If you are the parent of an up and coming college freshman student, you will soon be inundated with mailers for dorm room shopping. Some will come from the big box stores while others will come direct from an “approved” college service. In addition, your student will have a hit list of items on their own. So sit back, take a deep breath and try not to spend your mortgage payment on furnishing their dorm room.

As a mother of four, all close in age and all collegians, I have spent the last 10 summers getting someone ready for college. One summer we had three at once! In the course of these many years, I have gleaned some insight into this process that may save you some money and make the process a lot easier. I have found from first hand experience that it is cheaper to shop yourself then buy the packages direct from the school. I start in the spring and save, acquire and beg all the Bed, Bath and Beyond coupons I can get my hands on. This retailer, which I have no affiliation with, is the most customer friendly. You can use as many coupons as you have items. They also take all of their own expired coupons. They also have an incredible selection and good quality. Finally, they have a service where you can order it and it will be waiting for you at a store near your college. It could not be easier.

One last comment, encourage your student to contact their roommate when the assignment arrives in the mail. This was not a problem with my two girls. However, my boys, needed some prodding. You want to avoid duplicate items.

Bedding Let’s start with sheets. Most all college dorms have twin extra long mattresses and if you want your sheets to fit, that’s what you need to purchase. Check with your college information and confirm if that is the case. I would purchase the least expensive of these sheets and comforter that are still of decent quality. Why?? Because as soon as they move out of the dorm, they will never again have a twin extra long mattress. These sheets do not fit regular twin beds. So no more than two sets is necessary. Trust me, there is no need to spend $200 on a designer comforter set for a college dorm. There is usually a great assortment of colors and patterns available for half the cost. What I would recommend is a twin feather bed to lie under the fitted sheets. College mattresses are usually hard or lumpy and this feather bed will make it much more comfortable. Throw in two pillows and backrest and their beds are good to go. The backrest in my opinion is a necessity. They spend a good amount of time sitting on their beds with their books and lap top studying and this makes for a comfy sit!

Bath and Laundry Do not spend a fortune on towels… most do not make it beyond one year. I would get 3 bath size, 2 washcloths and 1 hand towel. A good bathrobe and a pair of flip-flops is a must. A small plastic carry container to store their soap, shampoo etc is the only other item they really need. I would buy a mesh, collapsible laundry bag. They are lightweight, easy to carry and can fit a ton of dirty clothes. I would also find out how the laundry room works. Do they need quarters? I always have rolls ready for September! I also bring bags of coat hangers..they can never have enough. Coat hangers are expensive and your money can be spent better elsewhere!

Fridge, Electric and Computer Check the college housing information sheet. You may not need a desk lamp. You can usually rent a micro-fridge for cheaper and less aggravation than bringing your own. Check on the air conditioning situation. I have found that even with air-conditioned rooms, they still need a fan. An alarm clock is really useful. They have a great one that also recharges their I-pod. It is a worthy investment, even if they tell you they will use their cell phone alarm!
Finally, check the information sheet for what you will need to hook up the computer. Some have wireless access but require a card. Others have only Ethernet access which require a cord. This is a priority! You absolutely do not want to leave them without internet service. They usually spend hours online with their high school friends in those first weeks. So make sure you read the instructions from the college IT department and have the necessary equipment to get them hooked into the university internet service.

I would spend money on a quality surge protector and a computer lock. They can wrap it around their desk leg and it will prevent theft. Extension cords and one additional multiple outlet strip are usually needed. A ream of computer paper and a small box with desk supplies of pens, paper, scissors and tape at least! Also bring a small tool kit, it seems like we were always using it for something.

Last Minute Purchases Once you arrive and check out the room, there are always things you will want to get once there. Underbed storage boxes and yaffa blocks may be needed but not always. And remember to bring your coupons.. you can use the last of them for purchasing these on-site items!

Say Good-bye and Plan A Care Package It is a stressful time for both the kids and parents, so try to relax. You’ll be missing them like crazy as soon as you drive off the campus! On your way home, start thinking about what kind of care package you can put together. Those are among their most prized packages from the campus post office!

Check out the great care package ideas Carol has developed for her own four over the years at:
http://www.celebrationideasonline.com/college-care-packages.html

Carol is a full-time working mom. She is married with four children and loves to celebrate everything! Their family celebration experiences and traditions can be further viewed at http://www.celebrationideasonline.com/ There are some great ideas for creating lasting family memories!