College Supplies 
                      Checklist 
Simplify one of the most confusing times of your life.  You could probably outfit and deploy an army easier than preparing for the first year of college.   Use the comprehensive checklist below, with our compliments, to keep track of all of the details, and to help you avoid being overwhelmed as you acquire everything a student needs for college and campus living.  Many of the items on our list of college supplies are available in your home, while some (like those extra long sheets) may require a special purchase.  Our award winning website, Wellington Square, can help with the shopping for college supplies, and make this an enjoyable experience.  And, please share this college supplies checklist with your friends and also utilize it as a private school supplies checklist and a boarding school supplies checklist. Relatives and friends might enjoy having this information for holiday and graduation gift ideas.  

COLLEGE SUPPLIES

This information, and the A to Z list, have been compiled from several universities, experienced college students, and their parents. It contains suggestions for dorm, suite and apartment housing. You may want to begin purchasing, storing and packing some supplies for college as your time and budget allow during the senior year of high school.  Use compressible packing bags for bulky items. Label and save your receipts for possible returns.  For students attending an out of area school, or studying abroad, consider purchasing many of your supplies for college online, and having them mailed to the dorm. Verify mailing address and collection procedures.

Other items may need to be delayed until specific campus housing and roommate decisions have been finalized. Regardless, budget extra time and money on move-in day for one or more trips to purchase additional items.  Verify which types of electrical appliances and supplies can be used at the college. 

TIME SAVING TIPS:

• Shop online -- you will find a much wider selection of supplies for college than in your local stores, and you'll save time and reduce your stress level.  You can even have your purchases mailed to the college.  Our award winning website, Wellington Square, can help you simplify this process and save money on your purchases.
• Book hotel rooms early for orientation, for move-in day, for visits, sports events, Parent's Weekend, etc. for rooms near the campus.
• Budget money for a student parking decal, activities fees, cable and computer hook up, telephone hook up and monthly phone service
• Budget and pre-plan commuting costs to classes, labs and events (including coins for parking meters)
• Budget for clubs, professional groups, fraternities and/or sororities
• Budget money for start-up groceries costs if the dorm/apartment has a kitchen
• If a pre-paid meal plan is available, verify if weekend meals are included.  If not, adjust budget.
• Budget at least $50 per classroom book. Books are the most re-occurring budget buster. (you can save by ordering college textbooks online - click here)
• Budget for labs and extra materials fees
• Obtain copies of medical and dental insurance cards and physician info (verify out of state coverage/procedures)
• The student should memorize his/her social security number for medical forms, etc. (do not carry card due to possible identify theft)
• Have a record of all known allergies and immunizations, including tetanus
• As soon as the college schedule is known, checkup appointments should be made with hometown doctors and dentists for times the college is not in session.
• Students' prescription medications should be transferred to a pharmacy near his/her dorm.
• Check your homeowners insurance policy, and the college's housing policy, regarding coverage for clothing and supplies while away at school
• Both student and parents should have a copy of computer and printer warranty information, including toll free support numbers
• Find a local cell phone provider – students will need to be able to make local calls while at college without paying long distance and roaming charges from a home-based cellular provider.
• Prepare easy to understand directions to/from dorm for out of town friends. Include the dorm telephone number so they may call for dorm entrance/access once they arrive. (copy or e-mail as needed)
• Preplan an e-mail address (obtain friends’ e-mail addresses before leaving home)
• Print or purchase return address mailing labels with the dorm/apartment information
• Print or purchase mailing labels for parents to use when sending care packages, checks from home, greeting cards, etc. to their student
• In-season clothing should be taken to the college on hangers during the move-in trip, but next season clothing should be delayed (due to limited space) -- this can be picked up on a trip home, or even mailed.
• Book air travel early for students and/or parents, especially during holiday seasons.
• Out of state or international students should look into renting a storage facility near the campus for their stuff during the summer.  This is also a great idea for recreational equipment such as bicycles, snow skis, kayaks, etc.  The cost can be shared with participating dorm mates.
• Obtain passports for students (Study Abroad Programs or international travel opportunities)
• If students are traveling abroad, make sure parents' passports are current, for emergencies.  Also, contact your long distance provider -- there are very low international rates available if you plan in advance.
• Budget tuition money for an extra year (student may drop out, change major, transfer, fail a subject or be unable to register for a required class) 
• Most importantly, remember to acknowledge one another during special occasions, holidays, birthdays, exams, or illnesses with "care packages," flowers, small gifts, and even gift certificates that can be redeemed online at hundreds of top merchants.  Wellington Square can help -- click HERE.

DECORATING TIPS:

Decorating is definitely a matter for mutual decision making, so ideas should be discussed with future dorm or apartment roommate(s). If sharing a room, purchases should be delayed on some items until discussions are held with roommates: telephone, answering machine, stereo equipment, television, VCR, microwave and refrigerator. More than one of each can make the room crowded. Once the college acceptance has been finalized, check on rental information for small appliances such as televisions, microwaves and refrigerators. Also, you may wish to check on the college's policy for renting and/or purchasing a loft bed to allow for extra floor space. Make arrangements to have the loft bed installed when you first move in so the room does not have to be dismantled later. For dorm rooms, be sure to verify with the college which items are not allowed -- for example, candles, incense, hot plates, etc.

Move in day time savers:

Label packed items with the contents and intended location. Pack your vehicle in an as needed order to avoid total confusion. Remove all items from boxes to allow for more space inside your vehicle and dorm or apartment. Bring along a large trash bag to allow for one trip to the outside dumpster versus several trips. Bring snack foods and a small cooler with cold drinks. Have scissors, a basic tool set and duct tape for assembling and hanging items.  First, assess the room and make any necessary cleaning and  furniture arrangements then work from the bottom up. Install carpet, loft bed or bed risers, bed linens, under the loft/ bed items, place pre-hung clothing items inside the closet. Hang up all over the door hooks and holders then hang items which go in/on these such as towels, shoes, etc. Place items on and inside the desk and drawers. Next, bring in all the bathroom supplies followed by the kitchen and laundry supplies. Sit back and enjoy watching your student decorate and personalize his/her room.

BANKING

Money management, banking procedures, fees and financial discipline should be learned during high school years. Legal age, 18 years and older, students will be bombarded with credit card offers and on site incentives.  Consider student and parent joint accounts for financial tracking. If moving out of area, locate a bank close to the dorm or apartment which also has a branch near home so the parents can make deposits. Allow enough time to receive ATM/Debit cards and printed checks -- merchants do not like starter checks.  Send these to the home residence if possible, for security reasons. 

• ATM or debit card
• Checks and deposit slips (consider overdraft checking)
• Credit card                      (consider stored value card)

 DORM/SUITE/APARTMENT BEDROOM:

The following items are for a residential dorm, suite or apartment bedroom. The university usually provides a bed, desk, chair, chest, closet and laundry facilities.  Verify room items provided and the size of the bed with the college.

The student provides some or all of the following:

• Adhesive stick ons and hooks (removable)
• Accent rug or room size carpet (remnants available)
• Accent throw pillows or back rest (good for visiting friends)
• Address and telephone book (enter emergency and medical contacts and birth dates of relatives and friends )
• Afghan, fleece or stadium blanket
• Answering machine (pre-record message)
• Automobile supplies (see Automobile information and list)
• Backpack, bookbag, or laptop backpack
• Bathroom supplies (see Bathroom information and list)
• Bedspread, comforter or duvet (bed in a bag is an easy purchase)
• Bed skirt/dust ruffle (to conceal stored items)
• Bicycle supplies (see Bicycle information and list)
• Blanket (lightweight)
• Book ends
• Cable television wire (to place the television where you desire)
• Calculator (verify with college math department which style is recommended), extra batteries and instruction manual
• Calendar (Chick-Fil-A coupon calendars are welcomed)
• Camera and extra film or extra digital memory card
• Cassette or digital voice recorder (mini size) and tapes if you choose to record class (algebra) lectures
• Cell phone and battery charger
• Cement blocks/bed elevators or risers (to elevate height of bed for under the bed storage)
• Chair cushion for desk chair
• Cleaning supplies
• Clock radio with battery back up and dual alarm settings
• Coats and gloves (purchase hooded outer wear, as more of the outdoor weather elements will be experienced than in high school, Br-r-r-r-r)
• Cooking, food and kitchen supplies (see Kitchen list)
• Computer/Ethernet cables, printer/printer paper/mouse pad/extra CD's, extra printer ink cartridge, computer top tray, pull out keyboard tray, etc. Back up all files and remove CD's before packing the computer.  Students may also use the college's computer lab.
• Cork board, push pins (may be painted to coordinate with room decorations)
• Decorative items, posters, photo collages, photographs, etc.
• Desk lamp (tall) and extra light bulbs (not halogen for fire safety)
• Desk organizer and/or caddy
• Desk supplies (correction fluid or tape, envelopes, file folders, glue, highlighters, index cards, color markers, three hole punch, paper, paper clips, pencils, pencil sharpener, pens, permanent marker, stationary, ruler, rubber bands, scissors, stick on notes, stapler, staples, tape, etc.)
• Dictionary and Thesaurus (check out the Wellington Library and Wellington Academy for online resources -- see below)
• Door mirror for back of bedroom door
• Dry Erase Board with shelf or Velcro strip and markers (to hang outside room door for communication to/from peers)
• Duct tape (101 uses)
• Egg crate(s) (two placed facing each other/interlocking is what students prefer for their mattress)
• Electronic games and gadgets
• Envelopes and postage stamps (for snail mail)
• Extension cords, UL approved, and multi outlet surge protectors (some colleges allow only power strips)
• Fan (a necessity) for the centrally controlled thermostat
• Feather mattress pad (some students prefer to nest)
• Fire extinguisher (small)
• First aid kit, travel sizes save space  (ace bandage, aspirin, bandages, necessary remedies for illnesses and thermometer)
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Futon (if using loft bed)
• Games and television game system
• Heating pad, electric or microwave (multiple uses)
• Iron,  ironing board, spray starch, steamer (essential for dates and presentations)
• Laundry bag, basket or pop up hamper, folding style drying rack, mesh lingerie bag 
• Laundry container (for supplies, money or swipe card)
• Laundry instructions or lessons (if needed, to avoid ruining your favorite clothes)
• Laundry supplies (laundry marker, liquid detergent, dryer sheets, stain stick, static guard, etc.)
• Lint brush (or another use for duct tape)
• Living room supplies (see Living Room list)
• Loft bed supplies (verify permission with college then build, purchase or rent)
• Luggage (rolling style, under the bed size is great for road trips and/or extra storage)
• Mattress pad
• Night light (for floor safety and sneaking in while room mate is asleep)
• Notebook for each registered class (with calendar organizer or day planner)
• Organizers (for clothes, cosmetics, jewelry, shoes, etc.)
• PDA -(for addresses and telephone numbers,schedules, etc.)
• Personal hygiene supplies
• Photographs of family and friends
• Pillow(s), pillow protectors for student and guests
• Phone cards (if no cell phone)
• Prescription medications (transfer information to local pharmacy)
• Reading materials (magazine subscriptions are welcomed)
• Refrigerator with freezer, dorm size
• Scanner for computer -- for less than $100, your student can scan photos and have a fully functional photocopier for late night, last minute academic assignments
• Sewing kit (buttons, needles, safety pins, thread, etc.)
• Sheets and pillowcases, two sets (some students purchase an extra flat sheet, batting and duct tape to make a padded head board)
• Shoe polish (can be invaluable for blind dates and/or meet his/her parents)
• Sleeping bag (for overnight guest) or inflatable air mattress
• Stationary, including birthday and thank you cards (make the relatives proud)
• Stereo, MP3 player, CD's and headphones (label the wires, cords and jacks for a quicker set-up)
• Sunglasses, swimwear and suntan lotion
• Take Vera Bradley back to school with you
• Telephone (portable is preferred) and telephone wire (place the phone where you desire)
• Telephone books -- one from the student's home town and one for the new town.  Also, see Wellington Library below for a listing of online phone directories.
• Television, DVD or VCR and movies, plus cable for TV (headphones make roommates happy)
• Tool set ( hammer, pliers, screwdriver, etc.)
• Towels and washcloths (see Bathroom list)
• Trash can and sturdy trash bags with ties (some colleges require metal cans)
• Umbrellas (two collapsible, for room, automobile and/or book bag)
• Under the bed storage boxes
• Vacuum cleaner (lightweight) for when dates or relatives visit
• Window valance(s) and tension curtain rod
• Workout, exercise, or sport equipment and protective gear (Frisbees are always fun)
• Wristwatch -- water repellant with light and alarm

The following items are for a resident dorm, suite, or apartment bathroom. If sharing a suite or apartment, students should discuss decorating and purchasing details with roommates.  If sharing a communal dorm hall bathroom, place all items inside an easily portable bucket or caddy which has drainage holes. Also, purchase waterproof slippers or flip flops to wear inside the dorm hall shower stalls. Ladies, if the dorm hall bathroom shower stalls are narrow you may wish to purchase an electric razor for added convenience.

The students sharing the suite or apartment bathroom decide on color theme, who will bring what and/or how they will share the costs of general supplies.

• Accent rug
• Bath/tub mat
• Bathrobe
• Behind/over the toilet storage shelves
• Bucket or caddy with drainage holes
• Cleaning supplies
• Cologne, perfume, lotions, etc.
• Contact lens cleaning supplies
• Deodorant
• Disposable small size drinking cups or shatterproof drinking cup
• Hair towel(s)
• Hairbrush and comb
• Hair dryer, curling iron, electric curlers, etc.
• Laundry bag or basket (small and easily portable)
• Mirrors, behind the door and/or hand held
• Nail clippers and nail file
• Nail polishes and remover
• Organizers, over the door organizers for towels, clothing hooks, over the faucet shower organizers for shampoo, soap, stacking pull out drawers for inside the vanity area, etc.
• Razor, disposable or electric and shaving cream or gel
• Room deodorizer spray or plug in
• Shampoo, conditioner, hair coloring, etc.
• Soap, liquid bathing, hand soap and dish/container
• Shower curtain and rings
• Shower radio
• Slippers, waterproof (for communal shower stalls)
• Suction style organizers
• Tissues, facial and toilet
• Toilet bowl brush and container
• Toilet lid cover
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, mouthwash
• Towels, four sets (color theme or monogrammed to avoid disappearing towel syndrome)
• Trashcan with lid

The university apartment or suite usually supplies table, chairs, refrigerator, oven/stove and if you're really lucky, a dishwasher.  The students decide who will bring the following supplies. They also decide how to divide grocery costs, cooking and cleaning schedules. Verify college policy regarding electrical items.

• Aluminum foil, plastic wrap, etc.
• Bake ware, baking sheet, casserole dishes, etc.
• Blender, mixer, toaster oven, electric grill and/or sandwich maker (for the midnight munchies)
• Bottle, can opener and cork screw
• Broom and dust pan, squeeze style mop
• Bug spray (for those unwelcome guests)
• Chip clips and magnetic clips
• Calendar for posting cleaning/cooking/school/travel dates, etc.
• Cleaning supplies and carry style organizer
• Clock and extra batteries (wall or clock radio style)
• Coffee maker with timer and necessary supplies
• Cookware, pots, pans, small indoor electric grill
• Copies of favorite quick and easy recipes from home
• Cutting board (small, plastic)
• Dish detergent
• Dish drying rack
• Dish cloths or sponges and towels
• Dinnerware, microwave safe bowls, cups, glasses, plates, etc.
• Disposable dishes and utensils are always welcome
• Eating and cooking utensils, spatulas, large spoons, etc. (include sharp cutting knives)
• Fire extinguisher (small)
• Groceries -- purchase individually packaged snack size products for freshness, quickness, and portability (include set ups such as baking/cooking spray, condiments, spices, etc.)
• Ice cube trays and container if no ice maker
• Jar opener/twist pad
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Microwave and microwave able foods
• Organizers for cabinets, pantry, refrigerator, etc. (it works nicely for each suite mate to have his/her own private stash space)
• Oven mitt/ pot holders/hot pads
• Paper towels and/or napkins
• Pitcher
• Plastic ware food storage
• Shelf liner for cabinets
• Spices and sugar (salt, pepper, etc.)
• Soap (liquid hand )
• Trash can and sturdy trash bags with ties (it is a long walk to the outside dumpster)
• Zip style baggies, assorted sizes

The university suite usually supplies the couch, chairs, and end tables. The apartment situation varies.  This room is best left until all of the roommates have had a chance to discuss and decide their needs and wishes. Whatever decorating items remain make for a fun, group bonding shopping trip. Just remember to set a budget amount which each person is comfortable with. Verify college policy regarding electrical items.

• Decorative items such as lamps, pillows, pictures, posters, etc.
• Dry Erase board and markers to hang on hallway door
• Extension cords, UL approved and surge protectors
• Furniture, floor or lamps (not halogen), television, DVD, VCR, stereo system, etc.
• Organizers (stacking bins, crates, boxes)
• Over the door hanger or free standing coat rack for bulky winter coats
• Window valances and tension style curtain rod(s)

BICYCLE SUPPLIES

• Verify there are bike racks or storage facilities near housing and on campus
• Engrave for ID purposes, if possible
• Helmet and protective gear
• Highly reflective lights or tape (for night classes)
• Lock and extra keys (one for dorm, one for parents)

If you have not already done so, discuss automobile accident, maintenance, warranty, etc.procedures with student.

• Automobile travel club membership card and emergency contact information in case of vehicle difficulties
• Battery jumper cables
• Before move-in, locate a nearby dealership which honors your vehicle's warranty
• Car warranty information
• Car wash items, including bucket, if outside water hookup is available (for salt damage) or, locate the nearest car wash facility
• Cell phone cigarette lighter adapter (long distance calling card or prepaid phone cards)
• Emergency lantern and/or flashlight with extra batteries
• Extra sets of car keys (one set at college, one set with parent(s)
• First aid kit
• Gloves for changing tires and working under the hood
• Ice scraper and/or de-icer spray 
• Lightweight stadium style blanket and umbrella or rain poncho (for emergency first aid, vehicle repair or weather use).
• Oil -- either put an extra quart in the trunk or put a stick-on label on the owner's manual describing the type of oil (10w30, etc.)
• Show your school spirit and purchase a decal for your automobile
• Spare tire -- check air pressure and tread condition
• Tire jack
• Tool kit for guys and/or gals who are mechanically minded. Include basic repair tools, metric/SAE socket set, wrenches and duct tape (which fixes almost anything)