There’s now less than one month for most of us sending our “babies” off to college. The task of gathering everything they’ll need and a lot of what they might want is daunting. I know because I’m in the midst of getting my first “baby” ready to leave the nest. We found this back to school shopping list has made our shopping much easier. Easier is good because then you can spend quality family time together this last month rather than stress shopping time.
Simply print out your own copy of this back to college shopping list. Go through the list with your college student and determine how many of each item you need. Scratch off items that don’t apply to you and add items that you’ll want. Then go through and determine which items you already have and check them off. Now you can head off to the store to purchase the items you’ll need and soon your guest room will look like ours.
Using the back to college shopping list has helped us shop sales and save money, which is a huge help on the college budget. Plus, this mama will sleep better knowing I’m sending my baby off on her own with everything she needs to survive and thrive.
But quick, did I forget anything? What were your must-haves when you moved away from home?
I’m a mom of 3, a veteran and military spouse. I’ve moved into 20+ homes all around the world. My passion is helping busy people make the space and time for what’s really important to them.
Cynthia L says
It looks like you have it covered! Your baby is going off to college prepared and in style!
Sweet says
These are really fabulous . Thank you Susan for sharing this.
Liz Barnett (@WomanlyWoman) says
I used to be an administrator at universities and one of my responsibilities was over residence halls. I highly recommend double checking that list with someone from the school. Sometimes odd things are not permitted at some schools. Also, I recommend Mr. Clean Magic Eraser! Sometimes weird things happen on campus and only Mr. Clean can get rid of them. 😛 That way you don’t get fined when you move out of the residence hall at the end of the year!
susan says
Liz, thanks for the great tips. You must have some stories to tell having been responsible for residence halls!
Beth says
I recommend an extension cord- in rooms that were built before the computer age, sometimes the outlets are in really strange spots & so it’s better to have an extension cord.
Get a shower caddy that has holes in the bottom, or is made of some kind of easy-clean fabric. They get pretty gunky.
I also brought a hot pot for making tea with a pour-over for making coffee. A coffee maker takes up too much space for something which only performs one function!
Bed risers don’t work on every college bed, but they worked well for me.
Decent plug-in speakers are good too if their laptop speakers are crummy like mine were.
Bringing a full length mirror seems a bit silly, there’s usually one mounted on the door of the room.
I also recommend a swiffer duster or something similar, because those rooms get really dusty really quickly for some reason! However, things like that could be added to an “on the day” shopping list. If you’re driving your student to school, figure out where the Target or whatever is in the college town, and then buy those items after you’ve moved them in. Surely you are going to think of some other things “baby” needs as you move them in!
Oh dear, I’ve written all this and now I see that this post is more than a month old! I got so excited reflecting on what I used at college. I graduated four years ago, but I can remember with absolute clarity every room I lived in! Funny what sticks with us.
susan says
Beth, I agree that I can remember every dorm room I lived in (and it was way longer than 4 years ago!). Thanks for the great tips. I’ll be sure to update this post next year and point to your suggestions.