topic Re: Going off to college needs in Community Chat

Going off to college needs

goldensrbest — Sat, 03 Aug 2024 14:21:32 GMT

One of my grandaughters is going off to college, would like to get her something she could use,i know space is very limited in dorm rooms,any ideas?

Re: Going off to college needs

deepwaterdotter — Sat, 03 Aug 2024 14:25:25 GMT

You can never go wrong with a small refrigerator and microwave.

Re: Going off to college needs

cheriere — Sat, 03 Aug 2024 14:27:22 GMT

@goldensrbest wrote:
One of my grandaughters is going off to college, would like to get her something she could use,i know space is very limited in dorm rooms,any ideas?

The first thing that came to mind is bedding, sheets, pillows etc. However, like you mentioned about space being so limited, I'll bet a set of the Pereia Storge containers would be great! They can even be stacked into a chest of sorts. College girls love their clothes, so these might be perfect!😃❤️

Re: Going off to college needs

goldensrbest — Sat, 03 Aug 2024 14:28:43 GMT

@cheriere wrote:
@goldensrbest wrote:
One of my grandaughters is going off to college, would like to get her something she could use,i know space is very limited in dorm rooms,any ideas?
The first thing that came to mind is bedding, sheets, pillows etc. However, like you mentioned about space being so limited, I'll bet a set of the Pereia Storge containers would be great! They can even be stacked into a chest of sorts. College girls love their clothes, so these might be perfect!😃❤️

I was thinking about those!

Re: Going off to college needs

On It — Sat, 03 Aug 2024 14:28:44 GMT

Space saving hangers for closet like Huggable Hangers.

Re: Going off to college needs

cheriere — Sat, 03 Aug 2024 14:37:18 GMT

@goldensrbest

My closet is small, so I've purchased a few sets of those boxes. They really do make a huge difference in how much clothing you can store. She can even use one for shoes. I got the light beige with black dots print. It's really pretty. I think she'd even be surprised by how useful they are.😃❤️

Re: Going off to college needs

goldensrbest — Sat, 03 Aug 2024 14:40:20 GMT

I also have them,i like them going to order her some.

Re: Going off to college needs

Carmie — Sat, 03 Aug 2024 15:08:19 GMT

I have two granddaughters in college. They both brought back half of what they took last year during their Christmas break. Their roommates took their stuff home too.

They both told me they will cut down further this year. There is no room and no place to keep stuff...too much clutter.

What they both wanted was snacks. I am sending them back with lots of snack foods and containers to store open bags and boxes of food in so it doesn't go stale.

They both also like money, Visa Gift cards and Amazon gift cards.

It is best to get to the dorm and get set up, then figure out what is needed.

I live near a college residence dorm. You would be shocked to see what these kids throw out in the trash. There are microwaves, refrigerators, bedding, furniture and clothing.

Some people pick the dumpsters and sell the almost new cast offs.

Re: Going off to college needs

goldensrbest — Sat, 03 Aug 2024 14:49:51 GMT

I have no idea what snacks they like.

Re: Going off to college needs

ScrapHappy — Sat, 03 Aug 2024 14:58:24 GMT

@goldensrbest wrote:
One of my grandaughters is going off to college, would like to get her something she could use,i know space is very limited in dorm rooms,any ideas?

My daughter is heading to her first year of college in 2 weeks. We've been shopping for dorm/college items for over a year. Mainly because I didn't want all that expense at once and I've been picking up things when I saw a really good price. You can Google "College Essentials Dorm List" and you'll find a bunch of stuff. But I'd still check with your grandaughter as to what she still needs. My daughters dorm is an apartment style, 4 bedrooms (they each get their own), living room, kitchen (with microwave but no stove) and 2 bathrooms. 2 girls share one bath, the other 2 share the other bathroom. The kitchen has a full size friddge. No appliances like air fryer or toaster ovens allowed. They way campuses are now with a Starbucks everywhere and all the food options, I'd get gif cards or money. Most college students buy their stuff from Amazon so an Amazon gift card would be a good idea. Let your grandaughter pick out what she needs or wants.

Re: Going off to college needs

KittySoftPaws — Sat, 03 Aug 2024 15:06:00 GMT

@goldensrbest Not sure what you are looking for, or to spend, but Pottery Barn Teen has a lot of Dorm stuff and they take into consideration the lack of space. Maybe a beauty organizer? Anything with storage capabilities comes to mind. Like a twin bed frame with storage drawers underneath.

Re: Going off to college needs

CarolinaGirl88 — Sat, 03 Aug 2024 15:09:56 GMT

@goldensrbest wrote:
One of my grandaughters is going off to college, would like to get her something she could use,i know space is very limited in dorm rooms,any ideas?

I would suggest gift cards, especially for food places (even if they have a meal plan, the cafeteria gets old and they'll want something different from time to time.) Also, I would suggest a small bag or kit of basic otc meds that anyone may need- pain reliever, cold meds, etc. Not the most exciting suggestions, but maybe needed. Best wishes to your granddaughter!

Re: Going off to college needs

DrakesMomma — Sat, 03 Aug 2024 15:41:35 GMT

My son went to a local university, so he stayed home. His best friend went about 45 minutes away. I got him a small first aid kit (I've known him since he's been five ), a bottle to tylenol, a bottle of allergy meds, and a gift card to a gas station that was near by his campus.

Re: Going off to college needs

PinkyPetunia — Sat, 03 Aug 2024 15:43:53 GMT

@deepwaterdotter

Sorry to shoot down your suggestion, but when my son was in college he was given the option to rent a "MicroFridge" (all in 1 unit) at a nominal fee. Eliminates the need of bringing and retrieving these items at the end of the year.

Re: Going off to college needs

deepwaterdotter — Sat, 03 Aug 2024 15:50:47 GMT

@PinkyPetunia Great idea.

Re: Going off to college needs

Mz iMac — Sat, 03 Aug 2024 15:54:49 GMT

@goldensrbest I must be in the minority. To date only a grandson has made it to college.

I let his parents & "other" grandparents get all that stuff. From me he got $$$$ then every month afterwards $$$$ into his "fun do what you want" account plus a goodie care package for the next 4 years.

I have a ways to go if "girls" are different.

Re: Going off to college needs

Sooner — Sat, 03 Aug 2024 16:07:12 GMT

ASK HER ASK HER ASK HER!!!

Don't waste money on things she doesn't want or can't use, and if it's cash she wants give her that.

Re: Going off to college needs

Runner26 — Sat, 03 Aug 2024 16:16:41 GMT

Depends on your budget but if your granddaughter doesn't already have a laptop that would be my first choice.

How about a noise cancellation headphones?

And you can never go wrong with cash.

Re: Going off to college needs

Ainhisg — Sat, 03 Aug 2024 16:31:03 GMT

Why take a shot in the dark at what to get her and possibly waste your money? Ask her or ask her parents what she would like or need. If you don't want to do that, the above suggestions for gift cards to Amazon, Walmart, a gas station, restaurants all will be appreciated greatly and a certain hit!

Re: Going off to college needs

RedTop — Sat, 03 Aug 2024 16:42:54 GMT

Back in the mid 70's, I worked for the Dean of Students responsible for everything related to on campus housing.

One of the biggest issues was that students brought too much stuff! For those students moving in later this month, they need to be aware the school will close before Thanksgiving and not reopen until after New Years, so be prepared for cooler fall weather, but maybe the heavy winter coats and insulated boots won't be needed until January. Space bags and stackable storage are definitely the way to go.

Every semester, check in day was sure to be an interesting one watching students unload their car trunk of more than a shared dorm room would hold.