Carting Off To College

I thought we would work backwards this month as we discuss back to school basics. College students are usually the second ones to begin classes as the new school year begins. Teachers, beginning the first, as they must first prepare for the students to enter their classes.

Preparing for college can be difficult, if not more so, than sending our kids off to elementary school or even high school. Many times, a high school graduate will choose a college away from home as opposed to living with their parents.

Unfortunately, many colleges won't give you a list of what to bring with you, so here's the basics of what you'll need to cart off to college with you student.

1.  Bedding. If you're college student is moving into the doors at the educational institution of their choice then more than likely they'll find themselves sleeping in a dorm room with one or two other people. Therefore, they will need to bring their own bedding suitable for a twin bunk. You basic bedding consists of a sheet set, comforter, and a pillow.

2. Shower Caddy. Since you share a room in a dorm, your most likely to share your bathroom between suites, which means there isn't alot of room for everyone to store their shower and toiletry essentials. Keep your college students shower necessities organized by storing them in a container or caddy.

3. Desk Organizer. Due to limited space, a college student's desk needs to be just as organized as their toiletries. A college student will spend more hours at his/her desk than any other part of their dorm, including their bed. A messy desk breeds a late, unproductive, and disorganized student.

4. Student Planner. Most colleges will hand these out to freshman on the first days of preparing for class. There are many different options when it comes to keeping a student planner, ones we'll discuss at a later . date on another post. But for now, a student has the option of a traditional paperback planner, pda's, and of course using the online features in most blackberries and cellphones. What ever will work to keep your college student on time for both class and keeping assignments up-to-date.

5.The Bag That Says It All. Just like back in highschool, your college student is going to need something to carry books, pens, highlighters, and essentials around campus. We're not just talking a book bag either. It's thee bag, the one that says, "Hey, this is me" kind of deal. The most important thing to consider when selecting a new bag is what function it needs to serve. Will they carry a laptop inside? Books?(yes, books!) notepads, lunch, wallet, etc... Choose well, it will be your best friend for a very long time.

I'm not going to tell you that your college student will need to pack their clothes for living in the door. Getting dressed every day is an essential that we usually don't need to remind someone to do, or take essentials with them. When packing your college students clothes, I suggest folding clothes layering them inside a hamper. This serves two purposes: 1. They take they're clean clothes with them. 2. The hamper can be reused inside their dorm room for when the clothes are dirty and need washed. (Oh, and don't forget a roll he of quarters for the washer and dryer units, and detergents. Not unless, you want your college student carting their laundry back home for you to launder on the weekends.)

The rest is like high school, just your basic pen, notepad, and sneakers, really comfy sneakers for walking. Okay, maybe not like high school, but you get the picture.

Mark your calendars for the big day yet? Grab a pen and pencil and write a list of all those essentials you'll be needing to back up and cart off to college.

I'd love to hear what the number one things is that you'll be taking that you can't live without. (alcohol and parafilia excluded from comments please.)