<p>Yes, there are many threads with packing lists, essential lists of non-essential items, etc, etc. The intent of this thread is not to rewarm this topic once again. I am more interested in small but handy odds-and-ends you are packing. Here are a few of ours to get the list going:</p>
<p>[ul]
[<em>] Pliers plus two crescent wrenches: not having those will make bike assembly kind of difficult after we pick it up from the train sation (we will send the bike via Amtrak). These will go back home with us.
[</em>] Leatherman-type small tooset with a few essentials: for the small bike nip-tuck jobs or loose hardware around the room. Larger problems will require the attention of a bike shop, but it is pretty irritating to have to go to a shop because a reflector screw came loose.
[<em>] Staying with the hardware theme, a jeweler’s screwdriver. Gotta fix them backup eyeglasses when a lens falls out.
[</em>] Suction hooks. Someone noted in another thread that they come in very handy for hanging towels and clothes by the shower stall
[<em>] Long CAT-10 Ethernet cable: Most dorms are not wireless, a long cable allows the laptop to be used in bed, on the desk, pretty much anywhere.
[</em>] Pepper spray: a brilliant idea courtesy of my significant other. Not sure I agree, but hey, marriage is all about compromises
[/ul]</p>
<p>Yeah, pretty geeky, I know, but what did you expect with a handle like mine?</p>
<p>The Leatherman is going into the suitcase here, too. For the bike that we’re buying on Craigslist at his destination, he’s taking the seat from his bike at home because he likes it, plus helmet, lock, and tools.</p>
<p>You might want to check state law where your child’s school is re pepper spray - in Mass, a firearms ID card is required to have pepper spray legally</p>
<p>Along with a toolset, don’t forget an air pump for those bicycle tires. We got S one that will fit in the bottom of his medium-sized toolbox. It was used alot!</p>
<p>Also, duct tape seems to come in handy. S used his roll almost as soon as we walked into his dorm room freshman year to tape the corners of his metal bed frame. We all walked into the corners of the frame and either bruised, scraped, or cut our shins.</p>
<p>Duct tape and Leatherman are essentials for DS! I think he has even hemmed up clothing with duct tape… Also, for those with computers, a USB flash drive (esp if the student does not have a printer of their own). When S returned east a few weeks ago this was one of the things he forgot to pack and called home to have shipped out.</p>
<p>I packed a reusable Hot/Cold gel pack I purchased from a physical therapy center. (Cost - $15.00 -SENSAFLEX Hot/Cold Therapy Compress (10" x 13")
My son is a runner. There were many times he would use a large bag of veggies (Sam’s Club size) to “ice” his aches and pains. </p>
<p>I also sent a folding hand cart from Sam’s Club (office supplies) that can hold up to 150#. His care package delivery center is a few blocks from his dorm. He used it the first day on campus. He is an OOSS that flew into closest airport. He purchased large items online before he left and had them shipped to the package delivery center. He managed to get his TV, printer, turbo fan and lamp from the package center to his dorm within 30 minutes of receiving his room key.</p>
<p>S just got his wisdom teeth out & got those hot/cold gel packs from the oral surgeon. I’ll be sure to pack them in his first aid kit for school. Thanks for the suggestion.</p>
<p>Re pepper spray - a rep from the Dept of Public Safety at Depaul advised against pepper spray during our orientation; she says that it’s hard to find and use quickly enough when you need it (imagine digging insanely through your purse when you’re being mugged!) Also, having that spray in your purse tends to give you a false sense of security when you should be hyper-vigilant instead.</p>
<p>We have jeweler’s screwdrivers, pliers, wrench, hammer, multihead screwdriver, duct tape, long ethernet cable already in the tool bag. Been thinking about the grocery cart vs. fabric shopping bags.
Got a flashlight.</p>
<p>I carried a whistle for personal safety when we lived in so-so neighborhoods near campus. Used it only once, but it worked.</p>
<p>DH has a little mag flashlight that hangs from his keychain. Uses it all the time!</p>
<p>Got power strip extenders – they are plug that connect to your power strip so you can use all of the plugs available – with all of the big AC chargers on cells, computers, etc. S can never use all the outlets on a strip. Found it at BBB for $14.95.</p>
<p>Cable ties – keep all those cords organized and out of the way.</p>
<p>You can get the hot/cold gels at Walmart- around $5 I think (that was 2 years ago, kept the 2 at home, got 2 to send) for smaller ones, but good for runner’s pains. A cheap plastic microwave plate cover is good to cover dishes.</p>
<p>Tweezers! Even if your child never uses them, he or she can be a hero when a dormmate gets a nasty splinter. (So better throw in some rubbing alcohol or peroxide, too.)</p>