Back to School Shopping: College Style
It's not too early to start back to school shopping for the college-bound student. Here's a checklist of items you should consider purchasing for those heading off to college at the end of the summer.
Okay parents of college-bound children, I bet you think that you have a few more weeks to put off acknowledging the certainty that your teenage son or daughter is in fact leaving the comforts (and boundaries) of your home and is beginning life’s next chapter.
This next step, per say, is essentially a new world, where proficient skills of autonomy, self-reliance and organization are paramount to their success.
Though most of the college transition will rest on your child’s shoulders alone, you can make the most of the remaining weeks of summer by providing the tools necessary to lay an organizational foundation.
I realize that while enjoying a relaxing summer routine, the thought of being trapped indoors searching stores for the “college approved” sized mini-fridge does little to motivate you to cancel your trip to the beach and head to IKEA or Target.
Your mindset may even be, “it is only the middle of July, and we have plenty of time.” However, if you haven’t started your back to school shopping just yet, I am sorry to say that you might be a bit behind.
Barbara Harris of IKEA-Stoughton says, “This year already seems to be busier than last year at this time...while students from out of state will come and shop when they are in the process of moving in, the kids that are local are definitely getting a head start!”
Luckily three of the famed “college go-to stores” call Stoughton home…of course I am referring to IKEA, Target and Bed Bath & Beyond!
In fact, all of the items contained in the following checklist can be purchased at either one of these stores. (I would be remiss if I did not remind every one of my firm belief in shopping at “home” first, as the benefit of our dollars staying in Stoughton is obviously significant).
I would like to thank the Stoughton Recreation Department’s Playground Staff Members (currently enrolled college students) for providing this inclusive checklist for college-bound students.
Creating a Cozy Sleep Area:
- Twin Sheets & Comforter (extra long)
- Mattress Cover (a.k.a. Egg Shell)
- Pillows
- Alarm Clock
- Pictures of Friends and Family
- T.V. (small sized set is recommended)
- Fan (many dorms are not air conditioned)
Keeping Clothes Neat & Organized…
- Crates/additional containers-for clothing storage, as drawer space is limited
- Iron & Ironing Board
- Hangers
- Laundry Bag
A Kid’s Gotta Eat…
- Microwave Oven-as small as possible
- Mini-Fridge (check with your college as to specific size requirements)
- Plastic Plates & Silverware
- Food (think Easy Mac, Ramen Noodles, etc.)
Keeping it Clean…
- Trash Can & Trash Bags
- Cleaning Supplies (Magic Erasers, Lysol, Disinfecting Wipes, Febreze)
- Paper Towels
- Small Vacuum
Keeping Them Clean…
- Shower Caddy-with essentials; shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste
- Shower Sandals-cheap flip-flops
- Bathrobe
- Towels
Organized for Success…
- Laptop
- Typical School Supplies from High School
- Small White Board/Cork Board
Other Must Haves…
- First Aid Kit
- Advil/Tylenol
- Sunscreen/Bug spray
- Batteries
- Small Lock
- Sports Equipment
The transitions a teenager will face as they embark on their college career are vast, which is why preparation is key. Since there is not a great deal you can prep for in regards to the anticipated emotional component, it is best to get the logistical pieces out of the way.
I hope that the above checklist and the websites listed in the additional resource section will assist you in, yet another, parenting milestone.
You can also print the above list of items to purchase, which is posted in the media gallery, for your convenience.
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Additional Resources…
http://www.ehow.com/how_6635222_organized-college.html
http://parentingpink.com/2010/03/daughter-college/
http://parentingpink.com/2009/09/teach-your-daughter-to-go-green-for-college/
Additional Checklists…
In This article
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IKEA
1 Ikea Way, Stoughton, MA -
Target
1 Hawes Way, Stoughton, MA -
Bed Bath & Beyond
1360 Park St, Stoughton, MA
Fiscal Conservative
5:52 am on Tuesday, July 19, 2011
2011, the year of the pampered kid, all when the economy is suffering. Get real, these kids can do w/o much of these things OR you can let them find work & buy these things w/their own money. I paid my way through undergrad & grad school w/o half these things. Real world is tough, kids might as well find out early in life, or do you want them living in your fantasy world?
mom2qts
6:44 am on Tuesday, July 19, 2011
I didn't see where it said I had to buy everything on the list and as the reporter did say "shop at home" first. I do have a job and I could use a new microwave, since mine is 15 yrs old. I would have no problem giving mine and buying new for myself. Kudos to you for making it in the real world with nothing, I'm still glad my parents were able to help me so that I could pay bills/loans I had. I now own my own home & pay all my bills & started my kids college accounts. Thanks Mom & Dad for all your help!!
lowertaxes
10:14 am on Tuesday, July 19, 2011
I was fortunate enough that my parents paid for me to go to college which I am very thankful for. However, I did all my shopping for moving away to college myself, with my money (I worked two jobs the summer before I went to college). You say "This next step, per say, is essentially a new world, where proficient skills of autonomy, self-reliance and organization are paramount to their success." yet you are suggesting parents run out and make sure the kids are all ready, how is that teaching self-reliance? Colleges usually inform the children of what they will need. It would be more of a lesson to these kids to find out what they need themselves and then be responsible for making the purchases. And then you know what, if they spend all their money on things they don't need and then realize they don't have enough for a TV or a microwave, so be it, they live without one, and learn that is how life works, a lesson they won't learn in their college classes but is one that is just as important.
Christine Iacobucci
12:47 pm on Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Though I will have to re-read my piece, I do not believe I indicate that the parents must be the ones who pay for everything or that you must buy everything on the list. Many college bound kids do not have vehicles because many colleges do not allow freshman to have them or because they are saving money for school. Plus, many parents find shopping with their children a fun way to spend time together. (I am sure that statement will be controversial, but I said many not all!)
I moved to school for one semester of my sophomore year but had to withdraw from the universitydue to fiscal challenges. I, like many others, took night classes one at a time as I could afford to. After years longer than my peers, I earned my Assoc. Degree. While I am proud of my hard work, I do regret not being able to afford the attainment of at least my bachelors degree. By the time I finally got my Assoc., I had a car and home payment, which made it fiscally impossible!
Parents aren't setting kids up for failure by saving for college, they are instead lying a foundation for their kids to succeed and in my opinion that is a parents role. Students will have plenty of hard work ahead of them and opportunity to learn the "hard way" how life works, beginning with balancing grades/class & work schedules/friends and so much more. I don't see the harm in role modeling the importance a family places on higher education, having some funds set aside (if able) is just one way to do so.