<p>Just a note about accidents, thefts etc. It is often overlooked that as long as one keeps residence with a parent, the parents’ household insurance is likely to cover most personal items. Also, many credit cards carry this as well. My S lost a camera, palm device, and phone, and the insurance (home & credit card) covered most of the cost of replacement. I discovered the credit card insurance on a standard visa, that I did not use to buy any of the products, completely by accident. It pays to read the benefits section.</p>