<p>the Target stainless utensils for two went unopened all year in my boy’s room
(Plastic and disposable only for boys who eat cereal and microwave stuff in their rooms)
instead of Futon, son likes his mini couch from Pier One…light as a feather and opens to a single bed…because…it is CHEAP and has no springs…all foam…easy to carry up stairs and get through doors…everyone borrows it for overnight friends.
We LOVE the sharper image.com natural light spectrum lamps
Sadly, boys seem to not study at their desks as freshmen from what I can tell and I quashed my interest in his desk and its organization needs…girls seemed to study in their rooms more often…Ahhh, girls, with their color, hanging beads and zesty interest in their rooms…I have none.</p>
<p>Bag of deodorant rocks for next to dirty laundry bag from BB and Beyond. Son likes their shoe rack with cedar in each shelf for closet space…very helpful
Bring a couple plastic drawer things or metal shelving things for putting on top shelf and getting more out of closet …return what doesn’t “work”<br>
Buy a hanging deal that doubles hanging space from BB and B…works well for hanging shirts and getting more out of the closet if you don’t live close enough to empty out winter and bring spring clothes…son has entire year’s wardrobe in closet this way, seems organized. </p>
<p>little vacuum cleaner…gets used more than you think even by the boys…
area rug once you see your room, makes room less noisy if not carpeted floor</p>
<p>buy a two inch foam mattress topper…makes any mattress better.</p>
<p>In most rooms, to fit the futon in they have to loft a bed or two. While it does allow them to sleep an extra person (which, in my opinion, is not necessarily a good thing) the lofted bed(s) pretty much eliminate hanging out on one’s bed. My son started with a lofted bed but it didn’t last long because he wanted to be able to sit on his bed, or just relax there and being up so high made that difficult. The lofted bed made me really nervous because at his school there was no railing - and it was a LONG ways down!</p>
<p>And it is true, with a carpeted dorm room (which I think is gross- but they’re common), a little vacuum cleaner probably will get used - even by boys. Check to find out where the nearest public vacuum is stored - if it’s inconvenient that’s worth buying.</p>
<p>Although I’ve seen dorm rooms with essentially no closets at all (!), if they have a closet those hanging shelves do add space. We bought one at Target that has held up very well (most of them bend really badly).</p>
<p>My son wants several Rubbermaid/Tupperware type of containers for under his bed this year. He had a zipperred collapsable thing (made from fabic) that his sheets came in, and had his wheeled duffel under there last year. He lived right on top of a Walmart, so he could have easily bought what he wanted last year, but I guess he just did not want to spend “his” money on plastic storage containers :)</p>
<p>Girls often bring those plastic sets of drawers that you can get in Target or elsewhere - one brand is Sterilite. You can pack in them too if you are getting to school by car.</p>
<p>Abasket, DD has that chair in her room at home. She loves it.</p>
<p>When the IKEA opened about an hour from us, it was like dying and going to heaven. We redid DD’s room (time to toss the teddy bear motif) and everything (and I do mean everything) came from IKEA. I was surprised at how easy even the big dresser and chest were to put together. They day you can use a regular screwdriver, but an electric one really makes things zip along.
I don’t have any little ones now but there kids section is great. It’s the only place I go to buy shower presents or birthday gifts for the neices and nephews. Just such cool stuff!
And a word for the cafeteria. CHEAP and yummy!</p>
<p>Wow, comparing it to Disneyland is a great statement!!!</p>
<p>We bought several things - “the chair” I mentioned earlier (it’s darn cute for $20), closet hanging storage, magazine file holders, plastic tumblers, bowls, plates, mini ironing board ($3.99), book ends (.49 cents) etc., etc. </p>
<p>It was lots of fun - might even make a trip back once she gets her roommate and they discuss “decorating” - the restaurant - yum! Five of us ate very well for under $25. </p>
<p>Thanks so much for all the tips - we made a list before we went and it was great having the heads up on what to look for!</p>
<p>Browsing the Ikea web site, I find a “quilt cover” for $12.99. Can anybody enlighten me as to what that is? I’m guessing it’s like a duvet cover, but not sure…What goes inside the quilt cover?? Thanks.</p>
<p>Yes, they have lots of Quilt Covers - basically you cover up a basic quilt with this - usually has zippers or more likely at Ikea hidden buttons to close it up. They (of course) sell the quilts that you can put inside - like a duvet, but I don’t see why you couldn’t use your own if it’s the right size…</p>
<p>Guess some people like these if they like changing out their outside quilt look at different times of the year etc.</p>
<p>What’s a good place to find small empty containers? I don’t like the first aid kits I’ve seen for sale and would like to put in the things my son is more likely to need.</p>
<p>We found some neat ones a couple of years ago in the beauty/makeup section at Target. Also try the dollar store or a larger drug store chain (like Walgreens or CVS)–they sometimes stuff like that.</p>
<p>bethievt, I find containers in the regular chain stores like Target, Kmart, and some local stores that carry similar items. For additional options look into a very good camping supply store. I was just in one, and purchased several empty plastic bottles and they had plenty of containers. They also had various first aid kits, although I did not look at them.</p>
<p>I guess a zip lock bag would do it–but thanks for all the suggestions. I’ll enjoy hunting. I really like the little tool kit I just got for my son–and I couldn’t resist buying two rolls of duct tape–in his school colors–what fun! I like the shopping part much better than the waiting for acceptances part.</p>
<p>I looked around and got one from a local hardware Aubuchon store. It has a few things son won’t need (a level, nails) but mostly I think he’ll like having screwdrivers, a hammer, scissors, a tape measure etc. It cost $20. When you look at what one tool costs, I think the kits sometimes make sense. I think the first aid kits don’t but maybe that’s because I’ve been a nurse but not a handy-person.</p>
Check to find out where the nearest public vacuum is stored - if it’s inconvenient that’s worth buying.</p>