Parents of rising freshmen: Are you buying stuff for their dorm?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I bought 2 things (mattress pad and a little cart) before the world shut down. Not buying anything else until I know he’s moving in, which I think is highly unlikely.

Other 10:02 here. What would he use the little cart for? Just curious- not snarky . Wondering if I need to add that to my list.

Anticipating as a nightstand or to hold snacks or toiletries. Based on the videos I saw of dorms at his school (shot by kids of their actual rooms) and other message boards, it seems like a popular, flexible item. And on sale and with a coupon at Michael’s it was super cheap.

Like this:

https://www.michaels.com/lexington-3tier-rolling-cart-by-recollections/M20002049.html?dwvar_M20002049_size=16.81%22%20x%2013.98%22%20x%2029.9%22&dwvar_M20002049_color=Rose%20Gold

[Anonymous]

Don’t assume XL. I believe some schools including UMD have regular Twin

[Anonymous]

1 set of sheets is enough.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don’t assume XL. I believe some schools including UMD have regular Twin

OP here

Thanks. My kid isn't going to UMD and the university/specific dorm he's in has specified twin XL.
I have an older son that also goes to the same university (and lived in the same dorm his freshman year) but we can't pass down his sheets/bedding. My oldest son gets terrible nose bleeds in the middle of the night and not all stains come out

[Anonymous]

It is something that my daughter has enjoyed with her free time...on line shopping for dorm stuff. No purchases yet just a list. She will use it eventually.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I bought 2 things (mattress pad and a little cart) before the world shut down. Not buying anything else until I know he’s moving in, which I think is highly unlikely.

Other 10:02 here. What would he use the little cart for? Just curious- not snarky . Wondering if I need to add that to my list.

Anticipating as a nightstand or to hold snacks or toiletries. Based on the videos I saw of dorms at his school (shot by kids of their actual rooms) and other message boards, it seems like a popular, flexible item. And on sale and with a coupon at Michael’s it was super cheap.

Like this:

https://www.michaels.com/lexington-3tier-rolling-cart-by-recollections/M20002049.html?dwvar_M20002049_size=16.81%22%20x%2013.98%22%20x%2029.9%22&dwvar_M20002049_color=Rose%20Gold

Thanks! I can see my dd (the one who is going 3 hours away liking it) but the freshmen dorm rooms are tiny so not sure if it will fit. Also, not sure how it work with social distancing when the kids will be practically on top of each other. My son will be in a suite situation with his own bedroom but will be sharing a living room and bathroom. I so want them to be able to go but I also want them to be safe...

[Anonymous]

With my older son, we only bought the laundry hamper, the bedding and mattress topper. I told him to take a good look at the room, and give himself a week to decide what he really needs. We then got a few items off Amazon rather quickly. For my daughter this year I am planning to do the same, so at this point online window shopping only.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn’t bother. It isn’t gonna happen.

Ever?

[Anonymous]

I fully expect to go on time, but we aren’t buying yet. Sales begin after July 4. We will shop then, and limit our lists to small necessities.

[Anonymous]

Maybe it's because I have a laid back boy, but I cannot see what people are buying that they need to start months in advance. At Xmas kid was gifted a comfy chair and large trunk (that he likely won't even take) .

What is left - bedding towels, laundry bag?
Fridge and/or Microwave - will wait until we talk to roommate.
Everything else he already has in his room now...backpack, hangers, desk lamp, binders, pencils, surge protector, etc.
Other incidentals will be $150. If I save 10% more buying this with coupons now vs in July, that's $15.

Altho my kid has repeatedly said he doesn't care, I want to wait so he can participate. I'm hoping it will be more fun and may mean more if he can picture himself leaving to get in the "mood" and buy the few things we will buy all at once. I don't want to take this from him by catching piece meal "sales" during a pandemic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Maybe it's because I have a laid back boy, but I cannot see what people are buying that they need to start months in advance. At Xmas kid was gifted a comfy chair and large trunk (that he likely won't even take) .

What is left - bedding towels, laundry bag?
Fridge and/or Microwave - will wait until we talk to roommate.
Everything else he already has in his room now...backpack, hangers, desk lamp, binders, pencils, surge protector, etc.
Other incidentals will be $150. If I save 10% more buying this with coupons now vs in July, that's $15.

Altho my kid has repeatedly said he doesn't care, I want to wait so he can participate. I'm hoping it will be more fun and may mean more if he can picture himself leaving to get in the "mood" and buy the few things we will buy all at once. I don't want to take this from him by catching piece meal "sales" during a pandemic.

Add some extra storage containers/drawers. trash pail, desk lighting, sundries like laundry detergent, Tylenol, dishes/silverware (1 plate, bowl, fork, knife, spoon, glass), detergent to wash them, Band-Aids, xlong bedding, shower caddy....my son never got to the point of caring. I made a big Target run and told him he could return anything he did not like or think he needed. He still had no comment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Maybe it's because I have a laid back boy, but I cannot see what people are buying that they need to start months in advance. At Xmas kid was gifted a comfy chair and large trunk (that he likely won't even take) .

What is left - bedding towels, laundry bag?
Fridge and/or Microwave - will wait until we talk to roommate.
Everything else he already has in his room now...backpack, hangers, desk lamp, binders, pencils, surge protector, etc.
Other incidentals will be $150. If I save 10% more buying this with coupons now vs in July, that's $15.

Altho my kid has repeatedly said he doesn't care, I want to wait so he can participate. I'm hoping it will be more fun and may mean more if he can picture himself leaving to get in the "mood" and buy the few things we will buy all at once. I don't want to take this from him by catching piece meal "sales" during a pandemic.

Add some extra storage containers/drawers. trash pail, desk lighting, sundries like laundry detergent, Tylenol, dishes/silverware (1 plate, bowl, fork, knife, spoon, glass), detergent to wash them, Band-Aids, xlong bedding, shower caddy....my son never got to the point of caring. I made a big Target run and told him he could return anything he did not like or think he needed. He still had no comment.

I am the quoted PP... My son will likely feel the same way. That stuff will be picked up in 1-2 trips later this summer. Thanks!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Maybe it's because I have a laid back boy, but I cannot see what people are buying that they need to start months in advance. At Xmas kid was gifted a comfy chair and large trunk (that he likely won't even take) .

What is left - bedding towels, laundry bag?
Fridge and/or Microwave - will wait until we talk to roommate.
Everything else he already has in his room now...backpack, hangers, desk lamp, binders, pencils, surge protector, etc.
Other incidentals will be $150. If I save 10% more buying this with coupons now vs in July, that's $15.

Altho my kid has repeatedly said he doesn't care, I want to wait so he can participate. I'm hoping it will be more fun and may mean more if he can picture himself leaving to get in the "mood" and buy the few things we will buy all at once. I don't want to take this from him by catching piece meal "sales" during a pandemic.

Add some extra storage containers/drawers. trash pail, desk lighting, sundries like laundry detergent, Tylenol, dishes/silverware (1 plate, bowl, fork, knife, spoon, glass), detergent to wash them, Band-Aids, xlong bedding, shower caddy....my son never got to the point of caring. I made a big Target run and told him he could return anything he did not like or think he needed. He still had no comment.

Some kids DO care, though. My daughter is excited to go to college and shopping for stuff increases the anticipation. But then, she was also always the kid who was SOO excited to go to target to buy her school supplies.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Maybe it's because I have a laid back boy, but I cannot see what people are buying that they need to start months in advance. At Xmas kid was gifted a comfy chair and large trunk (that he likely won't even take) .

What is left - bedding towels, laundry bag?
Fridge and/or Microwave - will wait until we talk to roommate.
Everything else he already has in his room now...backpack, hangers, desk lamp, binders, pencils, surge protector, etc.
Other incidentals will be $150. If I save 10% more buying this with coupons now vs in July, that's $15.

Altho my kid has repeatedly said he doesn't care, I want to wait so he can participate. I'm hoping it will be more fun and may mean more if he can picture himself leaving to get in the "mood" and buy the few things we will buy all at once. I don't want to take this from him by catching piece meal "sales" during a pandemic.

Add some extra storage containers/drawers. trash pail, desk lighting, sundries like laundry detergent, Tylenol, dishes/silverware (1 plate, bowl, fork, knife, spoon, glass), detergent to wash them, Band-Aids, xlong bedding, shower caddy....my son never got to the point of caring. I made a big Target run and told him he could return anything he did not like or think he needed. He still had no comment.

Some kids DO care, though. My daughter is excited to go to college and shopping for stuff increases the anticipation. But then, she was also always the kid who was SOO excited to go to target to buy her school supplies.

Then your daughter will need 2x as many things...string lights and posters and a rug and...