You may have thought that college preparation ended with high school graduation and college admission but the reality is that is just the beginning – sending a child off to university for the first time comes with a whole new set of requirements, beginning with college living supplies. Your child will not be able to study and thrive unless the basic needs are met – this means food, shelter and clothing must be addressed.
Most dorms provide basic furniture such as a bed with a mattress, a dresser and a desk but beyond that almost everything else must be brought in. Usually this means acquiring new goods since even the sheets you have at home probably won’t fit the twin XL beds which are standard-issue in most college dorms. Be sure to check with the school and see if they provide any sort of a checklist – this is a good starting point. Even when armed with a university issued list it is still a good idea to take a look at the websites of the major bath and bedding stores because most feature comprehensive digital checklists. These are especially useful when you are coordinating with other roommates and their parents plus they are more convenient to use on social media or when you are texting or emailing ideas and solutions.
Many modern dorms are more like actual apartments – they feature a shared kitchen, bath and living area which means you will need to accumulate things like pots and pans and cleaning supplies. Essentials like bath mats and bathroom rugs make showers safer; towels with a monogram or distinctive pattern are a good idea too.