"My DD decorated her room. My DS never decorated his room aside from putting up posters and a few Christmas lights. He didn't care. She did."

I'm confused. How is hanging up posters and Christmas lights not decorating???

My son didn't use:

Back pillow
Posters (no wall space),
The Nespresso machine he asked for (the water tank looked like a neglected Sea Monkey habitat at the end of the year)
Extra sheets (I don't even want to know)
Cleaning products of any sort (see above)
Any extra storage items (no space), except for a storage ottoman, which also helped him get up into his bed which had to be high enough to accommodate his desk underneath it).
An extra folding "lounge chair"- no space.

Best purchase - the storage ottoman and a narrow two-tier rolling cart that he was able to tuck into a corner of the room.

The water in the town my kid goes to college stinks to high heaven. The Brita water pitcher did get used!

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone send their kid with a dustbuster-type handheld vacuum?

No, but after a year or two, my kid wanted a swifter.

Most of the "emergency snacks" I had provided.

Whenever I read these threads, I realize that what you need is personal to yourself and the school you attend.

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone send their kid with a dustbuster-type handheld vacuum?

Both of my kids ended up buying these after being at school.

Does anyone send their kid with a dustbuster-type handheld vacuum?

What I never used: hot pot, air fryer, cooking utensils, plastic food storage containers-baggies are easier, bookshelf, pen cups, makeup, more than 1 nice outfit per year, most of first aid kit, high heels and uncomfortable shoes, plastic hamper, milk crates, half my clothes, extra towels, extra blankets, anything extra really didn’t get used much.

What did I use most years: back pillow, sheets and comforter, 1 extra blanket, cappuccino machine, handmade curtains, fun lamp with colorful light bulb, alarm clock-easier than phone more likely to get up, computer, area rug, putty for hanging pictures, white out pen, sharpie, pencils, scissors, pens, highlighters, stapler, notebooks, paper clips, post its, folders, white board, thumb tacks, microwave, fridge, quart and gallon baggies, Out ack steak knife, 1 fork, 1 spoon, 1 cup, 1 bowl, 1 plate, broom/dustpan, 409, sponges, 1 towel, 1 wash cloth, shower shoes, shower bucket, laundry detergent, dryer sheets, oversized washable laundry bag, delicate laundry bag, hangers, scarves and fabric remnants to cover up ugly dorm furniture, band aids, neosporin, Advil, tweezers, magnified mirror, little scissors, personal hygiene.

What I wish I had: bed risers, under bed storage, cordless vacuum, disposable coffee cups with lids, toaster oven, hangers that hang on each other, collapsible side tables (used cardboard boxes), couch- finally got a blow up one senior year

Anonymous wrote:As parents we need to do better.

do better with what...?