My friend recently drove his daughter 1200 miles to New Mexico to enroll at college. They thought they had thought of everything she could possibly need. However, once he returned she texted with a list of items. We put our heads together and thought of other items she might need. Since lots of people are either back to college or moving their kids or grandkids there right now, I thought I would share our list here:
Small tool kit – a screwdriver with interchangeable tips, pliers, folding knife, measuring tape, box cutter, and scissors
Duct Tape – temporary repairs for a multitude of items
WD40 – for those squeaky dorm chairs & doors
3M Strips & Hooks – so they don’t get in trouble with their RA for hanging stuff
Zip Ties – keep cords neat
Laptop Lock – so they can have an open door without worrying about their laptop getting stolen
Portable Charger – nothing worse than your laptop dying in the middle of a lecture.
High-Speed HDMI Cable – in case they want to watch something on a big screen TV
10’ charging cables – so they can charge stuff anywhere
Extension cord – plugs aren’t always where they need them
Surge protector – there are never enough plugs in a dorm room and electronics are expensive
A Filtering Water Bottle – water sometimes tastes funny in other places
Foldable Drying Rack – so they can hand wash stuff instead of ruining them in the dryer. Also, saves on trips to the laundry room/laundromat
Electric Kettle – so they can make coffee, tea, oatmeal, and ramen in their dorm room
Sewing Kit – buttons fall off and shirts rip
Manicure set – it sucks to have a hangnail with no way to cut it or a ripped nail with no way to file it
Digital Thermometer – so they can ward off a fever to do classwork instead of spending that time waiting at the student health center
Bed Risers – so they can store more things under their bed
(Bunk) Bed Organizer – essential if they are on the top bunk so they don’t have to keep getting down to get stuff
Ear Plugs – because dorm mates snore
Playing Cards – a poker game is a fun way to win $ when cash is low
Rain Poncho – they will have to walk to class during a downpour at least once
Laminated card with phone numbers – if their phone dies or gets stolen or lost, they will have the numbers to call people
Rolls of Quarters – for the laundry room / laundromat