Yesterday, I crossed another significant life milestone off my list—something you often hear about but never truly grasp until you find yourself in the thick of it. Botox? Colonoscopy? Nope! I took my daughter shopping for her college dorm.
You know, that highly anticipated trip to the likes of Target and Bed, Bath & Beyond to gather all the adorable dorm essentials that may never fit in her new space or will be buried beneath the inevitable mess by mid-September. Although it was a fun and exciting day, it came with its own set of lessons. Since many of you may be preparing for this experience in the near future, I wanted to share some insights. And if you feel inclined to thank me, cash would be appreciated—it’s going to help with her tuition!
Dos and Don’ts
- Do invest in a mattress cover that guards against bed bugs, allergens, and other nasties.
Don’t dwell on what “other nasties” might entail. - Do encourage her to pick out a fun dry erase board for her dorm door.
Don’t mention that by week one, someone will have decorated it with a Sharpie doodle of questionable taste. - Do buy her two sets of sheets for laundry days.
Don’t contemplate the likelihood that the second set will remain untouched. - Do grab at least 25 sturdy hangers.
Don’t bring up that only 10 will actually fit in her closet. - Do stock up on Command Damage-Free hooks and wall adhesive.
Don’t point out that they won’t stick to cinder-block walls, similar to those used in correctional facilities. - Do choose cute, colorful towels.
Don’t think about how she’ll be seen wrapped in one on her way back from the communal bathroom. - Do reassure her that the communal bathroom experience won’t be as dreadful as she fears!
Don’t cringe while saying this. - Do treat her to a delightful lunch.
Don’t let her know that it might be her last decent meal until Thanksgiving. - Do listen when she expresses her anxieties about leaving home.
Don’t lock her in her room and start Googling “Home-Colleging.” - Do make sure she has a vial of pepper spray on her keychain.
Don’t entertain any scenarios where she’ll need to use it. - Do splurge on a quality memory foam mattress topper.
Don’t choose one that can comfortably support more than just her weight. - Do get her a microwave.
Don’t assume she’ll use it for anything other than popcorn. - Do let her indulge in a few luxury items.
Don’t reveal that it may be the last time you’re footing the bill. - Do compliment her adorable mini-fridge!
Don’t remind her that it can barely hold two water bottles and a cheese stick. - Do slip in some surprise goodies into her bags.
Don’t consider yourself a “surprise.” - Do provide her with an umbrella.
Don’t mention that no umbrella can keep her dry during a half-mile trek to class in a downpour. - Do assemble a care package with pain relievers, Band-Aids, a thermometer, and any medications she regularly takes.
Don’t set a reminder in your phone to check if she actually takes them. - Do remind her to make room for all the stuff currently cluttering her room.
Don’t panic when you realize she’s leaving most of it behind. - Do be patient when she contradicts your advice.
Don’t chuckle six weeks later when she calls to admit you were right. - Do cherish the memories of your day together.
Don’t view it as an ending; instead, see it as a new beginning.
For those interested in preparing for parenthood, you might find it helpful to check out our guide on home insemination kits, which provides useful insights into starting a family. You can find more information at Make A Mom’s At Home Insemination Kit or explore In Vitro Fertilisation for a deeper understanding of the topic.
Summary: Preparing for your child’s departure to college can be both exciting and stressful. This guide covers essential dos and don’ts for dorm room shopping, ensuring a smoother transition for both you and your child. Remember to appreciate the journey and embrace the new chapter ahead.
Keyphrase: dorm room shopping tips
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