Depends on whether you are in elementary, middle, high school, or college. There are school supply lists that can help you. College is a little different.
Here are some tips...
...
Depends on whether you are in elementary, middle, high school, or college. There are school supply lists that can help you. College is a little different.
Here are some tips...
Shop online -- you will find a much wider selection of supplies for college than in your local stores, and you'll save time and reduce your stress level. You can even have your purchases mailed to the college. Our award winning website, Wellington Square, can help you simplify this process and save money on your purchases.
Book hotel rooms early for orientation, for move-in day, for visits, sports events, Parent's Weekend, etc. for rooms near the campus.
Budget money for a student parking decal, activities fees, cable and computer hook up, telephone hook up and monthly phone service
Budget and pre-plan commuting costs to classes, labs and events (including coins for parking meters)
Budget for clubs, professional groups, fraternities and/or sororities
Budget money for start-up groceries costs if the dorm/apartment has a kitchen
If a pre-paid meal plan is available, verify if weekend meals are included. If not, adjust budget.
Budget at least $50 per classroom book. Books are the most re-occurring budget buster. (you can save by ordering college textbooks online - click here)
Budget for labs and extra materials fees
Obtain copies of medical and dental insurance cards and physician info (verify out of state coverage/procedures)
The student should memorize his/her social security number for medical forms, etc. (do not carry card due to possible identify theft)
Have a record of all known allergies and immunizations, including tetanus
As soon as the college schedule is known, checkup appointments should be made with hometown doctors and dentists for times the college is not in session.
Students' prescription medications should be transferred to a pharmacy near his/her dorm.
Check your homeowners insurance policy, and the college's housing policy, regarding coverage for clothing and supplies while away at school
Both student and parents should have a copy of computer and printer warranty information, including toll free support numbers
Find a local cell phone provider – students will need to be able to make local calls while at college without paying long distance and roaming charges from a home-based cellular provider.
Prepare easy to understand directions to/from dorm for out of town friends. Include the dorm telephone number so they may call for dorm entrance/access once they arrive. (copy or e-mail as needed)
Preplan an e-mail address (obtain friends’ e-mail addresses before leaving home)
Print or purchase return address mailing labels with the dorm/apartment information
Print or purchase mailing labels for parents to use when sending care packages, checks from home, greeting cards, etc. to their student
In-season clothing should be taken to the college on hangers during the move-in trip, but next season clothing should be delayed (due to limited space) -- this can be picked up on a trip home, or even mailed.
Book air travel early for students and/or parents, especially during holiday seasons.
Out of state or international students should look into renting a storage facility near the campus for their stuff during the summer. This is also a great idea for recreational equipment such as bicycles, snow skis, kayaks, etc. The cost can be shared with participating dorm mates.
Obtain passports for students (Study Abroad Programs or international travel opportunities)
If students are traveling abroad, make sure parents' passports are current, for emergencies. Also, contact your long distance provider -- there are very low international rates available if you plan in advance.
Budget tuition money for an extra year (student may drop out, change major, transfer, fail a subject or be unable to register for a required class)
Most importantly, remember to acknowledge one another during special occasions, holidays, birthdays, exams, or illnesses with "care packages," flowers, small gifts, and even gift certificates that can be redeemed online at hundreds of top merchants. Wellington Square can help -- click HERE.
DECORATING TIPS:
Decorating is definitely a matter for mutual decision making, so ideas should be discussed with future dorm or apartment roommate(s). If sharing a room, purchases should be delayed on some items until discussions are held with roommates: telephone, answering machine, stereo equipment, television, VCR, microwave and refrigerator. More than one of each can make the room crowded. Once the college acceptance has been finalized, check on rental information for small appliances such as televisions, microwaves and refrigerators. Also, you may wish to check on the college's policy for renting and/or purchasing a loft bed to allow for extra floor space. Make arrangements to have the loft bed installed when you first move in so the room does not have to be dismantled later. For dorm rooms, be sure to verify with the college which items are not allowed -- for example, candles, incense, hot plates, etc.
Move in day time savers:
Label packed items with the contents and intended location. Pack your vehicle in an as needed order to avoid total confusion. Remove all items from boxes to allow for more space inside your vehicle and dorm or apartment. Bring along a large trash bag to allow for one trip to the outside dumpster versus several trips. Bring snack foods and a small cooler with cold drinks. Have scissors, a basic tool set and duct tape for assembling and hanging items. First, assess the room and make any necessary cleaning and furniture arrangements then work from the bottom up. Install carpet, loft bed or bed risers, bed linens, under the loft/ bed items, place pre-hung clothing items inside the closet. Hang up all over the door hooks and holders then hang items which go in/on these such as towels, shoes, etc. Place items on and inside the desk and drawers. Next, bring in all the bathroom supplies followed by the kitchen and laundry supplies. Sit back and enjoy watching your student decorate and personalize his/her room.
BANKING
Money management, banking procedures, fees and financial discipline should be learned during high school years. Legal age, 18 years and older, students will be bombarded with credit card offers and on site incentives. Consider student and parent joint accounts for financial tracking. If moving out of area, locate a bank close to the dorm or apartment which also has a branch near home so the parents can make deposits. Allow enough time to receive ATM/Debit cards and printed checks -- merchants do not like starter checks. Send these to the home residence if possible, for security reasons.
ATM or debit card
Checks and deposit slips (consider overdraft checking)
Credit card (consider stored value card)
DORM/SUITE/APARTMENT BEDROOM:
The following items are for a residential dorm, suite or apartment bedroom. The university usually provides a bed, desk, chair, chest, closet and laundry facilities. Verify room items provided and the size of the bed with the college.
The student provides some or all of the following:
Adhesive stick ons and hooks (removable)
Accent rug or room size carpet (remnants available)
Accent throw pillows or back rest (good for visiting friends)
Address and telephone book (enter emergency and medical contacts and birth dates of relatives and friends )
Afghan, fleece or stadium blanket
Answering machine (pre-record message)
Automobile supplies (see Automobile information and list)
Backpack, bookbag, or laptop backpack
Bathroom supplies (see Bathroom information and list)
Bedspread, comforter or duvet (bed in a bag is an easy purchase)
Bed skirt/dust ruffle (to conceal stored items)
Bicycle supplies (see Bicycle information and list)
Blanket (lightweight)
