Originally Posted By 1Gee1 My son is heading off to college (Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA) in a couple of weeks. Although the school provided a list of things to take, does anyone have any suggestions? (Remember, you're talking to "Mom!") When I went to college, I had to live at home and commute, so don't have any experience with this. Thanks!
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo A corkscrew, a bottle opener and a bottle of tissues. Add a musical instrument and he'll be the life and soul of the party.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo In all seriousness, as long as he has stuff to cook with, eat off of and wash with, he'll be fine. No doubt, most books will be purchased when he get's there. And things like an iron and stuff like that will be at the dorm. I am afraid dorm set ups vary from college to college. Best bet is an emergency kit for living, and then shop when you get there.
Originally Posted By RangerPooh Are you from WA or Idaho? Spokane does get snow so you might want to be prepared for winter(ice scraper for car, winter coat, etc). Gift cards are great for purchases for things forgotten. Remember that space is at a premium so some storage devices/shelves might be useful. School supplies are always needed so stock up now and send them to your son throughout the semester as well as gift cards for supplies and clothes. Local stores include Old Navy, REI, Target, Fred Meyers, JCPenneys, Safeway, Costco, Walmart, BestBuy, Staples, etc.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 As the parent of a soon to be senior in college - the most important is a debit card you can load money to. Seriously. My daughter carries little cash and this way I can monitor her expenses somewhat --and transfer money on line instantly.. after that.... sheets ( usually special size for beds) comforter TV dvd player lamp (possibly throw rugs ) plastic containers rolls of quarters for washers/driers small fan if like most dorms ( oneof those egg crate looking mattress pads ) hangars clock radio - alarm over the door shoe rack and anything else that can make it as much like home..
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo TV and DVD player? Oh if only when I was at college. In all seriousness, food is one of the best gifts - a supply of canned food!
Originally Posted By hopemax Dorm food sucks, so things that let you cook in your room are great. I had a microwave and a toaster oven, popcorn popper and we rented a mini fridge from the school. But breadmakers were just starting to come into widespread use, and after owning one now, I wish I had a rice cooker.
Originally Posted By 1Gee1 WOW!!! Already, you've given me such helpful suggestions! Thanks so much! I never thought of the ice scraper, roll of quarters, dishes (not paper, eh?), and fan. The gift card idea is a good one too. We're from CA, so the climate change is something he really has to prepare for! I guess that's why I never thought of the ice scrapper! Once again, thanks so much...keep the ideas coming!
Originally Posted By vbdad55 <TV and DVD player? Oh if only when I was at college. In all seriousness, food is one of the best gifts - a supply of canned food< yeah, being 30 years removed itis a different world -- but they spend a lot of time in their rooms, or else you are buying more bottle openers and beer mugs - LOL ! if they have a microwave available canned foods that are made for the MW are good - ( my daughter actually has a small refrigerator also where she keeps food) - many food services are open ONLY exact hours..and my daughter plays sports and practices usually runthe same time as dinner - so unless you want them going off cammpus - they can eat when they have the time... Oh and one more thing -- win the lottery before they tell you what a semesters books will cost -- you will be stunned
Originally Posted By vbdad55 If you haven't already, if you get a chance visit the dorm to see whaat other have there, as ithas been mentioned facilities vary widely -- places like Bed, Bath & Beyond ( chain) have college dorm lists that help also -- once there you will find yourself running to Target for things you need. extension cords coax cable to attach to TV ( usually one hookup in the room and can be across the room) extra lightbulbs for lamp ( those 5 armed jobs work well ) also a medical emergency kit - oneof those with little scissors, band aids , ointments etc important - add tylenol and advil etc -- they get sick at times that nothing is open. andmost importantly a cell phone plan that allows unlimited calls to you...you will want that both ways if this is your first going away -- trust me
Originally Posted By hopemax Laundry payment varies, so you might want to verify that the machines take quarters. At my school they took these little tickets that you would buy from the front desk. However they were highly susceptible to fraud thanks to a small hole and dental floss so they eventually replaced it with a card with a magnetic strip that you would pay to refill.
Originally Posted By FiveBearRugs <<vbdad55: Oh and one more thing -- win the lottery before they tell you what a semesters books will cost -- you will be stunned>> And the beauty of it is that most professors use new books EVERY semester so selling your books at the end of the semester will get you a very low price.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 yeah, and what a surprise some are co authors on those books -- we have found over 3 years that less tan 255 of the books could be bought used - we took advantage when we can --
Originally Posted By vbdad55 depending on classload- don;t let $700 a semester shock you-- or slightly lower or higher..we have spent up to $1000, with my favorite being a math book of < 250 pages for $310 --
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo What's his major? I studied International Relations and I must have spent $5000 on books in my 3 years. I finally paid off my student debts by the time I was 25 - just in time for me to get married. As for TV - we never bothered - too many extracurriculars for me. Like your daughter, I was too busy to stick to times. Also, our dorm had 7 community TV's and a cinema if I did want to watch something. I loved dorm life, so much I was warden in my 3rd year and lived in dorms throughout my time at Uni. We even stayed in the same dorm graduation week, and I take my family and stay in the dorms with friends for reunions.
Originally Posted By Goofyernmost Ah, the one time that Walmart comes in handy. It's for all the stuff that was forgotten with quality that will probably last at least the school year at a price that won't kill the wallet. It's all going to get thrown out at the end of the year because no one wants to pay to haul that junk back home, so go cheap. Might I had here that I am soooo happy that my kids are all done college and I am almost rich because of the reduced expenses. I had two kids in college plus my wife all at the same time. I am still shaking from that experience.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo This is why I started saving as soon as we found out my wife was pregnant. I think I nearly have one smester saved for our 3 year old now.
Originally Posted By RoadTrip << I had a microwave and a toaster oven, popcorn popper >> Be sure to check with your school. The dorm my daughter lived in had microwave ovens (and a regular stove and refridgerator) available in a mini-kitchen on every floor. They did not allow any of the items you listed to be in the student's room. I assume the concern was fire danger. The students could rent a mini-refridgerator, but it is much less expensive to just buy one at home depot. <<sheets ( usually special size for beds) comforter TV dvd player lamp (possibly throw rugs ) plastic containers rolls of quarters for washers/driers small fan if like most dorms ( oneof those egg crate looking mattress pads ) hangars clock radio - alarm over the door shoe rack>> Great list vbdad... The only things I would add are a small vacuum cleaner and cleaning supplies. One thing many kids take TOO MUCH of is clothing. At least our daughter did. She soon found out that sweatshirts and jeans were pretty much the college uniform. She brought tons of clothes home on her first visit. Most dorm closets and dressers are VERY small. You don't want to have any clothing with you that you won't need. While we are on the topic of clothing... Be sure to bring sleepwear that you will be comfortable in around the opposite gender. Most dorms today are co-ed and you don't want to have to get dressed evey time you leave your room at night. Modest pajamas and a robe are invaluable. Also... if you are in a cold weather area be sure to bring coats, mittens, etc. These are easy to forget when you leave for school in August, but will be essential before the term is over. Yes, kids can pick them up lateer when they visit, but they typically don't think of it unitl AFTER the first time they really needed it.
