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

[Anonymous]

Or are you holding off until you know for sure that they will be on campus in the fall?

I started buying some of the dorm stuff months ago because I found good deals--things like Twin XL sheets, a pop up hamper, etc. I like using coupons from Bed Bath and Beyond and would like to buy another set of Twin XL sheets and I have a coupon that expires in a couple days. Just trying to figure out if I should do it, and continue to buy things as I find a good price.

If it matters, I also have two younger kids (they are all approx. 2 years apart) that will go away to college eventually too.

[Anonymous]

It's fine, the dorms will open eventually, even if not in Aug.

That said, when it comes to dorm shopping, less is more!!! Tighten that list before you buy much more.

Is this for a boy? They seem to "need" less. And some girls want to do the picking-out themselves.

[Anonymous]

There will be a ton of sales. For dorm rooms, no more than two sets of sheets - no room to store.

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

The BB&B coupons don’t expire. I have two seniors - one going a plane ride away and one going 3 hours away by car. I plan to buy most of the stuff for the plane kid there (shop at BBB here and pick up there but will do so later once it is confirmed he’s going). I have bought a few things here and there when I see things on lists online and have a bunch of stuff in my amazon cart. One piece of advice a friend gave was to buy a few things that make the dorm feel like home but not so many things you’ll feel bad leaving if you have to flee quickly.

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

There will be a million sales between now and august

[Anonymous]

My senior is going to CA so we’ll do the buying there. We plan to go a week in advance and shop whenever the campus opens.

[Anonymous]

I'm holding off for now. Not even sure what he needs yet. No rush.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My senior is going to CA so we’ll do the buying there. We plan to go a week in advance and shop whenever the campus opens.

Beware that some Target stores get quite empty of specific items. Map out the stores you are hoping to shop at. You can also ship to your hotel, if Amazon gets back on track by then (shipping times have been terrible lately but seem to be improving). Get a box of large trash bags to throw all the new stuff in for the move-in process. The rental car can get surprisingly full.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My senior is going to CA so we’ll do the buying there. We plan to go a week in advance and shop whenever the campus opens.

Beware that some Target stores get quite empty of specific items. Map out the stores you are hoping to shop at. You can also ship to your hotel, if Amazon gets back on track by then (shipping times have been terrible lately but seem to be improving). Get a box of large trash bags to throw all the new stuff in for the move-in process. The rental car can get surprisingly full.

My child is also going across the country (we are CA and DD is going East). Thanks for these good tips!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My senior is going to CA so we’ll do the buying there. We plan to go a week in advance and shop whenever the campus opens.

Beware that some Target stores get quite empty of specific items. Map out the stores you are hoping to shop at. You can also ship to your hotel, if Amazon gets back on track by then (shipping times have been terrible lately but seem to be improving). Get a box of large trash bags to throw all the new stuff in for the move-in process. The rental car can get surprisingly full.

Thanks for the tips! Good ideas. We have relatives there so we can ship to their house.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn’t bother. It isn’t gonna happen.

[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.

Beverage service!

[Anonymous]

Bed Bath and Beyond coupons don’t really expire. Just sign up for their email and you’ll get plenty more.