| Mrs. Murfreesboro: Experience-earned tips can help with first college freshman |
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Posted: Sunday, August 2, 2009 8:15 am
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It’s back to school time again.
For many that means buying supplies from a list, but for others it means sending a freshman off to college for the very first time.
Some of this may be “old news,” but after having sent three children to college I want to share things that I wish I knew regarding moving into a dormitory. Perhaps I can keep you from rushing out at the last minute to buy some things I had forgotten.
Here, in no particular order, is Mrs. Murfreesboro’s list of things to help a new freshman move into a dorm.
1) Flip flops for the treks to the shower down the hall.
2) A waterproof container for shower toiletries.
3) Concrete blocks to lift the bed up off the floor.
A dorm bed up off the floor doubles storage because plastic storage drawers can be stacked underneath. I saw “risers” this week at Ross for that purpose ($9.99 for four) in the closet-organizing section. These are a lot less cumbersome than blocks.
4) A desk light for studying (can be purchased very inexpensively at big stores) and light bulbs.
5) A dry erase board. These are tacked to dorm room doors to let friends know where they can be found at any given moment.
6) An electric power strip and an extension cord(s). College dorms are OLD, and poorly equipped for power for computers, chargers, etc. I finally learned that on the third child.
7) A full-length mirror.
8) Cleaning supplies. Visit the dollar store or your local grocer for a toilet brush, spray disinfectant, dish detergent (if they share a bath) and things to wash their clothes with. Dropps (available at Target), is a complete dissolving liquid laundry pack detergent that takes up very little room.
9) A laundry bag. Students particularly like the collapsible kind.
10) A 14 X 16 rug. This may seem like a “luxury,” but brings instant comfort to a drab, old linoleum floor.
You’ll obviously need sheets and a comforter (extra long twin) but since the bed will double as a “couch,” help them find some inexpensive pillows to lean against the wall.
A lint brush is great, as is a clothes steamer (about $25 at local stores), a flashlight and alarm clock. A double hang closet organizer is a must as is a sturdy closet organizer (shoe hanger). If you can find it, a tool kit with pliers, scissors, a glue gun and hammer will be appreciated and will last them longer than their college years.
As unfortunate as it is, dorm rooms are easy prey for thieves, so make sure their computer has a cable lock, and they have a safe place to lock up wallets and other valuables.
Don’t forget the first aid kit with band-aids, a thermometer, antibiotic ointment, etc., pain reliever and Rolaids.
A meningitis shot is a great investment. I read that college freshmen are five more times a likely to contract meningitis than the average person. Your physician can direct you.
Your college will inform you exactly when the dorm is open to students and EVERYONE will show up at the earliest given time. If you can encourage your child to go later, you’ll avoid standing in line for the elevator or moving caddy. Taking a dolly on wheels will make you way ahead of the game.
The Internet has great tips for sending a child to college. I googled Today Show.com, typed in “Sending a child to college” and got not only great advice on what they need, but what to expect emotionally as well. Dormtours.net had great info, too.
If you neglected giving a graduation gift, considerer sending $15 to their college P.O. Box at Christmas. A friend of mine did that intentionally and my children were in heaven.
And don’t waste your money staying in town for the night or taking them to breakfast the next morning. Their homesickness will come later. Most freshmen I’ve seen are ready for you to move on.
They’ll be clicking up their heels before you’re out of the driveway … at just about the very time you’re wiping away your first tear.
‘Til next week.
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