Stocking your Child’s College Dorm

Your child is off to college, and now you want to stock their dorm room to help them out, but you aren’t sure where to start. Here are a few suggestions:

First and foremost, make sure they have the basics, like linens for their beds, and a towel for showering. Make sure they have utensils and dishes, a pot, a pan, and whatever other cooking utensils needed for preparing meals. Also make sure that they have some quarters for the laundry machines and some laundry soap. Once the basics are taken care of, consider stocking their room with the following items.

Food: Your college kid can never have too much food. Popcorn, chips, pretzels and nuts are great non-perishable food items that can be used to stock their pantry. Fill their fridge or freezer with lots of healthy options if they have one. Yogurts, fresh produce, and high quality meats are going to keep them healthier and more focused on their studies.

School supplies: When stocking your child’s college dorm room, you can’t forget that they are in college. A few reams of printer paper and extra ink cartridges. A few packs of pens, highlighters, and lined notebook paper. Encourage them to stay organized during school by providing them with folders and a binder or two.

Electronics: When stocking your child’s dorm room, don’t forget that a computer, printer, television, and the other electronics you have at home may not be going with them, but will make their life more enjoyable and easier while they are in school. Electronics, like a laptop, desktop computer, iPod or gaming system, aren’t essential, but they would be nice to have.

Entertainment: When your college student is bored at night, would you rather they watch a movie in their room with friends, or go out to the club? Stock their dorm room with some fun entertainment options. Encourage fun and safe activities by stocking their rooms with music, movies and board games.

Toiletries: Stock your child’s dorm room with toiletries. Besides towels and washcloths, make sure they have tampons if they are a girl, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, and razors. Also a few extra toothbrushes, some toothpaste, body wash and shaving-cream. All these items will help them keep their hygiene up without depleting their bank accounts.

If you stock your student up with these items and send them an occasional care package, you can rest assured they are eating okay and aren’t out getting into too much trouble because they are so bored and that they are taking care of the teeth you probably spent a fortune caring for and straightening!