Dorm checklist--anything you'd recommend?

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[Post New]07/27/2018 17:37
quote
Anonymous
My mom got me an air popcorn popper, and I got so much use out of it. My friends and I would air pop a few batches into a big grocery bag, then toss with olive oil and salt and share. So good, and a lot healthier than bagged microwave popcorn. And it was a nice social aid the first weeks in the dorm because the smell of fresh popcorn and the sound of the popper would bring lots of people in our hallway.

So I would recommend that.
[Post New]07/27/2018 21:33
quote
Anonymous
- A swimsuit.

- Something that can work as a cover-up. (Might be a garment used for other purposes.)

- Battery/flashlight pack: Someone else mentioned a flashlight and batteries. I think it's good for everyone to have a mini hurricane/tornado/flood/earthquake prep kit: several little flashlights, a big package of AA batteries, a big package of AAA batteries, at least one package of breakfast bars, a pack of playing cards, and a transistor AM/FM radio that runs on the AA batteries or the AAAs. If she gets through the school year without problems, then she should try to donate that to a homeless shelter, or to a relief effort for people who have gone through a disaster. Most of the time, that stuff will take up space, but, every 20 years or so, it will be nice to have.

- Tape: someone mentioned Scotch tape and masking tape. I'd add some duct tape and some masking tape.

- A fabric marker (just in case).

- A Sharpie pen.
[Post New]07/27/2018 22:17
quote
Anonymous
The PP's emergency weather kit is outstanding. Twice we have had our kids need to get ready to bug out or stay with no power in their schools. The first time it was a mad rush to make sure the kid had what was needed. I also would add to have extra cash in case the power goes out and the kid needs to buy something. It has happened. We put $100 in an envelope, sealed it and then they "hid" it. That way they didn't have to scramble to get to an ATM in case of pending inclement weather.
[Post New]07/28/2018 08:48
quote
Anonymous




Nowadays it is much easier for students just to get an Amazon Prime student account and have the stuff sent directly to them. I wouldn't sweat it OP.


For security reasons, some dorms are not allowing packages to be delivered directly to the front desk anymore, and students need to go to the mail room to retrieve them. This could be complicated if the package is heavy and the mail room is not close by. Better to bring heavy/large items in with you on check-in day.
[Post New]07/28/2018 11:12
quote
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:



Nowadays it is much easier for students just to get an Amazon Prime student account and have the stuff sent directly to them. I wouldn't sweat it OP.


For security reasons, some dorms are not allowing packages to be delivered directly to the front desk anymore, and students need to go to the mail room to retrieve them. This could be complicated if the package is heavy and the mail room is not close by. Better to bring heavy/large items in with you on check-in day.



I told my son he could use my Amazon account and to keep this in mind. I also put a maximum amount for him to spend because I don't need any surprises. He used it to buy a few of the items PPs have mentioned especially those Command hooks and more extension cords.
[Post New]07/28/2018 11:13
quote
Anonymous
We bought a coat hall rack and he uses it to hang his wet towels, jeans, coats, etc - better than the floor!

Also long phone charger esp if bed is lofted- climbing up and down to charge phone gets quite old after a while

And if bed is lofted high, please get rails from the school or buy one (adult rails on amazon)

Ziploc bags for some extra food from dining halls for later
[Post New]07/28/2018 11:27
quote
Anonymous
A small three-hole punch. Not a mammoth office one but those thin ones that do 2-3 pages only.
[Post New]07/28/2018 12:43
quote
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:- A swimsuit.

- Something that can work as a cover-up. (Might be a garment used for other purposes.)

- Battery/flashlight pack: Someone else mentioned a flashlight and batteries. I think it's good for everyone to have a mini hurricane/tornado/flood/earthquake prep kit: several little flashlights, a big package of AA batteries, a big package of AAA batteries, at least one package of breakfast bars, a pack of playing cards, and a transistor AM/FM radio that runs on the AA batteries or the AAAs. If she gets through the school year without problems, then she should try to donate that to a homeless shelter, or to a relief effort for people who have gone through a disaster. Most of the time, that stuff will take up space, but, every 20 years or so, it will be nice to have.

- Tape: someone mentioned Scotch tape and masking tape. I'd add some duct tape and some masking tape.

- A fabric marker (just in case).

- A Sharpie pen.


Other emergency things I thought up (note that they can be used for camping and everyday life as well
As for emergencies):

- A paper or laminated map of the area right around the campus (the city or county or whatever), in case cell service goes down.

- A paper or laminated map of the state.

- A pair of shorts and a pair of jeans or khakis, even for people who don't usually wear either.

- The kind of Keens or other shoes you could wear when walking into a slippery stream.

- A few pieces of sidewalk chalk, for for example, playing hopscotch, or telling rescue crews where you've gone.

- A couple of packages of fire resistant matches, from a shop with someone who can tell you how they work.

- If you see it at the camping store: a lightweight nylon-rain poncho that folds into its own pocket and, ideally, is designed with loops you can use to tie it up and make a little emergency shelter. (Really: more for use as an emergency blanket; real foil survival blankets are awful).

- A web search to see if there are ever any bears in the area around the campus. If so, a printout of a discussion of how to live alongside bears.

- Maybe a life jacket?

[Post New]07/28/2018 13:22
quote
giaeve707
Member Offline
What an exciting time for you! I’d suggest following the check list and not worrying about the rest. Set aside some cash and as she realizes things she needs or forgot, she gets them at that time. Do you best to get the majority and don’t stress, just enjoy her new adventure ahead. Nice job mom getting her where she is!
[Post New]07/30/2018 12:32
quote
Anonymous

Anonymous wrote:
- A swimsuit.

- Something that can work as a cover-up. (Might be a garment used for other purposes.)

- Battery/flashlight pack: Someone else mentioned a flashlight and batteries. I think it's good for everyone to have a mini hurricane/tornado/flood/earthquake prep kit: several little flashlights, a big package of AA batteries, a big package of AAA batteries, at least one package of breakfast bars, a pack of playing cards, and a transistor AM/FM radio that runs on the AA batteries or the AAAs. If she gets through the school year without problems, then she should try to donate that to a homeless shelter, or to a relief effort for people who have gone through a disaster. Most of the time, that stuff will take up space, but, every 20 years or so, it will be nice to have.

- Tape: someone mentioned Scotch tape and masking tape. I'd add some duct tape and some masking tape.

- A fabric marker (just in case).

- A Sharpie pen.


Other emergency things I thought up (note that they can be used for camping and everyday life as well
As for emergencies):

- A paper or laminated map of the area right around the campus (the city or county or whatever), in case cell service goes down.

- A paper or laminated map of the state.

- A pair of shorts and a pair of jeans or khakis, even for people who don't usually wear either.

- The kind of Keens or other shoes you could wear when walking into a slippery stream.

- A few pieces of sidewalk chalk, for for example, playing hopscotch, or telling rescue crews where you've gone.

- A couple of packages of fire resistant matches, from a shop with someone who can tell you how they work.

- If you see it at the camping store: a lightweight nylon-rain poncho that folds into its own pocket and, ideally, is designed with loops you can use to tie it up and make a little emergency shelter. (Really: more for use as an emergency blanket; real foil survival blankets are awful).

- A web search to see if there are ever any bears in the area around the campus. If so, a printout of a discussion of how to live alongside bears.

- Maybe a life jacket?



OP here, smiling. DC is going to a large city, so I don't think bears or camping needs will be an issue. Like the poncho idea, though.
[Post New]07/30/2018 18:06
quote
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:I'm not sure anyone said this yet but extension cords and a longer cord for iphone - sometimes plugs are kind of far from beds.


Many dorms ban extension cords. However they do allow surge protector power strips, so buy one with a very long cord. Also check the college's fire regulations for lamps. They don't like lamps that incorporate a power outlet or air fresheners with an outlet on the front.
[Post New]07/30/2018 18:19
quote
Anonymous
Nespresso nespresso nespresso.
Shoes shoes shoes. You will be appalled at how much walking she will be doing. Buy really sturdy shoes. Buy rain boots and oversized jacket that she can put her backpack inside of because the wind won’t let her use the umbrella. Buy snow boots and Canada goose if in a cold climate. Worth the money. Buy the three inch mattress pad. Buy the hue lamp she can set to whatever mood. Buy the flex meal plan that lets her get meals all over campus at all hours of the night. Stop buying pretty clothes and start buying comfort clothes. Start looking at apartments in September because rental agreements are due in October for the next year.
[Post New]07/30/2018 18:46
quote
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
- A swimsuit.

- Something that can work as a cover-up. (Might be a garment used for other purposes.)

- Battery/flashlight pack: Someone else mentioned a flashlight and batteries. I think it's good for everyone to have a mini hurricane/tornado/flood/earthquake prep kit: several little flashlights, a big package of AA batteries, a big package of AAA batteries, at least one package of breakfast bars, a pack of playing cards, and a transistor AM/FM radio that runs on the AA batteries or the AAAs. If she gets through the school year without problems, then she should try to donate that to a homeless shelter, or to a relief effort for people who have gone through a disaster. Most of the time, that stuff will take up space, but, every 20 years or so, it will be nice to have.

- Tape: someone mentioned Scotch tape and masking tape. I'd add some duct tape and some masking tape.

- A fabric marker (just in case).

- A Sharpie pen.


Other emergency things I thought up (note that they can be used for camping and everyday life as well
As for emergencies):

- A paper or laminated map of the area right around the campus (the city or county or whatever), in case cell service goes down.

- A paper or laminated map of the state.

- A pair of shorts and a pair of jeans or khakis, even for people who don't usually wear either.

- The kind of Keens or other shoes you could wear when walking into a slippery stream.

- A few pieces of sidewalk chalk, for for example, playing hopscotch, or telling rescue crews where you've gone.

- A couple of packages of fire resistant matches, from a shop with someone who can tell you how they work.

- If you see it at the camping store: a lightweight nylon-rain poncho that folds into its own pocket and, ideally, is designed with loops you can use to tie it up and make a little emergency shelter. (Really: more for use as an emergency blanket; real foil survival blankets are awful).

- A web search to see if there are ever any bears in the area around the campus. If so, a printout of a discussion of how to live alongside bears.

- Maybe a life jacket?



OP here, smiling. DC is going to a large city, so I don't think bears or camping needs will be an issue. Like the poncho idea, though.[/
I duuno, if it’s NYC and we’re heading into a bear market...
[Post New]07/30/2018 21:27
quote
Anonymous
Zip up cotton suit hangers- check container store for all- privatize the good clothes (also makes dreaded dorm closet look clean) ; natural fiber carpet like sisal or jute fromntarget or ikea - small spaces need anti-bacterial non toxic stuff and bare floors collect dust - talk mini fridge that holds more and doubles as bedside table (Danby, Darwin), a cool one will stay with them for life as an extra; desk lamp they choose; 1 goodnset if sheets they have to take care of and a second cheap.
[Post New]07/31/2018 11:14
quote
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:OP here, smiling. DC is going to a large city, so I don't think bears or camping needs will be an issue. Like the poncho idea, though.[/
I duuno, if it’s NYC and we’re heading into a bear market...


There aren't any bears in NYC, other than in zoos, but campgrounds and small towns a 90-minute drive from NYC have a ton of bears.

The main rule is: be neat outside, and put trash away you're supposed to put trash away. If you're supposed to put the trash in a bear-proof dumpster, put it in the bear-proof dumpster. Don't be a bum and just put it next to the dumpster, or be lazy and leave the dumpster unlatched.
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