What they'll really need

Moving in is tricky, but relax, we’ve done this plenty of times. Here is our advice for things your student should really have that might not be on the University’s list.

Rain boots – Classes are never canceled because of a downpour. Make sure your student has comfortable rain boots and a good umbrella, or two. Even if they feel like they'll look uncool, you should know that just about every girl on campus has rain boots. Some guys do, too.

Command strips/hooks – You can probably never have enough of these things, but take note: Everyone buys them at Target during the first few weeks of school, so you won’t be able to find them in town. Buy them in bulk at home and bring them with you. The strips are great for hanging posters on the wall, and the hooks come in handy for extra coats, jackets and robes that won’t fit in the closet.

Towels – There’s just not enough room for a giant stack of towels in a dorm room. Your student should bring two, maybe three towels as well as a beach towel. There’s a laundry room in every residence hall, so they can be washed at any time.

Floor lamp – The quality of the overhead lighting in the residence halls can be a toss-up. Bringing your own floor lamp will make sure they have the right amount of light for long hours of studying.

Warm blanket – An attractive comforter is nice ... to look at. But make sure whatever bedding your student picks out will be warm enough in the winter. It gets cold.

Floor cushions – These are great to have when there’s just not enough comfortable seating during movie night. They’ll also make eating pizza on the bed a little less frequent.

Hats, scarves, clothes – Sub-zero temperatures are never pleasant, but they tend to feel worse for the “cool kids” who decided they’re above wearing winter accessories. Also a must: shoes that will keep out the snow. We’ve had one snow day in the past 10 years, so trust us when we say that your student will be walking in, around and through the snow.

Scissors – They come in handy for opening all those loving care packages you’ll send. (Hint, hint.)

Reusable shopping bags – Students like to stock up on junk food at the campus C-stores (mini convenience marts), but this means they need to trek back to their rooms with it all, too. Trust us, having your plastic shopping bag break only to watch your Pringles roll out into the street and be crushed under a bus is a tragic experience. Plus, college students are all about the environment.
Thermos – Coffee is more than just a drink on college campuses; it’s a lifestyle. Even if your student doesn’t drink coffee, they’ll probably start. And, if they don’t, at least they’ll be able to enjoy a nice hot cup of cocoa once in a while.

Text messaging phone package – Some parents don’t see the point to text messages, but even if you and your child have a “no text” clause, it won’t stop friends from sending messages to your student’s phone – messages that will be charged to you. Look into a texting plan, which is usually $5 to $10 per month.

Stamps and envelopes – Stationary is something that as children, we believe is just always in our home. (We rarely know where to buy it.) Make sure you send your student to school with a pack of envelopes and a book of first-class stamps.