Single Parent And Kids

If, like most college freshmen, you plan to live in a student residence hall, it is not too early for you to begin thinking about what you will need once you arrive on campus. You’ll require more than the obvious essentials like clothing and hygiene/grooming items. Start by shopping for and packing the following.

A trunk or a lock box can give you both security and privacy. Also, a quality trunk or lock box can double as a piece of furniture or a place to hide the body of an unpleasant roommate.

You have to bring an alarm clock or your mother. But, mom probably has other obligations, and you will not have as much fun if she is around. Trust me on that.

You need light to become enlightened. Buy a good lamp. Don’t scrimp.

Unless you bring mom, you will be doing your own laundry, so be prepared. You will need soap and a hamper or laundry bag. You may also want bleach, stain remover, softener, etc. Bringing laundry home is bad form… mom has done your laundry long enough…but it is OK to ask her advice on what items and which brands to buy.

You will certainly need clothes hangers. Guys are advised to buy only wrinkle free clothing. Gals may need an iron or a steamer to get their dressier clothes in shape.

A sewing kit can save your favorite item of clothing if you drop a hem or lose a button. Special tip for guys: women love men who can sew (or cook, for that matter).

A flashlight and first aid kit can be invaluable. Maybe even lifesaving.

Everybody remembers towels, but lots of folks forget robes. A robe will give you warmth and “coverage”.

Everybody needs to store things. Plastic storage boxes make almost everything easy to organize and to find. And, they’re cheap and nearly impossible to break.

Depending on your culinary abilities and the regulations enforced in your residence hall, you might want to consider a refrigerator, microwave, toaster oven, pots, cups, plates, and other cooking and eating utensils. You and your roommate may want to split the cost of the more expensive items.

Bring one or two sets of dress clothing. You may not need them often, but you never know when an occasion will arise for which everyday clothes are not enough.

Don’t forget that camera! A real one, not one in a phone. It will allow you to forever capture your college memories for posterity. Just ask anyone who has been to college what they would give to have pictures.

Before you move into your dorm, it would be wise to visit and check it out. If not, find as much information as you can on the college website or by calling the student residence office (sometimes called the housing office). Then, starting with the items we have listed, make a comprehensive list of items you will need and buy them before you move into your room. It will be one less thing you will have to do during the beginning of your first semester, one of the busiest times of your life.