Rememebr to invest in insurance for their stuff. PC's Clothes and baseball gear
I did and it was well worth the piece of mind.
http://www.collegestudentinsurance.com/
In addition to a set of sheets (I had the same experience with mine never using the "extra" set), you will want to buy a quilted mattress pad. My son's dorm was pretty ancient and the mattresses I think were the original ones...the mattress pad served a dual purpose: it provided a very soft "pillow-top" feel to the mattress and just as importantly, it covered up the very ancient looking mattress so he didn't have to look at it.
Also get several pillows and/or one of those long pillows (they are about as long as the width of the bed) so your son can prop up to study or read in bed if that is where he chooses to study.
TPM,
Are you sure we're not related? Our boys sound EXACTLY the same...I laughed when I read your comments about the sheets and towels....my son did just the same and has still to this day never hung up a wet towel to dry at least to my knowledge.
Also get several pillows and/or one of those long pillows (they are about as long as the width of the bed) so your son can prop up to study or read in bed if that is where he chooses to study.
TPM,
Are you sure we're not related? Our boys sound EXACTLY the same...I laughed when I read your comments about the sheets and towels....my son did just the same and has still to this day never hung up a wet towel to dry at least to my knowledge.
OUBsbMom,
You are going to like this one. He now wants a down comforter with a duvet cover, only says he needs one set of sheets, and NEW towels with all color coordinated bathroom "accessories", shower curtain and bathmats.
The insurance for personal things is a great idea too. If you have homeowners insurance their items are covered but not pc's and laptops.
You are going to like this one. He now wants a down comforter with a duvet cover, only says he needs one set of sheets, and NEW towels with all color coordinated bathroom "accessories", shower curtain and bathmats.
The insurance for personal things is a great idea too. If you have homeowners insurance their items are covered but not pc's and laptops.
My son was SOOOO grateful for the extra-long twin size egg crate mattress pad we got(we got it at Bed Bath and Beyond). (as well as the qulited mattress pad). Those dorm mattresses are not great.
He also liked having an electric water heater (we got the TFal Vitesse) once winter came, for hot drinks at night and in the morning.
Try to sit on your hands and not call if you're not hearing much from them. They will call when they need you, and it is a good message to send them that you have confidence in their ability to adapt to college on their own. OTOH, it's good to let them know you're thinking of them by sending cookies
.
Freshman year really seemed to fly by. It seemed like we dropped him at the dorm in September one day, and picked him up in June the next....it was almost too fast, because it was a great year and it just seemed to be over too soon.
He also liked having an electric water heater (we got the TFal Vitesse) once winter came, for hot drinks at night and in the morning.
Try to sit on your hands and not call if you're not hearing much from them. They will call when they need you, and it is a good message to send them that you have confidence in their ability to adapt to college on their own. OTOH, it's good to let them know you're thinking of them by sending cookies
.Freshman year really seemed to fly by. It seemed like we dropped him at the dorm in September one day, and picked him up in June the next....it was almost too fast, because it was a great year and it just seemed to be over too soon.
Don't overbuy! I don't know how many things I had to return. 2 towels seem to be enough since suddenly they can use the same one for a wk. and 1 set of sheets that maybe will come home over Christmas to be washed! Mine did use one flat sheet to use as a barrier from the light at night by tucking it into the bunk above his. The egg-crate pad and a mattress pad were good for the skinny mattresses they get. A microwave and small refrig were good investments. A desk lamp. A basket to keep bathroom supplies in but don't bother with any cleaning supplies 'cause they won't use them. A fan is good. My son's roommates liked to stay up most of the night playing online games on their computer and he said the hitting of the keys bugged him so much that he had to flip out on occasion and remind them some people need their sleep. And money, money, money. He liked to hit Wal-Mart for his own snacks.
This yr. he's moving into a house off campus with some other players so I have no idea what all we'll need to buy for this!
This yr. he's moving into a house off campus with some other players so I have no idea what all we'll need to buy for this!
quote:It seemed like we dropped him at the dorm in September one day, and picked him up in June the next....it was almost too fast, because it was a great year and it just seemed to be over too soon
Any suggestions on computer accessories/setup for team trips or dorm? i.e. battery size? xtra charger/battery? WIFI card? Wireless mouse? No mouse? Lock? Don't take computer on road? Setup Outlook for mail?
All I can tell you is that we purchased a computer that we thought would be the best set-up to take on the road with him. I don't think it left the dorm room once! But his GameBoy has travelled the country with him!
But his GameBoy has travelled the country with him!
College parent,
We had to purchase a laptop for son as it was required and since his campus is wireless it had that capability (we purchased through IBM wit his schools software already installed and everything he needed).
When they traveled on the road almost every hotel had wireless connections available and if he couldn't log on, he was supplied a bridge by teh hotels.
Many of the hotels now have pc's in the lobby, so if anyone forgot, they still had availability.
Some schools send info on buying bedding through a particular website, and it was delivered to his room.
Try to keep it to a minimum the first year as there tastes change
The things he used the most: fan, warming blanket, towel rack for behind the door. My son lived in an apartment, but I have seen at other dorms in the dorm room, refrigerators and microwaves. However, being on the unlimited meal plan, I don't think they used micro except for popping popcorn!
We had to purchase a laptop for son as it was required and since his campus is wireless it had that capability (we purchased through IBM wit his schools software already installed and everything he needed).
When they traveled on the road almost every hotel had wireless connections available and if he couldn't log on, he was supplied a bridge by teh hotels.
Many of the hotels now have pc's in the lobby, so if anyone forgot, they still had availability.
Some schools send info on buying bedding through a particular website, and it was delivered to his room.
Try to keep it to a minimum the first year as there tastes change
The things he used the most: fan, warming blanket, towel rack for behind the door. My son lived in an apartment, but I have seen at other dorms in the dorm room, refrigerators and microwaves. However, being on the unlimited meal plan, I don't think they used micro except for popping popcorn!
quote:Originally posted by luvbb:
All I can tell you is that we purchased a computer that we thought would be the best set-up to take on the road with him. I don't think it left the dorm room once!
And he must have a portable DVD player for those long road trips as well.
Ann
I agree with OUBsMom on the portable DVD for baseball players. I even bought one for Mrs. Fungo so she could ignore me on the road trips. Even though the bus had onboard movies, he said the DVD player really worked well during college trips.
When he was in college he used a desk top computer in his apartment. Don’t forget a printer. He and his two roommates’ computers were on a wireless network using cable modem. Cost was maybe a $150.00 total for the hardware. This seemed to work pretty slick. I thought about the laptop while he was in college but I shuddered at the thought of a $1,500.00 laptop in the back of his Ford Explorer in 100 degree temps, covered with a mixture of Gatorade and infield sand.
We knew when he was drafted he would be on the road much more. He could also be asked to catch a plane on short notice so I gave him my laptop. We also bought him a small digital camera for his birthday. He uses the laptop to watch DVD’s, send email, send pictures, check his bank account and download music to his IPOD.
Fungo
When he was in college he used a desk top computer in his apartment. Don’t forget a printer. He and his two roommates’ computers were on a wireless network using cable modem. Cost was maybe a $150.00 total for the hardware. This seemed to work pretty slick. I thought about the laptop while he was in college but I shuddered at the thought of a $1,500.00 laptop in the back of his Ford Explorer in 100 degree temps, covered with a mixture of Gatorade and infield sand.
We knew when he was drafted he would be on the road much more. He could also be asked to catch a plane on short notice so I gave him my laptop. We also bought him a small digital camera for his birthday. He uses the laptop to watch DVD’s, send email, send pictures, check his bank account and download music to his IPOD.
Fungo
YES...the IPOD...another absolute must for the roadtrips, workouts, running, etc.
OUBsbmom....you are absolutely on target with the mention of the portable DVD player! Completely forgot about that! Don't forget about the Soprano's complete video collection which is also essential!
OUBsbmom....you are absolutely on target with the mention of the portable DVD player! Completely forgot about that! Don't forget about the Soprano's complete video collection which is also essential!
We have found the iPod to be a great investment. Son is actually enjoying his long distance runs for the first time ever. He calls them "song" distance runs.
Now I undestand you can put the little iPod on this thing that converts it into a whole sound system, thus eliminationg the "old" fashion stereo player.
I can't keep up with technology!
Now I undestand you can put the little iPod on this thing that converts it into a whole sound system, thus eliminationg the "old" fashion stereo player.
I can't keep up with technology!
TPM---
You are correct on that iPod sound system thingy. My husband downloaded EVERY CD we own into it, stuck it into the little device (don't you like my "techie" language...NOT!), and voila! It worked for about a minute...he's been trying to figure out how to fix it for a few months now...BACK to "old" CD player technology till he does!
You are correct on that iPod sound system thingy. My husband downloaded EVERY CD we own into it, stuck it into the little device (don't you like my "techie" language...NOT!), and voila! It worked for about a minute...he's been trying to figure out how to fix it for a few months now...BACK to "old" CD player technology till he does!
Our son took his IPod, Game Boy and computer on the road with him last year. I can only hope he had room for a book or two as well... . He also had the speaker attachment for his IPod, which eliminated the need for any other sound system in his room.
In the dorm, 'must haves' were:
Britta Water filter jug
Microwave Oven/Refrigerator
Mac n Cheese
Ramen
Campbells Micro soups/stews
Cleanser 'wipes' (which he said were a ridiculous waste of precious space when he first moved in... and then asked if I would bring him another one.)
Some of the other things that ended up in his room, I won't mention here....
I will say that you should read what is and isn't allowed in a dorm room VERY carefully - and make sure your son does, too....
. He also had the speaker attachment for his IPod, which eliminated the need for any other sound system in his room. In the dorm, 'must haves' were:
Britta Water filter jug
Microwave Oven/Refrigerator
Mac n Cheese
Ramen
Campbells Micro soups/stews
Cleanser 'wipes' (which he said were a ridiculous waste of precious space when he first moved in... and then asked if I would bring him another one.)
Some of the other things that ended up in his room, I won't mention here....
I will say that you should read what is and isn't allowed in a dorm room VERY carefully - and make sure your son does, too....
URKillingmeBlue....can I add a couple to the "must have" list:
FEBREEZE
super-strength FEBREEZE
industrial-strength FEBREEZE
FEBREEZE
super-strength FEBREEZE
industrial-strength FEBREEZE
luvbb - Great catch!
Febreeze is a must have for sure!
Febreeze is a must have for sure!
From the the profane to the practical to the profound.... This is a terrific topic filled with terrific responses. On behalf of the masses, thank you all for taking the time to repond. I have already taken a compendium of your remarks and passed them out to my wife and her friends, many of whom are dealing with this situation and asking the same questions and preparing to make the same mistakes you have addressed here. Quite frankly I am tired of apologizing for my apparently ignorant failure to ask whether the dorm mattresses are regular or extra long and am very happy to realize I was not the only person to make this heinous mistake. From my own experience, I did tell her about the sheet and towel number thing, but I still don't think she believes me.
URKMB,
Fabeets,
Your wife can pm me. I'll swear to the towel and sheet number thing!
Fabeets,
Your wife can pm me. I'll swear to the towel and sheet number thing!
fabeets---
I can attest to sheet/towel number thing! Son just graduated in four years in May. The SECOND set of sheets came home...in its original packaging!!
ONE is the loneliest number...
I can attest to sheet/towel number thing! Son just graduated in four years in May. The SECOND set of sheets came home...in its original packaging!!
ONE is the loneliest number...
PAmom,
And of course they are no good anymore because they probably didn't have a high thread count or made of 100% egyptian cotton!
And of course they are no good anymore because they probably didn't have a high thread count or made of 100% egyptian cotton!
Ladies, thank you so much for your responses. I know you are right! When my wife asked how many towels I typically used in college I told her one, or none, because they were available throughout the athletic complex and I always showered there. I am pretty sure she didn't believe me, but, when confronted with further documentation from the on-line sorority, she seemed to change her stance. Most importantly she told me she was late for work today because she was so mesmerized by the comments (from the whole thread) that I printed out for her. She was immediately on the phone (at approx 7:40 am)(I could hear her from the other room) with her friends and I suspect, over the next few days, all the advice will be thoroughly considered. I am greatful that I can suggest she PM you guys in the event of a remaining conflict becauase I am sure you would explain it better than I.
Fabeets,
Ahhhh, now I know why he never used the towels, he showered most of the time in the LOCKER room!
See, that is why we DO need dads to post in teh Ladies Lounge.
Ok the second year, you need more towels, because now you don't have to share a bathroom with 3 others, have your own and washer and dryer is IN the apartment.
Tell her to put them away for next year!
Ahhhh, now I know why he never used the towels, he showered most of the time in the LOCKER room!
See, that is why we DO need dads to post in teh Ladies Lounge.
Ok the second year, you need more towels, because now you don't have to share a bathroom with 3 others, have your own and washer and dryer is IN the apartment.
Tell her to put them away for next year!
Thank you, Thank You, Thank you.
All suggestions are very helpful as son is a freshman this fall and we are clueless.
After purchasing the laptop, I was concerned about theft. Then I remembered this thread and went to the student insurance link. I'm also taking the sheets, towel thing under consideration. As a Mom, I somehow seem to overdue things and need to be kept in check.
Thanks again, great posts, everyone. 
All suggestions are very helpful as son is a freshman this fall and we are clueless.
After purchasing the laptop, I was concerned about theft. Then I remembered this thread and went to the student insurance link. I'm also taking the sheets, towel thing under consideration. As a Mom, I somehow seem to overdue things and need to be kept in check.
Thanks again, great posts, everyone.
A computer sufficiency anxiety reliever:
As long as their computer can handle Instant Messenger and e-mail, it will cover 90% of what they use it for anyway. Professors do send notices to students via e-mail, and vice-versa, so arguably e-mail is educational, but the computers by and large are more entertainment than education. Before that grinds anyone though, realize that playing Playstation 2 and zipping around cyberspace beats drinking and driving any day of the week.
As long as their computer can handle Instant Messenger and e-mail, it will cover 90% of what they use it for anyway. Professors do send notices to students via e-mail, and vice-versa, so arguably e-mail is educational, but the computers by and large are more entertainment than education. Before that grinds anyone though, realize that playing Playstation 2 and zipping around cyberspace beats drinking and driving any day of the week.
Let's hear more about the computer insurance. Is it better to get it from the computer vendor, or go through your homeowner's policy? What is the general feeling about the security cables available for the computer to be attached to some immovable object?
BGross - My opinion is that your mission is to make your son/daughter's computer LESS easy to steal than someone else's in your room/dorm/apartment, etc. Security cables can do that -- if they are actually used, that is .
.quote:Originally posted by BGross:
Let's hear more about the computer insurance. Is it better to get it from the computer vendor, or go through your homeowner's policy? What is the general feeling about the security cables available for the computer to be attached to some immovable object?
If you will check with both your home-owners policy and then read the insurance booklets for the student property insurance (calling your agent helps to do this quickly), you will find that neither insurance policy covers "mysterious disappearance", like the computer disappearing from the dorm room.
We got a rider on our home-owners policy that covered about $3,000 worth of Stereo, Computer, printer and speakers for the Mysterious Disappearance. It's only costing about $17.00 per year for the rider. WELL WORTH the expense, since dorm rooms are frequently left standing open.
The rider that I had to place on my State farm was about 70 dollars for a replacement on his PC only (priced at 2K). His other personal items are covered under my homeowners, but we have a hefty deductible.
I looked into the insurance that was suggested on this site, and felt it was a good deal to cover his pc, cell phone and electronic equipment.
I looked into the insurance that was suggested on this site, and felt it was a good deal to cover his pc, cell phone and electronic equipment.
My sons college recommended something called Computrace LoJack, which is downloaded into his computer. If the computer is stolen and then turned on LoJack can immediately trace it and they work with the local police or IT dept. to recover it. It's $50 a year but I think well worth it. You can also buy a lock for a laptop but I doubt my son would bother to keep using it!
mmac, Great advice! I went the home owners rider route.
The college I work for use PCPhonehome a lojack type software. It has a one time fee, we charge $15.00. If the computer is stolen and plugged into any Phone or internet connection it sends you an email of the location we have been able to get search warrants based on this info. Also engraving laptops with college and personal info has helped us recover those laptops left in airports and diners.
Campus/Housing Safety Tips -- Nineteen-year-old Freshmen and 20-year-old sophomore's have seldom had to think about such things, before.
To help keep students safe during the school year, with the help of the Center for Campus Fire Safety and Underwriters Laboratories, the International Code Council offers safety recommendations:
When students first move in:
Make sure the smoke alarms in the room, suite, apartment and floor are in place and working. If not, contact the resident assistant, landlord or install them.
Arrange furniture and decorations so that all automatic fire sprinkler heads are clear. Do not hang anything from fire sprinklers.
Keep furniture clear of windows and doors for quick exiting.
Never prop stairway doors open; it can allow smoke and fire to spread. Keep hallways clear.
Identify all emergency exits on the hall. In case of fire, elevators will not be in service.
Find the fire extinguisher and check that the pressure level is good. In off-campus housing, if there is no extinguisher, buy one, learn how to use it and keep it in the kitchen.
Never overload electrical outlets. Do not staple, tape or nail extension cords or run them under carpeting; it can damage wiring and lead to a fire. Use UL-listed electrical power strips and unplug appliances when not in use.
Throughout the school year:
Never ignore a fire alarm; it may be the real thing and fires spread quickly. Evacuate immediately even when smoke is not present. Have an escape plan and know evacuation routes.
Always identify two ways out of every building, whether it is a school building, night club, movie theater or restaurant. The entrance may be blocked during an emergency.
If candles are allowed, keep in appropriate containers and handle with care. Never place lit candles near curtains, posters or anything flammable. Keep candles away from fans, open windows or anywhere they can be knocked over. Never leave burning candles unattended.
Do not use portable grills or camp stoves inside. Only cook in designated areas.
When smoking, use an ashtray. After parties, check furniture cushions for smoldering cigarette butts.
September is National Campus Fire Safety Month. To learn additional ways to improve fire safety on your campus, visit http://www.iccsafe.org/campusfire.
To help keep students safe during the school year, with the help of the Center for Campus Fire Safety and Underwriters Laboratories, the International Code Council offers safety recommendations:
When students first move in:
Make sure the smoke alarms in the room, suite, apartment and floor are in place and working. If not, contact the resident assistant, landlord or install them.
Arrange furniture and decorations so that all automatic fire sprinkler heads are clear. Do not hang anything from fire sprinklers.
Keep furniture clear of windows and doors for quick exiting.
Never prop stairway doors open; it can allow smoke and fire to spread. Keep hallways clear.
Identify all emergency exits on the hall. In case of fire, elevators will not be in service.
Find the fire extinguisher and check that the pressure level is good. In off-campus housing, if there is no extinguisher, buy one, learn how to use it and keep it in the kitchen.
Never overload electrical outlets. Do not staple, tape or nail extension cords or run them under carpeting; it can damage wiring and lead to a fire. Use UL-listed electrical power strips and unplug appliances when not in use.
Throughout the school year:
Never ignore a fire alarm; it may be the real thing and fires spread quickly. Evacuate immediately even when smoke is not present. Have an escape plan and know evacuation routes.
Always identify two ways out of every building, whether it is a school building, night club, movie theater or restaurant. The entrance may be blocked during an emergency.
If candles are allowed, keep in appropriate containers and handle with care. Never place lit candles near curtains, posters or anything flammable. Keep candles away from fans, open windows or anywhere they can be knocked over. Never leave burning candles unattended.
Do not use portable grills or camp stoves inside. Only cook in designated areas.
When smoking, use an ashtray. After parties, check furniture cushions for smoldering cigarette butts.
September is National Campus Fire Safety Month. To learn additional ways to improve fire safety on your campus, visit http://www.iccsafe.org/campusfire.