<p>We got it at one of the office supply places , I believe (Office Max or Office Depot— or possibly Best Buy- sorry- I forget). Be sure, however, to bring your laptop with you when you go to buy it. The bags can be of differeing sizes and may or may not easily hold the laptop.</p>
<p>I have a north face backpack I think I bought at [url= <a href=“http://www.ebags.com/]ebags”>http://www.ebags.com/]ebags</a> <a href=“it%20was%20last%20years%20color”>/url</a> that I use now
It has a padded pocket that works for my 14" laptop, with a fastener to hold it in place- the pocket I can also use to put a waterbladder in ( not at the same time 
), as there is a opening for the tube to come out and fasteners on the backpack straps</p>
<p>Northface is highly recommended.
My oldest daughter has been using an older northface day pack for school that is - well I used it, when I was in school and I think she was 5- so that is OMG 19 years ago. ( She obviously didn’t use it for all that time, but she used it all through high school and college & there isn’t a thing wrong with it, other than she should wash it more, and it doesn’t have all the new features of newer designs)</p>
<p>Quote from another topic:
“I’m happy with my JanSport ‘Odyssey’. Straps are very comfortable they have a spongy, honey-comb plastic in them. Waist straps are essential to not getting a backache. Before I had a GAP backpack and every night I would have a backache from carrying my books for maybe 30 mins total the whole day (3 thick textbooks+binder). I’ve stopped having sleepless nights because of the ‘Odyssey’. Since the ‘Odyssey’ is a daypack, it’s designed to carry weight . That is probably the key statement when looking at bags.”</p>
<p>Got it at REI for about $100.</p>
<p>Top zipper is a good place for candies and MP3 player. Plenty of room for 3 average sized textbooks(1" thick) and a 2" binder. Bottle holders are almost too small for my cheap Big5 water bottle that has the diameter of my fist.</p>
<p>The honey comb straps ARE insanely comfortable…however i’m going for a not so comfy but very cute messenger bag.</p>
<p>Ihave to tell ya
my oh so stylish 16 year old has a messenger bag which is very well made, but she used it for about a month- not even every day.
If you have very much weight to carry ( she is still in high school- so many, many books), it is awkward and uncomfortable.
HOwever, in college, if you maybe just have one or two books that you carry at a time it should be doable- but adding a laptop is going to add a bit as well.</p>
<p>Thanks to those that recommended a hand truck. I did not realize that one could purchase a small compact one. This will really come in handy on move in day (and other times), and it was reasonably priced at the home improvement store.</p>
<p>Target has their 4.2 cubic foot frig for $99.99 on sale reg. $149.99. Stainless steel front, black top and sides. Sale from 8/13-8/19.</p>
<p>Kat</p>
<p>We bought the fitted sheet in XL twin size, and then the flat sheet and comforter in Full/Queen. This allowed for movement at night without cold toes sticking out, and easy bed-making in the morning.</p>
<p>One word about flannel sheets–don’t. It’s too hard to get out of bed and go to that 8 am class if you have flannels on your bed.</p>
<p>Duct Tape is essential for keeping hospital corners in place and your blanket tight enough to bounce a quarter off of.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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!</p>
<p>What size bag did you get, Gracello? I’ve been looking at those but I’m not sure which size.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Speaking of refriderators…any suggestions on size, model, best place to purchase, etc…???</p>
<p>D will be in a small single room.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Bethievt-</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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 $$.</p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>Kat</p>