Last year's shopping, checklists, and bedding threads.

[corranged]

I just happened to look at this thread for the first time. My sister and I both got queen sized comforters. I don't actually use mine, so it's been donated to the guest room at home, but we decided that since we were buying nice comforters it's good to get a larger size for use after college. A good comforter will certainly last well over four years, and it's unlikely that after graduation he'll go off and buy a twin sized bed.

[gracello]

Messenger Bags- Timbuk2.com makes great messenger bags, I recently bought their laptop messenger and it's amazingly well made. Customizable in many colors and most ordering is online, although I know some luggage stores carry them. Also very "urban hipster" for the discerning college kid. It was a bit expensive ($150ish after tax, shipping and a nonslip strap pad) but I don't think I'll need to buy a bag for about 9 years- it could probably withstand a bomb blast. Inside is totally waterproof, good amount of pockets without being excessive, and great outer material/sturdy straps/a laptop pocket that looks comfier than my bed. Also, the laptop portion even on a medium size does not take up the whole bag- plenty of room for at least two textbooks and a notebook or two. Highly recommend for anyone looking for something similar.

[bluejay]

Ironically i just finished folding and packing my daughter's comforter that has been used for 2 years. Here's my take on this: Buy a twin, not too expensive, and thin enough to wash in a regular size washing machine. It will take a fair amount of abuse over four years. Kids do not wash their sheets as much as they should, forget the comforters. This one will probably line the trunk of the car.

[Atlmom]

are there any self making bed covers yet? (jk) I don't know why I bothered, my d lofted so she just never made it as far as i can tell. I am tempted to use a sleeping bag with D2.

[Melsmom]

Head's up incoming Frosh parents/kids! Get a water purifying pitcher with a few filters. You can use your yukky dorm water straight out of the tap and it will taste really good coming out of your own fridge. Saves on lugging/buying water bottles too!

[astronautical]

What size bag did you get, Gracello? I've been looking at those but I'm not sure which size.

[Novelisto]

Great Idea, MelsMom! And since my kid doesn't like 'refrigerator water' -- too cold -- she doesn't even need to stick it in a fridge but just have it on her desk.

[novice07]

Speaking of refriderators......any suggestions on size, model, best place to purchase, etc.........???

D will be in a small single room.

[bethievt]

Is there such a thing as flat sheets that button or snap on to comforter? That way, the bed could be made easier and the comforter would stay cleaner.

[katwkittens]

Bethievt-

A duvet cover slips over and around a comforter. A duvet can be made of many different materials but a cotton sheeting or flannel one will eliminate the need for a top sheet. The duvet cover usually has buttons, ties, snaps or zipper on the bottom and pulls off easily and can be washed with the fitted sheet and pillowcases.

If it is difficult to find one you like (TJ Maxx, JC Penneys, Target, Marshall's, Ross Dress for Less) you can do what I did for oldest DD. We bought the twin sheet set and 2 matching Queen size flat sheets. Sewed to 2 together and made a matchng duvet. Also used the remaining material to make more pillowcases, chair cover and bulletin board. Very, very inexpensive. Also if you don't have access to a sewing machine your local alterationist could probably sew the two together for not too much $$.

Worked out great for DD, you can switch out the insert comforters depending on how hot/cold the covers need to be (or how ugly the insert can be!). Also eliminates the need to search for the top sheet when making the bed. We went with a full/queen size insert, easier to tuck under the mattress.

Kat

[Melsmom]

novice07,
Make sure that your school doesn't have a rental before you go out and buy. That way you and your roomie can divvie up the price and not have to worry about buying/lugging your own.

Oops I see your D is in a single...it could be cheaper to buy one. Elon's rental had an attached microwave tho which was a nice feature in a rental.

[orchid_2010]

My son has a roommate, but the refrigerator is one item we don't plan to share. We figure we can keep disputes over what food belongs to who to a minimum by having a solo fridge. His roommate can keep his own food separately -- hopefully that will reduce friction. My s's school allows each person to have a fridge as long as they are no bigger than 4.6 cu ft. Target recently had a good one on sale for $99, but we missed that sale. I'll be keeping a lookout for decent prices.

[bluejay]

Keep in mind transporting the refrigerator after each year if there is no storage place on campus. That refrigerator takes up SO much room! I'm pretty frugal and the idea of rentlng instead of buying usually bothers me but the convenience of the frig being delivered in Sept and picked up in the spring is a real bonus.

[bethievt]

Does anyone have advice about the best kind of laundry basket?

[srcameron]

^Most kids in my dorm liked the "pop up" kind. They're inexpensive, and fold flat (which is nice for packing in the car or storing over the summer). I also liked that they didn't really hold more than two loads of laundry, so I did laundry on a fairly regular basis. (The sell one at LNT, but you can get them at any store: http://www.lnt.com/product/index.jsp...entPage=family)

Just a suggestion, my mom and I bought space saver bags, and they helped a lot with keeping the car from overflowing with bedding. They were even more helpful when I had to put things in storage at the end of the year. I especially recommend using them for things like featherbeds, comforters, pillows and down jackets.