Off to College Check-List Part 1

CONGRATS TO ALL 2009 HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES!!

Where are you all headed off to school in the Fall?

This will be the start of the “Welcome to College” posts. I just graduated college from William Paterson University, I was a Resident Assistant for 2 years, and therefor I remember being asked (and asking!) all of the questions. Anything you want to know, just ask and I’ll work as hard as I can to find the answer for you!

I remember graduating high school and thinking to myself … “WOW, COLLEGE” ! After I started packing, I realized it was no longer just the clothing that I needed, there was way more to it! I was lucky enough to have a few people (including my oh so amazing mother and father) who helped me put together the list of stuff I needed, so I am here today to help YOU with all of the necessities!

Before we get into the list of stuff, a few tips to remember at this exciting time!

Tip 1: Start now … if you purchase a few things every week up until the time you go, you’ll be able to accomplish it all and not feel so frazzled (plus, you can look into the weekly coupons at stores!)

Tip 2: Look into the rule books for the dormitories at your school NOW … not all schools are the same, and some allow things that others don’t – save yourself the hassle of having to pack extra, and then get rid of things.

Tip 3: When you start to pack, pack things that will go together and label the boxes (it will make it so much easier on move in day!)

Tip 4: Don’t put everything in boxes … it will take up less room in the car! Pack things such as pillows blankets, towels, etc. in garbage bags – easily “squishable”, and lighter to carry!

Now that the tips are out of the way, here is a list that I believe will help all of you for the Fall move in! If anyone can think of something that’s not on here, feel free to comment and I’ll add it on!

Room Needs

• TOOLKIT!
• Over the door hanger or adhesive hooks to hang things
• Bedside Lamp
• Alarm clock
• Garbage Can
• Laundry basket (collapsible!)
• Tons of hangers
• Desk Lamp
• Under the bed storage bins
• Fan (if there is no A.C)
• Dry erase board
• Dry erase markers
• Calendar

Linens / Laundry Supplies

• Sheets (Twin XL @ most schools)
• Pillow cases
• Mattress cover (again, usually Twin XL)
• Pillows
• Towels (Body, hand, and face)
• Blanket
• Comforter
• Laundry detergent
• Stain remover
• Lint brush
• Sewing kit
• Mini ironing board
• Iron

**Some schools require you to pay for laundry facilities, save 1 dollar a day in quarters and put it in a

jar so you always have money to do your laundry. Decorate it nicely and keep it on your desk!**

Eating Needs:

• 3 plastic plates
• 3 plastic bowls
• 2 sets of utensils
• Chip clips
• Bottle / can opener
• Coffee cup (travel mug)
• Dish detergent
• Dish sponge
• Napkins

Electronics

• Computer (Laptop or Desktop)
• Ethernet cord
• Headphones
• Surge protector
• Extension cords (some schools don’t allow these, check on this)
• a few 2-prong adapters

Toiletries

**you will always want a medicine cabinet filled with the essentials, just in case something goes wrong**

• Tylenol (or some form of)
• Pepto-Bismol
• Midol
• Cough drops
• Tums
• Band-aids
• First aid cream
• Neosporin

**you should have a basket to hold all of your shower supplies so they never get confused with others.**

You can find this one for $7.99 at Bed, Bath & Beyond!

• Shampoo / Conditioner
• Body Wash
• Shaving cream
• Razors
• Face wash
• Shower shoes

**also for the bathroom*

• Blow dryer
• Straightener
• Hair products
• Tooth paste
• Toothbrush
• Nail cutter
• Make up remover
• Tweezers
• Lotion
• Q-Tips

Be sure to come back soon!

Coming up next for your off to college needs:

• Desk / School Supplies
• Purchase on Arrival
• Shared Items (w/ Roomates)

xOx

Kristin Marie