Dorm Room Shopping: What to Do and What to Avoid

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Yesterday, I crossed another major milestone off my list. You hear about these experiences, but it’s not until you’re in the thick of it that you fully understand what it entails. No, I’m not talking about Botox or a colonoscopy. I took my daughter out shopping for college!

You know the drill: the highly anticipated trips to places like Bed, Bath & Beyond and Target, gathering all those adorable dorm essentials that will likely never fit in her tiny new space—if they even make it out of the bags before September’s chaos.

While the day was filled with excitement and memories, it also came with valuable lessons. If you’re gearing up for this adventure soon, here are some tips to help you navigate the process. And hey, if you feel inclined to show your appreciation, cash would be helpful for those tuition bills!

Do’s and Don’ts

• Do pick up a mattress cover that wards off bed bugs and allergens.
  Don’t ponder what “other contaminants” might mean.
• Do encourage her to choose a cute dry-erase board for her dorm door.
  Don’t mention that by the end of the first week, someone will undoubtedly draw something inappropriate on it.
• Do get her two sets of sheets so she can swap them out while one is in the wash.
  Don’t dwell on the fact that the second set will probably remain unopened.
• Do invest in at least 25 good hangers.
  Don’t let her know that only about 10 will actually fit in her closet.
• Do stock up on Command Damage-Free hooks and wall adhesive.
  Don’t bring up the fact that nothing sticks to cinder-block walls—those are meant for prisons, after all!
• Do buy her some fun, colorful towels.
  Don’t think about how she’ll be wrapped in one while navigating the communal bathrooms.
• Do reassure her that the communal bathroom experience won’t be as bad as she imagines!
  Don’t gag a little when you say this.
• Do treat her to a nice lunch out.
  Don’t let her realize it’s the last time she’ll enjoy decent food until Thanksgiving.
• Do lend an ear when she admits she’s feeling anxious about leaving home.
  Don’t lock her in her room while Googling “Home-Colleging.”
• Do ensure she has a vial of pepper spray on her keychain.
  Don’t even think about scenarios where she might need it.
• Do splurge on a quality memory foam mattress topper.
  Don’t choose one that can comfortably support more than her body weight.
• Do get her a microwave.
  Don’t assume she’ll use it for anything other than popcorn.
• Do let her indulge in a few items she really wants.
  Don’t let her know it’ll be a while before you’re covering her expenses again.
• Do gush about how adorable the mini-fridge is!
  Don’t mention it can only hold a couple of bottles of water and maybe one cheese stick.
• Do sneak in some surprises in her bags.
  Don’t consider yourself a “surprise.”
• Do grab her an umbrella.
  Don’t say anything about how no umbrella could keep her dry on that half-mile trek to class in the rain.
• Do prepare a care package with pain relievers, Band-Aids, a thermometer, and her regular meds.
  Don’t set an alert to check that she’s actually taking them.
• Do remind her to make room for all the stuff that’s currently cluttering her room.
  Don’t freak out when you realize she’s leaving it all behind.
• Do be patient with her when she seems conflicted about your helpful hints.
  Don’t chuckle in six weeks when she calls to say you were right about everything.
• Do enjoy the day and cherish the memories you’re making.
  Don’t view it as an end; see it as a fresh start.

This article was originally published on July 24, 2015.

For more insights into parenting and life, check out one of our other blog posts here. If you’re looking for expert guidance on your journey, Make a Mom provides excellent resources. Additionally, for those curious about the IVF process, Parents offers great information.

In summary, dorm shopping can be a memorable experience when approached with the right mindset! Keep these do’s and don’ts in mind to make the most of it.