S’15 is limiting all 24" of rod space to just essentials. No room for a suit, or even khaki’s. Although, we haven’t gotten him in a suit since 5th grade… :-S
Is anyone getting a stick vacuum? We’ve been grossed out by the carpets in all the dorms we have visited. Also planning to throw an area rug on top - not sure what size to get - 5’ x 7’?
We got one of the mass mailings about purchasing carpet and it gave suggested dimensions for all if the different rooms. I also found all the room measurements online on the school website (where it showed the floor plans of the different rooms). I did a screen shot so I’d have the info handy.
Oh and for the throw rug, I am going to get the smaller-sized “fluffy” rug that was in the buy-all-your-stuff-at-once brochure
Just a suggestion for those whose kids have sensitive stomachs: May want to have some plain food for them, i.e., grits, unsalted crackers, etc., that they can keep on hand.
I’m bringing beef jerky and crackers. I love jerky, and it will come in handy if the protein at some meals is a little sparse.
@singermom4 I was disappointed that D’s dorm room has linoleum but after reading your post I realize that I prefer it to gross carpet!
Surely housing would have some vacuum cleaners that could be borrowed? Or is that not realistic?
Almost every residential hall I’ve been in, and have toured, has a closet with vacuums, cleaning supplies, that students can borrow, or request to borrow.
However, a small stick vacuum cleaner would not take up much room and suffice for weekly maintenance.
SansSerif, my son is very similar. He has been slacking off on a summer assignment, something he committed to for HS but will likely give up on. Luckily he graduated without it, but we paid extra for it so we’re rather angry with him, but you can’t get blood from a stone.
He also had to be walked through forwarding his college email to his main email. All his friends use his main email, so he will still use that and “send as” his college email when he needs to.
I don’t think he has any idea that it is less than 3 weeks before he has to move in. He has not packed at all, and I bought him sheets but he hasn’t washed them yet. I’m not sure how many clothes we need to buy, he has many empty drawers in his two dressers, and piles of stuff on the floor 
Trying to get out of the magical thinking mode and into the “this is going to be my reality very soon” mode.
Yes - residence halls do have vacuums available but they may not be in great condition (I am picturing it spewing out dust rather than collecting it) - I found a well-rated stick vacuum for about $20 so it’s fairly inexpensive. I’m hoping it would be used more often if he doesn’t have to take the extra step of signing it out. @crepes - I also initially didn’t care for the linoleum floors but see the wisdom and ease of keeping that type cleaner.
I’m also debating on whether to get S an iron or steamer. He definitely would not use it for his everyday clothes - would only be for the odd time he may want to wear a dress shirt or pants. I think he will also take a suit jacket - might be used for class presentations? A suit vest is also a good way to dress it up if you don’t want to pack the jacket.
Starting to compile a list of questions to send to housing:
- floor size (for rug)
- closet rod length
- central light in room? Otherwise need to purchase standing lamp in addition to desk lamp
- mirror?
- length of wall space if bed is lofted
And are most kids lofting their beds? I know it makes sense for the greater floor space but it seems cumbersome to climb in and out of bed and reduces the ‘seating’ options (have purchase an oversize soft folding chair) We are renting a ‘micro-fridge’ (microwave and refrigerator) unit so that will also take up some space. Planning to get stackable cubes for extra storage (books, snacks etc) - but haven’t looked for them yet - any recommendations?
Also - maybe a small folding table to put food/drinks on to avoid disasters on the desk?
No college I know of (of five, including my son’s college) has vacuums in residence halls for student use.
No college student I know who didn’t normally wear a suit to class dressed up for any presentation save a senior project presentation to multiple professors.
Standing lamp, yes, very good idea, and a table or tray for drinks is a good idea too.
Lofting beds with enough room to put a desk underneath was advertised by my son’s campus.
@rhandco - thanks for the feedback! - the use of vacuums was mentioned in more than one university tour but I have not checked if the one he is attending has them available. S likes to dress up for presentations - did it on occasion in high school (of course very few do this). Lofting is being offered for free at the University of Minnesota - TC.
My daughter’s dorm had a vacuum to check out and use. She did it once, on move out day.
I recommend finding a $1.25 or $2 per item laundry/dry cleaner to do dress shirts. Cheaper and looks better than an ironing job done by someone who doesn’t know how to iron.
My son’s college also has vacuums (brooms/mops/carts) available for student use. I think they have to leave a $5 deposit when checking them out, but they are available.
I’m not a guy who wears tuxes everywhere he goes. Jeans and an old t-shirt is what I prefer. I just want something nice to wear for a final presentation or something of that nature.
I’m also trying to impress upon S the importance of washing sheets regularly. I think the students get used to the ‘dirty clothes and sheets’ smell but boy it hits like a ton of bricks on those tours.
So speaking of laundry - are those detergent pods the best option? And use one per load? I have never used them before so I don’t know how effective they are but it seems less messy than dealing with bottle of detergent.
@albert69 - It’s nice that you dress up for presentations. I believe it shows respect for the audience and can only make a good impression. I have never made the suggestion to S - it’s something he wants to do. He has used the vest only more often than wearing a jacket though.
Tide Pods=best invention EVER.
I have seen pictures of presentation day at daughter’s college. The students were, indeed, dressed up. But maybe that was something unique. I remember dressing up for a project presentation back in dark ages. Also, any musicians participating in band/orchestra would probably need nice clothes. If there is a place to keep a suit or dress, it doesn’t hurt to have it.
D’s school has assemblies that require business-type dress. However, she isn’t planning to bring an iron. She’ll wait to see how much space is in the room before getting any extras like vacuums or floor lamps. That’s what Amazon Prime is for. Bed lofting is done on a first come type basis. Both she and her roommate plan to request loft kits.