What Parents Need To Be Aware Of, For First Year University Students

First of all, students NEED a computer, even better a LAPTOP.  Though most schools have computer labs available to all students, which is already included in university fees, a paper written at inconvenient morning hours is much more effective and comfy if done from a student's room.  Many computer manufacturers offer deep student discounts, making products more affordable.  If your child chooses a laptop over desktop, they have the option of bringing their computer to class and accessing the Wi-Fi net from anywhere on campus.

Freshman dorm rooms are way from palatial so have your child check with their prospective roommate when discussing who will bring common household items such as a TV, microwave, fridge, storage cubbies, rugs, extra seating, etc.  Once everything is divided up, STICK TO, and AVOID, these following items according to my gals Gaby and Elizabeth who did the out of town-college thing:

BRING:

• A computer or laptop
• Exta-long twin bedding (2 sets) and pillows
• A mattress pad
• Flip flops, a shower caddy and toiletries, for the communal bathroom
• Bed lifts for X-tra under-the-bed storage
• A laundry bag/ hamper, detergent and dryer sheets
• Towels, at least 3 or 4
• Mircrofridge (some schools have rental programs)
• TV
• Surge protectors
• Alarm clock (most use their cell phones)
• Seasonal clothing and footwear
• Dress clothing and shoes for interviews and formal events
• An iron
• Hangers
• Removable wall hooks
• Family and friend photo albums
• Ethernet cord
• Ear plugs or headphones
• Fan
• Duct tape (el paso loves our duct tape)
• Flash drives
• Storage crates to stack books or smaller items
• Disinfectant wipes

AVOID

• A printer, for ink can be expensive and libraries provide access o printing
• X-tra furniture, it takes up too much space
• Pets are not permitted, other than small aquarium animals
• Items that are valuable and expensive that can easily be stolen
• Lots DVDs (but most are doing Hulu and Netflix-now a days)

What did we miss…let me know!!!