On this page each month, counselor and author Frank Burtnett will answer your career and college questions and provide some nuggets of wisdom.

Bound-For-College Guidebook

 

July Question: I’m sending my first child off to college in August---any suggestions on what she should be packing for the trip?

Answer: I have compiled the following list over time and included it in the Bound-for-College Guidebook (Rowman and Littlefield Education). It probably contains most of the times which you and your daughter have on your packing list---but quite possibly a few that you didn’t think to include:

No list should ever be considered exhaustive. Personal needs and tastes will dictate what individual college-bound students place on their personal packing list. Hopefully there will be a department, office supply or hardware store nearby for the items you forget. Happy packing!

Study Items

___Audio recorder/cassettes

___Calculator

___Computer with printer

___Dictionary/thesaurus/writing guide

___Software

Desk Items

___Batteries (various sizes)

___Bookends

___Calendar

___Cords (phone/electric)

___File folders/notebooks

___Index/note cards/sticky notes

___Paper supply

___Pens/pencils/markers/highliters/)

___Postage stamps

___Ruler

___Scissors

___Stapler

___Stationary/envelopes

___Tacks/tapes/paper clips/rubber bands/magnets

___Toolset (small)

Entertainment Items

___Camera/film

___Playing cards/games

___Radio/cassette player/CD player/headset

___Sporting equipment (e.g., bike/ball glove/football/Frisbee/tennis racket, etc.)

___Television

Room Items

___Alarm clock

___Bedding (sheets/pillowcases/mattress cover)

___Bottle opener

___Bulletin board (small)

___Clamp-on lamp (for bed reading)

___Coffeemaker

___Cordless phone/answering machine

___Desk lamp

___First aid kit/Band-Aids (assorted sizes)

___Flashlight

___Hangers

___Iron

___Laundry bag/basket/detergent

___Mirror (hand)

___Microwave oven (if regulations permit)

___Measuring tape

___Pillows/cushions

___Plates/cups/utensils (reusable or disposable)

___Posters/pictures/room decorations

___Refrigerator (3.6 cubic feet or smaller)

___Ruler/straight edge

___Sewing kit

___ Storage box (suitable for sliding under bed)

___Towels/washcloths

___Throw rug(s)

___Trash/storage bags

___Under-bed storage boxes/storage crates

___Wastebasket (extra)

Clothing Items

___Athletic wear/swimsuit

___Bathrobe (bathroom isn’t as close as home)

___Clothing (seasonal)

___Clothing (multi-seasonal - if you won’t be getting home)

___Flip-flops/shower shoes

___Foul weather gear

___Special event apparel (for when jeans aren’t appropriate)

Personal Items

___Hair brush/dryer

___Medications/pain relievers/vitamins

___Shower caddy/bath tote/soap case

___Soaps/shampoos/toiletries

___Toothbrush/toothpaste/floss

Miscellaneous Items

___Backpack

___Battery charger

___Driver’s license/passport/Social Security card

___Checkbook

___Credit card/ATM card

___Fan

___Glasses/contacts (extra set)

___Health insurance cards

___Luggage/trunk

___Plants

___Purchasing card (general merchandise, office supply, and/or hardware stores)

___Scales

___Umbrella

Items you will typically find provided

Bed/mattress

Desk/desk chair

Dresser/closet

Phone (standard)

Wastebasket and recycling bin

Items not allowed or requiring prior approval

Appliances with open heating elements

Candles

Halogen lights

Hot plates

 

This list is included in the Bound-for-College Guidebook written by Frank Burtnett and published by Rowman and Littlefield Education (2009). Go to the following link:

http://www.rowmanlittlefield.com/Catalog/SingleBook.shtml?command=Search&db=^DB/CATALOG.db&eqSKUdata=1578869927&thepassedurl=[thepassedurl]

End Note:

The Bound-For-College Guidebook Available to Ask Dr. Burtnett Readers at a Special Price

Frank Burtnett's book, the Bound-For-College Guidebook is available from Rowman & Littlefield Education at a 15% discount off the regular price for www.ednow.org subscribers. Unique to this student guide are the 100 Frequently Asked Question (FAQs) about college admission and financial aid and a series of student exercises that engage the reader in his or her personal journey to college.

Click on the book link at the top of this page to go to the Rowman & Littlefield Education website. When asked for a promotion code, insert 6S9EDNOW and you will receive the 15% discount.  

Permission is granted by Education Now (www.ednow.org) to reproduce and distribute this complete Ask Dr. Burtnett message as long as recipients are not charged for acquiring it and it is not edited or shortened in any way. To do so would be a violation of the copyright. Education Now, PO Box 2832, Springfield, VA 22152-2832. Email: info@ednow.org. Your only requirement is you must reproduce the full message, including this End Note.

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Posted: June 28, 2010