Check out this checklist for students

Chances are if you’re a college-bound student or parent of a student, you’re compiling a long list of needs and wants for the upcoming school year.

Andrew Ranieri, a senior in Finance majoring at Saint Josephs University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, volunteers with SJ U-haul, a program that helps new students move mountains of equipment out of the trunks of cars. to dormitory or apartment assignments for students. “Here’s a list that includes the basics. Now if you ask me about a wish list, I’ll also include a flat screen TV,” he says with a smile.

Most universities and colleges provide advance information on student housing. Depending on what the school provides, here is a checklist that you might find helpful to take on your shopping trip and helpful in stimulating your own ideas for other needs. The usual notebooks, pens, calculators and similar tools are excluded.

Furniture

desk accessories

poster putty

backpack

trash can

bulletin board

futons

Pad

Leaves

Towels

Blankets

Pillow

Rug

Dishes

Pots and pans)

kettle

Covered

dish detergent

dish towel

laundry detergent

Laundry basket or travel bag

clothes hangers

a roll of quarters

First aid box

shoe rack or bag

Under bed storage bins

shelving

TV stand

Full length mirror for the back of the door

Electronics and Appliances


TELEVISION

microwave oven

radio clock

High speed internet connection

desk lamp

mini fridge

Computer printer and spare ink cartridges

Keyboard, mouse and desktop monitor (for laptop)

hair dryer

Fan

iPod

CD and bookshelf stereo

headphones

food and fun


hot chocolate

Instant oats or cream of wheat

ramen noodles

Peanut butter and jelly

tea or coffee bags

pretzels

dry cereals

Grapes

trail mix

candy and gum

Garbage bags

decks of cards

table games

Essential elements to consider

There are keys to prevent headaches, debates and frustrations during the pre-college preparation process.

Do some digging to find what’s already out there if you didn’t get any information on living spaces. For example, will there be a common area that requires some amenities? Perhaps you have previously attended an open house and toured the campus. If so, that experience serves to refine your checklist.

If possible, connect the two (or more) roommates and let them coordinate who will bring what. Sharing the responsibility of furnishing your domain has three advantages: 1) it reduces the financial outlay of parents, 2) it establishes an early rapport between students, and 3) it provides a means for the student to engage with the task, so there is fewer filters for the parent to complete. With the planning done, start shopping well before school so you have a chance to keep your budget intact.

Describe the college shopping experience and the words fall on a continuum from having a dreaded root canal to a fun Caribbean cruise, however no matter how you feel, remember that shopping is not the real challenge. That is to come.

All items you purchased, as well as your student’s bag full of clothing, must be transported somehow to the required school and walked to the student’s new residence.

If you’re lucky, your school will have some volunteers available, like Andrew, who spend their time helping new students feel welcome and parents relieved.