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Packing for Your College-bound Child
Here are the top-ten items to send with your child who's off to college...according to someone who's recently experienced the move.
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College is the time where your child breaks free from their parents. When they were born, their umbilical cord was cut, but that was only ceremonial. Now it's time for the real deal. If you're sending your "young adult" ("child", theoretically is no longer an applicable term) off to College away from home, here is a Top Ten List of the basics you don't want to forget.
- Shampoo/Conditioner, Soap, Facial Soap (if used), Shower Thongs. Shower thongs are more for the men than the women. Chances are, as a freshman your child will be living in a dorm room. Having said that, make sure that they have something to wear on their feet into the shower. Even if they think they don't need or want them, trust me when I say that they'll thank you later. Also, don't forget Towels/Bathrobe, Shower Case, Toothbrush, Toothbrush Case, Toothpaste, Dental Floss, and Mouth Wash.
- Sheets (make sure you have the correct bed and mattress size), pillow cases, comforter, and possibly a mattress pad. You should buy no less than three sets of sheets and pillow cases or they'll never get washed more than once every two or three months. I had four.
- Laundry Bag/Basket. Most prefer the bag, I preferred the latter.
- Hangers. Keep in mind that you can fit more in a closet and on a hanger, than in a few drawers. Of course, you shouldn't forget to pack the appropriate clothing for the climate your child is matriculating to.
- Cups/Mugs/Glasses or anything to drink out of. Don't forget to pack some silverware, and a couple of dishes (big bowls, plates). You should also think about getting them one or two of those large, flat storage containers. If they put their beds on cinder blocks, it will fit nicely underneath. If not, the dorm can put them in a local storage closet, or it can be put to good use as a coffee table. It will help to keep their room somewhat organized :-).
- Hot Pot. This is more important than you'd imagine. If you're not familiar with this, it's something you plug into a wall, and boil water to cook Ramen Noodles, Macaroni & Cheese, or anything else imaginable. A Hot Pot sells for around $20, and it's well worth the cost...especially if you want to make sure your kid eats. No one likes dining hall food, even if the cook is Emeril Lagasse. Don't forget to pack some Kraft Macaroni & Cheese and the Ramen Noodles too. What would be great is for you to rent them a small refrigerator, (the college will probably be able to refer an inexpensive place).
- Datebook/Telephone Book/Calendar. These items will help them keep track of their schedule. They'll learn quickly to treat it like gold!
- Computer/Word Processor. There will be plenty of papers to write, and although these items will make things easier, they're not a must. The college will offer your child plenty of access to this equipment, and someone next door is bound to have a computer to use from time to time. If you can afford it, it's one thing that will help make your child more motivated to do their work. They will be more inclined to write a paper if they don't have to walk across the campus to do it. Word Processors are a relatively inexpensive purchase these days.
- Deck of Cards. Need I say more?
- Condoms, Condoms, and more Condoms. While there are those of you who might be afraid to admit it, are embarrassed to talk about it, or are disgusted by the thought of it, more than 90% of all students are sexually active in college. Scary number? Take it from one who just left for college. Don't be afraid to talk to your kids! If your child is embarrassed about it, just make sure they know that you're going to buy and pack them anyway.
Copyright © Brian L. Zapin. Printed with permission.
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