College Dorm Gear & Settling Into College

For many high school seniors, it's still a waiting game, either for admission or  aid packages. But for families who applied early, the decision is made and it is time to plan for transition and "the Big Move."

Between now and freshman orientation, I will publish many "transition" posts. Since families may be interested in getting dorm gear at different times, I am putting up my annual dorm checklist post now. Where to start?

YOUR KID'S COLLEGE WEBSITE: Find the download list  (instructions about what/what not to bring). Take note of rules about microwaves (colleges often specify a micro-fridge combo model you can buy or rent), extension cords (colleges usually want power surge protectors), and lightbulbs (halogen bulbs are forbidden).

Confirm what furniture and interiors are provided before you purchase anything (carpeting, microwave or fridge in common areas).  Check with the roommate before buying a TV, speakers, computer printer, air filter, large fan, and other major electronics. A great excuse for roommates touching base before they arrive!

Before buying a laptop, check with the school (some colleges actually supply laptops, many offer discounts). What modes of transportation are common on this campus (bikes, skateboards, shuttles)? How do students typically carry books or laptops to class (backpacks, messenger bags)? For cell phones, consider insurance, and make sure it offers a seamless shift between voice, text and email (easier to reach your kid), with strong camera and media features to minimize the need for buying additional electronics.

INTERNET CHECKLISTS: Websites:  CollegeBoard, iVillage, HundredsofHeads, SparkCollege, JustDorm.com, Gifts.com. Online discussion: CollegeConfidential. Blogs: CollegeDormIdeas.com, DormGear.com, Notes from My Daughter. Search engines: About.Com:Dorm Room Accessories, About.Com: Dorm Furniture, About.Com: Futon Sources.

ONLINE STORE CHECKLISTS: PBTeen, Bed Bath & Beyond, JCPenney, Walmart, Target, Ikea, Kohls and The Container Store offer dorm gear checklists, and are terrific shopping resources. And for school logo gear, check out CollegeGear.com, YourCollegeGear.com, FansEdge, and your teen's college bookstore online.

If your young adult is going by air, buy online (with free shipping offers), and ship directly to school.  Buying online is more cost efficient than an impulsive move-in "supermarket sweep" (when local stores are sold out of many staples). Colleges receive packages by mid-August. Check your school's website for dates and location for receiving packages.

Getting my son ready for Emory, I found it disorienting jumping between online shopping resources, to identify the best gear and of course, price-shopping. How it would be with a daughter?

To alleviate readers' stress, I created my own checklist of essential items at a good value. I drew upon multiple manufacturers, but mainly sourced from Amazon, because it is the gold standard clearinghouse with a reliable shipping record, and often offers free shipping (indicated by italics).

BATH: Dorm Caddy Shower Tote, Eagle Creek Toiletry Pouch, Travel Toothbrush Holders, 6-pc. Towel Set. And Havaianas flipflops are a must for the trek to the shower!

BED: 3-pc. Sheet Set, 2 Bed Pillows, Mattress Pad,  Fleece Blanket,  Comforter, Bed Risers (best kept secret: so your kid can store stuff under the bed), Foam Mattress Topper (this made my son happier than anything else I bought him).

LIGHTING: Desk Lamp, LED Lights 3 Pk (my son rolled his eyes but later admitted he found them useful),  Clip-on Mini-Reading Light, Flashlight 3-Pk, Torchiere Lamp.

CLOSET & STORAGE: Ultra-Slim Hangers, Pop-Up Hamper, Hanging Shoe & Sweater Bag, Over the Door Hanger, Underbed Storage Container, Jewelry Organizer. Bunkpal makes a cool "adjusted bed shelf."

DESK SUPPLIES: Drawer Organizer, Pencil Holder, Wastebasket, Stapler, Staples & Remover Set, Desktop 2-3 Hole Punch, Electric Pencil Sharpener, Scissors 2-Pk, Scotch Tape 3-rolls, Pencils 12-Pk, Erasers 3-Pk, Ballpoint Pens 12-Pk, Sharpie Highlighter 12-Pk, Sharpie Permanent Marker 2-Pk, Glue Stick 6-Pk, Correction Film 2-Pk, 5-Subject Notebook, Hanging File Folders, Paper Clips, Printer Paper, DuraCell 20 AA Batteries.

KITCHEN: 3-pc Smiley Dinnerware Set, Spork 4-Pk, Tupperware Microwave Container, Neiko Multi-Function Pocket Knife with Bottle & Can Opener, Redenbacher Microwave Popcorn 12 Boxes/3 Pks Each.

UTILITY, COMFORT & SAFETY: Duct Tape (for any emergency!) Foil Finish Mirror, Industrial Strength Velcro Fastener Tape (to hang the mirror), Conair Double-Sided Make-up Mirror 5X, Hamilton Beach Allergen-Reducing Air Cleaner, Honeywell Small Oscillating Fan (to supplement lame dorm air conditioning), Cordless Hand Vacuum, Power Squid Surge Protector, Computer Notebook Lock & Security Cable or Laptop Safe (yes, laptops do get stolen at college!), Basic Tool Kit, First Aid Kit, Tabletop Ironing Board, Steam Iron, Portable Fabric Steamer.

ELECTRONICS: Not all of these are "must-haves". Your student's major, gadget affinity, and budget will dictate whether or not these items will be on your list .LED Backlight Alarm Clock, SONY Noise-Cancelling Headphones, Electronics Mini-Charging Station,  HP 8 GB 2.0 Flash Drive, Western "My Passport" 500GB USB 2.0 External Hard Drive, Adjustable Laptop Stand & Cooling Fan, TI-89 Titanium Graphing Calculator (especially for quantitative and science majors).

Check out my other collegeblog posts on the transition from high school to college: The College Transition Bible, Letting Go, and What's Next?