How to Shop for College - Your Guide to Dorm Room Shopping

It's finally here - time to send the kids off to college. It's their first experience away from home and you want to be sure they have everything they need, down to the very last pillow and hanger. This is your ultimate college shopping list - what you should shop for right now and what you don't need to worry about.

Bedding: At most universities, beds are extra-long, which means you need to buy your bedding accordingly. Keep in mind that a good night of sleep is crucial to doing well on exams - but don't overspend. There's a good chance laundry isn't going to be a top priority and bedding might fall by the wayside.

• Extra long comforter: Shop for a comforter that is simple and cozy. After four years at school, it's probably going to be recycled so invest in a comforter that will be comfortable - but not too expensive.
• Extra blankets: Dorm heating can be unpredictable. Consider shopping for throw blankets in case the winter months get chilly.
• Two extra long pairs of sheets: Why two? Well, under most circumstances laundry usually doesn't get done in a timely manner, so pack two pairs of sheets so your child can switch to clean sheets without the worry of laundry (at least, right away). Also, shop for a pair of jersey sheets and a pair of regular cotton sheets. The jersey is extra soft and will be great for winter, if you're sending your kid away to a cold climate. The lightweight cotton is perfect for the summer - most dorms don't have air conditioning.
• Pillows: Shop for at least two pillows for your child's dorm bed.
• Mattress pad: Dorm rooms usually come equipped with mattresses but invest in a mattress pad to make the bed more comfortable. Remember to shop for an extra long mattress pad.
• Reading pillow: While the library might be what you think of when you imagine your child hitting the books, chances are they are going to spend a lot of hours reading and taking notes in their bed. Grab a reading pillow for them - it'll make the homework load seem a little less painful.

Appliances: These room appliances will make your college student's life much easier and chances are they won't even think of these items themselves. (Don't forget about electronic appliances. Check with your specific school for electronic requirements.)

• Fan: Move in day is probably in the thick of August so you'll understand pretty quickly why having a fan is important for a college student. A small one will go a long way.
• Lamp: Though lighting is provided in dorms, a floor lamp or desk lamp will add extra light for late night studying. Lighting tends to be dim in dorms so a lamp is a must.
• Compact refrigerator: Whether you invest in a refrigerator, or rent one for the year, having a compact fridge is a must for college kids. Where else are they going to store that late night delivery pizza and three day old leftovers?
• Microwave: Microwaves aren't always allowed in dorm rooms, but if your child's university permits microwaves, consider picking one up. Cheap microwaves are available with just the basic functions, perfect for heating up mac n' cheese and other tasty treats.
• Hot water heater: If you have a microwave, a hot water heater isn't essential, but it comes in handy for cooking quick meals or making coffee and tea.
• Iron: An iron might not be used that often, but it's worth having on hand. There is a good chance your child will have interview opportunties while he/she is at school, and an iron will ensure that he/she looks professional.

Storage: Most college dorms come with closets, dressers, and desks but storage is still pretty skimpy. Shopping for some simple storage and organizer options is a simple solution to a clutter mess.

• Hangers: So maybe a mess is unavoidable, but be sure you send your kid away with plenty of hangers. If not, there's a guarantee that his/her clothes will end up all over the floor.
• Laundry basket: Either a plastic tub or collapsible bin will work. Make sure it's large enough to hold about 1.5 - 2 weeks worth of dirty clothes (or consider shopping for two laundry baskets).
• Plastic bins: Under the bed storage bins along with stackable storage containers are a great way to organize a dorm. When you're helping your child unpack, try to stay organized. For example, reserve one drawer for electronics, one drawer for personal products, etc.
• Door organizers: Door organizers are a great place to hang scarves, coats, purses, belts and more. What's even better is that most door organizers can also hang off the end of a bed, adding more storage space to a dorm room.
• File folders/paper organizers: Keep school papers, important documents, and other items organized with file folders.
• Corkboard: This might be better for decoration, but a corkboard is a great way to keep your kid's souvenirs and important things organized. From pictures to to do lists, corkboards really come in handy.

Dishes: Dining halls have all the essentials, but let's face it - your college student isn't only going to eat during designated dining times. When you shop for dishes, be sure to get microwaveable safe materials.

• Plates: Big plastic plates are best.
• Silverware: Forget about the silver part. Plastic will do just fine.
• Glasses/Cups: Don't shop for expensive glasses or cups. Plastic cups are great.
• Mugs: Coffee is essential to the busy college student. Shop for a few big, sturdy mugs.
• Bowls: Microwavable plastic bowls are great for leftovers. Think about grabbing a big bowl for popcorn too.

Extras: Sometimes there are few things that slip through the cracks. Be sure to pick up these items when you're out shopping for college dorm supplies.

• Laptop bag: Constant trips to the library, class, and coffee shops mean your child's laptop is probably going to be out in the elements. Shop for a laptop bag to keep his/her laptop safe.
• Backpack: This is a no-brainer, but shop for a backpack with plenty of space and support. It's pretty likely your child will be lugging around a fair amount of books.
• Calendar: Do people still use paper calendars? Pick one up anyway. They aren't expensive and it'll help keep your kid on track.
• Mirror: Most dorms don't have mirrors and the bathroom mirrors usually aren't sufficient. Invest in a mirror that can attach the back of a door.

What you don't need to buy: You're going to be shopping for a lot of college supplies, but here are some items that schools typically provide for students.

• Garbage can
• Mattress
• Desk
• Bed
• Chair

Shopping timeline: You're probably pretty anxious to start shopping. Here's a timeline to guide you along.

• June: Chances are you don't have your child's room assignment just yet. Since you won't know much about the dorm, hold off on buying too much. Keep a lookout for second hand refrigerators and microwaves. This can save you a bundle.
• July: The room assignment is here! Hooray! Check out what is (and isn't) allowed in your child's dorm. Start buying items like bedding early because the extra long size can run out fast.
• August: You don't want to wait until last minute, but you can get really good deals if you hold off on buying some of your college supplies. Think about shopping for dishes, door organizers, and storage units towards the end of your college preparation.