Getting your College Kids Ready for (Back to) School?

I know when my kids were getting ready for College they were excited about going away. They were ready (or so they thought) for the independence that "going away" would bring them.  I think most kids feel that way.  Yes they love their family but they really want to go away and be on their own.

That is until it is about to happen, and then they are wondering (and mom I know you are too) whether they really are prepared.  Do they have what they need for living away from home for more than a week or two.  
Here is a good "starting point" list of things that you need to live "comfortably" away from home.

Room Needs/Storage

• Bedside lamp
• Alarm clock/clock radio
• Mini trash can
• Storage bins
• Under-the-bed storage trays/bins (remember rooms are small)
• Desk lamp (remember extra bulbs)
• Fan
• Bulletin board and pushpins
• Dry-erase wall calendar/board (for class schedule & due dates)
• Mini toolkit (or email for dorm maintenance)
• Picture hangers (double-sided tape for concrete walls)
• Bed lifters (unless beds are permanently set high)
• Flashlight / Night light / emergency lighting (you never know)
• Batteries (check required sizes)

Linens/Laundry Supplies

• Sheets and pillowcases (2 sets. Check with college most twin beds are extra long.)
• Mattress pad (see note above)
• Pillows (2 or whatever you use at home) 
• Blankets (2, one light weight)
• Comforter/bedspread (see note above)
• Towels (2-3 each - bath, hand and face)
• Clothes hangers
• Laundry bag/basket
• Drying rack for laundry
• Laundry detergent, fabric softener and stain remover
• Lint brush (Sticky rollers work great)
• Mini sewing kit

Office/Desk Supplies

• Electronic storage media (memory cards/USB flash drives/ portable hard drives)
• Stapler and staples
• Printer paper (if you decide to bring a printer)
• Pens and pencils, holder and sharpener
• Highlighter pens (multiple colors)
• 3 × 5 index cards (my kids favorites for studying)
• Sticky notes
• Notebooks
• Folder with pockets
• Labels of various sizes
• Paper clips and binder clips
• Rubber bands
• Tape
• Scissors
• Ruler
• Stackable desk trays (at least 4)
• Stamps and envelopes (yes they still need these)

Electronics

• Laptop 
• Printer (optional) or extra money for computer labs where you can print your reports/notes/etc.
• HDMI cord, Ethernet cord (check if your room has wireless)
• Surge protector
• Extension cords
• Headphones
• Cell phone (don't forget charger!)

Shared Items — Check with roommates

• TV and DVD player (may be in dorm lounge)
• Coffeemaker (Jenn couldn't live without her Keurig)
• Microwave
• Small refrigerator (if one isn’t provided)
• Towels/sponges/potholders
• Plates/cups/utensils 
• Cookware/Microwave cookware

Miscellaneous

• Umbrella
• Backpack
• Business Casual Clothing (1 set first impression for interviews)
• Paper Towels, Toilet Paper (even if supplied - 1 of each for emergencies)

And of course to make your "dining" easier, especially if you are not thrilled with the Dining Hall food for the day, Tupperware has some awesome products to help out.

You can find these products and so much more on my Tupperware Site to make quick meals (or Dining Hall "saves") easier!

Check out my  College Kid Send Off Giveaway