Sending a Child Off to College: Part 3

What would you buy your son or daughter when they go to college?  When starting to get your child ready for their freshman year of college, start with the suggested supply list from the college of your child's choice.  This list is usually included in with their orientation packet.  Here are a few things that you might want to add to this list:

TV (only if your child has the will power to turn it off when they need to study)
Video game player (may help with socialization but again consider your child's willpower)
Small Refrigerator (if dorm allows)
Microwave (if dorm allows)
Recorder to record lectures
Wireless Printer and Extra Ink Cartridges
Noise Cancelling Headphones for those Noisy Dorms
Back-up Alarm Clock
Cell Phone with Paid Plan
Digital Camera
I-Pod with Port (much smaller than a stereo)
Extra Towels (just in case they miss a week of washing)
Comfortable Desk Chair (dorm room chairs are very uncomfortable and we want our children
         comfortable when they study because they may study longer)
Condoms (Yes I went there and you should too!)

 Make sure that your child doesn't take too many clothes, as typically dorm rooms do not have a lot of storage space.  They should include clothes that cover all the weather that they may experience while at school.  If your child is attending a college that experiences four seasons, you may want to make a clothing swap with the changing season to prevent an overcrowded dorm room.