Look at the various packs that UMBC offers here - http://www.ocm.com/Bedding_and_Bath/Dorm_Bedding/Bedding_Value_Paks/

Check out what you need or do not need using the list from the most expensive pack as a guide. I am sure every school will have something similar. You can buy better quality stuff and at less price if you start shopping early and use coupons during sales etc.

The additional things that I bought for my child was slim flocked hangers and command hooks from Costco, a few heavy duty surge protectors, better pillows, measuring tape, door mirrors and double sided tape, a small vacuum and cleaning supplies. She has access to my various online stores accounts and Amazon prime.

My DD lucked out as her roommate got in touch with her. Since we are local and she was flying from out of state, my DD gave her my cell. I spoke to the mom and she was very sweet. I did make the headboards and also got them both standing shelves etc, to help make the room cozy. I think everyone has very different experiences in college. Both my DD and her roommate are easy going and are not drama queens. They are good friends but not joined at the hips. They are also studious STEM type, so a good study space was important to them and they both say that having the headboard allows them to study in bed without leaning on the wall.

Thanks for the apology. I'm not anti-decorating. Just pro-avoiding conflicts over decorating! So I start from each kid does his/her own thing. If both want to coordinate (or one is happy to defer to the other), that's cool.

My daughter lucked into a single, so had total control over decor and loved it. But I dreaded the kind of situation your DD encountered.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I love the idea of a form headboard posted on this blog. http://theoldpostroadblog.blogspot.com/2013/06/easy-dorm-room-headboard-tutorial.html

There is nothing wrong with coordinating with a dorm-mate or buying two sheets of the same style to make the room look more coordinated, neat and spacious.

Yeah, Mom, there is something wrong with that.

Different poster but I don't see what is wrong with wanting a nice nest. The dorm room is a home away from home and I would want it to be nice. I know my kids certainly have put a lot of thought into how to make their dorm rooms comfortable, and I am glad to make it happen for them!

But different strokes for different folks.

My point was let the kids work it out themselves rather than start researching foam headboard tutorials or suggesting that the roommate (whom neither of you know yet) should be willing to coordinate on decor. Pushy mom in the middle is not a good way to start off a yearlong roommate relationship.

I think you're projecting. I'm just indicating a willingness to support and bankroll my child's choice. I have in no way indicated that I'm taking the lead on the project. Happy life!

Immediate PP to the 'my point' poster. Sorry for the 'projecting'. I was being defensive. The issue of dorm linens and decorating the dorm room is sensitive to me because my daughter's roommate last year was very mean about it. She made my daughter feel like she was flighty and an airhead because my daughter wanted to decorate the room. Our girl had been very excited about decorating her first dorm room and this girl stated that she believed this need to decorate was sign of an inferior brain (Ivy school). I'm sorry I snapped at you.