I know it seems too early to start dorm packing for your student to leave for college or university, but the departure date will sneak up on you quickly. If one of yours is leaving, you probably get that feeling in your gut when you think about it. It is a time filled with emotions for everyone.
I know each of my three kids of dragged their heels getting their stuff ready. They were excited to go, but the nerves were still there, holding them back. I tried to make things easy for them and gathered most of the stuff they needed but didn’t know they needed, to help take the stress away from them.
I am sharing with you our master packing list for moving away into a dorm. Your student might not need everything on the list but there might be things you may not thought of. You should also check the website of the school your student will be attending as they may have specific requests.
Bedding
Pillows, pillowcases, sheets (2 sets), (confirm the size of your bed first – usually extra long in university dorms – Bed Bath and Beyond in Canada sells extra long sheets)
Comforter/duvet (while residence beds are usually singles I bought a double so it could transition to a bigger bed after residence)
Mattress protector
Mattress topper (dorm beds are usually fairly hard)
Health and Hygiene
Medications (prescription and over-the-counter ie cold medication, pain relief, bandaids, hand sanitizer, tissues, etc.)
Health Insurance Card
Nail clippers, tweezers
Towels and washcloths (I gave my kids 2 sets with the hope they would wash them regularly)
Shower caddy
Shower shoes/slippers
Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, sunscreen, etc.)
Toiletry appliances (hair dyer, hair straightener, razor, etc.)
Supplies to do a basic cleaning/dusting of your space
Clothing & Laundry
Casual wear (t-shirts, shirts, pants, etc.)
Dress clothes (for formal activities, interviews, presentations, etc.)
Raincoat and umbrella
Scarf, mittens, winter hat, winter coat, winter boots (Invest in comfortable, durable, protective winter wear)
Hangers
Laundry basket or bag, laundry detergent, a roll of quarters for machines if necessary
Kitchen
2 sets of Plates, silverware, and mugs/cups
Pots and pans
2 water bottles
can opener
scissors
Dish soap and dish towels
garbage bags
ziplock bags
paper towel
Check with your roommate so no duplication on the following:
coffee pot
kettle
microwave
Mini-fridge
Personal Items
Sporting/health equipment
Photos/decoration
Books/eBook
Computer, camera, and other electronics, chargers
Basic multi-use tool and multi-head screwdriver
Alarm clock (if you don’t use your phone)
Headphones/speakers (remember to keep it quiet for your neighbours, though!)
Fan
Extension cords, surge protectors
Flashlight with extra batteries
Garbage can
Wall decorations, photos, etc. (bring reusable adhesive putty (e.g., Sticky Tack) too, since you are not allowed to puncture the walls in Residences)
Small set of drawers ( drawer space is usually limited so those small plastic drawer towers are handy to expand storage space.
Under bed storage
Desk Supplies
Printer (check with roommate so no duplication)
Printer paper
Duotangs and/or notebooks
Pens and pencils
Erasers, paper clips
Stapler with extra staples
3 hole punch
Tape
Calculator
Post it Notes
Backpack
Desk Light
Luggage for traveling back and forth from home
This seems like a lot of stuff, and your student may not need it all. But it is good to take a look and get a head start on helping your student getting prepared.
Remember that this is stuff. The most important thing is the love and effort you put into getting your student this far. Make their bed for one last time and give them a big hug and kiss. You did your job well and prepared them for this next big step.
Always
Leslie
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