and now warn others against it.
most likely there are stores where he is going. there is also amazon. he can pick up things he finds he needs later.
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TheOtherMeg
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,541
Jun 25, 2014 20:58:14 GMT
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Post by TheOtherMeg on Jul 6, 2016 23:55:36 GMT
Definitely check the uni website, especially for info regarding appliances/electronics. We've had different situations, even within the same campus. Yes or No on: fridge microwave power strips Kurig hot plate (nearly always a "no") printers (years ago, one uni website said "no", but that had changed by the time the next kid went) Ditto a thousand times Patter's suggestion for portable power packs (portable batteries). Anker (for multi-chargers, portable batteries, and cords) has been a very good brand for us. We get them on Amazon. Sabrent has also performed well. Also send an extra wall wart and charging cord. Or five. Or send this: 6-port rapid chargerAnd these: 6-pack of short cordsWe travel with the 6-port charge and 6-pack of cords. It's saved our sanity many times. I have a 10-port set-up in the kitchen with the short cords and it's awesome. I use a desk sorter -- this -- to keep the devices sorted. We only have a couple old Apple devices, and I can't find good short cords for them. I just keep the few Apple cords bundled so they're not tangled all over the place. |
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mvavw
Full Member
Posts: 344
Jun 25, 2014 20:21:43 GMT
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Post by mvavw on Jul 7, 2016 0:21:35 GMT
An extra phone charging cable
My son is hard on them, and it was a long wait(even with prime) borrowing other's cables until his new one arrived.
My son also said if he will be using his computer in classes, have an extra power strip (multi outlet) to take to class. It's a great way to make friends.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 18, 2024 23:21:46 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 7, 2016 0:31:05 GMT
My kid loved her foam mattress topper thing. Really helped make the standard dorm bed more comfy.
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Post by renateb on Jul 7, 2016 1:54:07 GMT
my son liked lots of pillow. got the big body pillow. the bed became a couch so being able to prop up lots of pillows is a common thing.
bag of quarters for laundry.
small dry erase board. Got one with cork strip and push pins. he used that.
walmart gift card to get whatever he needs and doesn't have and/or amazon gift card to have stuff delivered
I made a small (pencil case size) first aide kit/emergency tool kit. That he said came in handy.
I got the plastic sterilite storage drawers. Packed his stuff like sheets, towels, small stuff into those drawers, taped drawers shut and that is how we moved it to/from. Worked great. Drawers went into closet.
things that came back home: under bed storage (didn't fit); bed raisers (didn't work) (ended up renting loft bed); bed bug mattress cover (didn't need mattresses had plastic cover already)
things he bought: sleeping bag, bigger fan,
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Post by pinkgreen on Jul 7, 2016 1:57:24 GMT
Definitely an external battery charger. Our favorite is the Jackery Bar. This is great to keep in the backpack and have on hand when electronics run low on a battery charge. Also a good power strip or two for in the room. He already uses one. Aren't they great?! A community bathroom or one that is shared in a suite of rooms? If a community bathroom, make sure he has a dop kit or some sort of carry-all thing to take his toiletries to and fro. I have sent 2 boys and 1 girl off to school. They have such completely different needs/wants. All of mine took a printer just so they wouldn't have to worry about any late night(re: last minute paper printing). Check with roommates - is anyone bringing a fridge/microwave/coffee pot or Keurig? None of the dorms my kiddos were in could have a hot plate which meant no coffee pots but they could do a Keurig. All of them wanted bedding PLUS a comfy throw type of blanket. We got our oldest an over the door organizer for his closet. It helped corral a lot of misc stuff that didn't really have a storage space. He has mini fridge, they are allowed. I am going to hold off on a printer, as the campus has networked printers. We're waiting to figure out how that works in the dorm. It will be easy enough to pick one up later, or even better, ship it straight from Amazon. Hopefully he will hear about a roommate soon. The one assigned is pledging a fraternity, I am not sure if his space has been released yet. Great idea about the closet organizer, his closet does have a regular door. If you live 1 hour away and have season tickets send the minimum to start. Space is tight and if you'll see him often you can bring things to him. If he doesn't NEED it before that first time you go then wait for it. For example DD only took a light jacket when she went last August we brought her won't cost in mid oct she only used it for about 2 weeks of November. Same with winter clothes ( which is probably different for a boy anyway they probably wear t-shirts & hoodies all year) If you live 1 hour away and have season tickets send the minimum to start. Space is tight and if you'll see him often you can bring things to him. If he doesn't NEED it before that first time you go then wait for it. For example DD only took a light jacket when she went last August we brought her won't cost in mid oct she only used it for about 2 weeks of November. Same with winter clothes ( which is probably different for a boy anyway they probably wear t-shirts & hoodies all year) Thank you for your input - I was hoping to hear from someone having success with my idea! Check the university's housing website. My oldest DD's dorm did not allow power strips except for the outlet you plugged your computer in. Youngest DD's dorm this fall says no microwaves. He'll probably want a mini-fridge, but check with the dorm. Most dorm beds require the extra-long twin bedding. He'll need something to put dirty laundry in. He may want a bedside lamp, alarm clock, etc. Or not if he uses his phone for an alarm. Under bed storage is nice. Check and see if the beds can be lofted. My older DD had a very vinyl tile, cold, dorm floor so we got her a little rug. Some dorms allow command strip hooks on the wall, others don't. Some allow push pins on the wall, some don't. His floor is carpeted. We have the hamper and a lamp. Command strips are allowed. I need to start packing what we already have. A small clip on fan - if the beds are bunked for more space underneath, hot air rises and it can get really stuffy! Adding a fan to my list. Thanks! Depending on where you live, a FAN is essential...not only to cool the room, but to blow the stink away from close living quarters. A memory foam topper is critical, as those dorm mattresses are thin....live kraft cheese slices thin. Dorm beds are twin XL A clip on lamp for the headboard is perfect for late night reading or studying. Pop up hampers keep things tidy. Put some detergent pods in a ziplock. You can always replenish those as you visit. Paper towels and garbage bags! Double rack hanger for closet. Those closets are small, and they share them. Some sort of shoe organizer for the door. Bathroom caddy to carry soap/shampoo back and forth See if your campus participates in a bed loft rental. You would rent the loft and it raises the bed like a top bunk height. That leaves room under the bed for his desk and extra storage. We gave my dd a small fridge, our basement couch and an old tv. Someone else brought chairs and a rug. She had 3 suite mates in a 2 bedroom suite w/bath, so a bit different. Plus, she's a girl...which meant christmas lights, decorator pillows, comfy throws and all the trapping of girly stuff. He does have his own closet, but it's small. Adding double rack hanger to list. Definitely check the uni website, especially for info regarding appliances/electronics. We've had different situations, even within the same campus. Yes or No on: fridge microwave power strips Kurig hot plate (nearly always a "no") printers (years ago, one uni website said "no", but that had changed by the time the next kid went) Ditto a thousand times Patter's suggestion for portable power packs (portable batteries). Anker (for multi-chargers, portable batteries, and cords) has been a very good brand for us. We get them on Amazon. Sabrent has also performed well. Also send an extra wall wart and charging cord. Or five. Or send this: 6-port rapid chargerAnd these: 6-pack of short cordsWe travel with the 6-port charge and 6-pack of cords. It's saved our sanity many times. I have a 10-port set-up in the kitchen with the short cords and it's awesome. I use a desk sorter -- this -- to keep the devices sorted. We only have a couple old Apple devices, and I can't find good short cords for them. I just keep the few Apple cords bundled so they're not tangled all over the place. Thanks for the cord tips! I need to get a multi-port for our house! An extra phone charging cable My son is hard on them, and it was a long wait(even with prime) borrowing other's cables until his new one arrived. My son also said if he will be using his computer in classes, have an extra power strip (multi outlet) to take to class. It's a great way to make friends. He is in engineering, so he is required to have a laptop for class. A small power strip for class is a great idea! Thank you all for all of the tips. I went to the same university, but he is in a different dorm than I was in. My dorm (and the multiple buildings in the same style) was the dorm to be in when I was in school. Now it's at the lowest end of the spectrum! There are many options and quite a few feature private rooms/bathrooms with double beds. I guess things change after 27 years! Lol! He will be in a college town, but it's big enough to have Staples, Best Buy, Academy, etc. We have had an Amazon Prime account for quite a while now and we also visit his college town on a regular basis. He will definitely have easy access to what he needs, I just don't want to fill his room with unnecessary clutter. |
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Post by renateb on Jul 7, 2016 2:14:48 GMT
garbage can - solid, not mesh. (let's just say parties happen)
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