Having completed our freshman year in the dorms .... the key is
less is better! I suggest taking just half of what he thinks he'll need on the first trip, then wait 3 weeks and either ship what they really need or send money!
A few things that come to mind that were used a lot: a memory-foam topper for that very comfortable dorm bed; a small fan; a pop-up mesh laundry bag w/ carry strap (mesh because things are thrown in wet
, handle because it weighs a ton by the time they get around to doing laundry
) and laundry soap tablets for no mess/easy storage; a small desk lamp with built-in electrical outlet on the base; monitor stands for stacking PC & Game equipment on the desk; under-bed storage units with pull-out drawers for easy access; very loud alarm clock:. Oh, and speaking of laundry, make sure to pre-wash anything new to avoid any chance of "pink".
What
not to pack .... more than one set of sheets and towels. Seems the same one works just fine for 9 months ... then just throw away!
