Yesterday, I checked off a major milestone that many parents hear about but often don’t consider until they’re in the thick of it. No, I’m not talking about something like a colonoscopy or Botox. I took my daughter on a shopping spree for college essentials!
The much-anticipated visit to places like Bed, Bath & Beyond and Target turned into a delightful adventure filled with adorable dorm decor that, let’s be honest, will likely never see the light of day once her room is cluttered by mid-September. While the day was filled with excitement, it also brought a few valuable lessons I’d like to share with those of you preparing for this rite of passage in the coming weeks or years. If you feel inclined to show gratitude, cash donations are welcome—especially considering I’ll need it for her tuition.
Do’s and Don’ts of Dorm Room Shopping
- Do invest in a mattress cover that protects against bed bugs, allergens, and other nasties.
Don’t ponder what “other nasties” might include. - Do encourage her to select a cute dry erase board for her dorm room door.
Don’t mention that by the end of the first week, it’s likely someone will have drawn something inappropriate on it in permanent marker. - Do buy her two sets of sheets, so she can swap them out easily while washing one.
Don’t think about the fact that the second set may never leave the packaging. - Do aim for at least 25 sturdy hangers.
Don’t point out that her closet can only accommodate about 10 of them. - Do stock up on Command Damage-Free hooks for hanging items.
Don’t bring up that nothing adheres well to cinder-block walls—just like in prison cells. - Do pick out some stylish, colorful towels.
Don’t consider that boys will see her wrapped in them while she treks back from the communal bathrooms. - Do assure her that shared bathroom experiences aren’t as dreadful as she imagines.
Don’t gag a little while saying this. - Do treat her to a nice lunch.
Don’t let her in on the fact that it’ll be her last meal of decent food until Thanksgiving. - Do listen patiently when she expresses her fears about leaving home.
Don’t lock her in her room and start Googling “Home-Colleging.” - Do ensure she has a small vial of pepper spray for her keychain.
Don’t envision any scenarios where she might actually need it. - Do splurge on a quality memory foam mattress topper.
Don’t choose one that can support more than her body weight. - Do buy her a microwave.
Don’t assume it will be used for anything other than popcorn. - Do allow her to indulge in a couple of special items.
Don’t remind her that this might be the last time you’re footing the bill. - Do compliment her on the charm of the mini-fridge!
Don’t mention that it’s unlikely to hold more than two water bottles and a cheese stick. - Do slip in a few surprise goodies in her bags.
Don’t consider yourself one of those surprises. - Do get her an umbrella.
Don’t say that no umbrella will keep her dry on that half-mile walk to class in heavy rain. - Do prepare a care package filled with essential meds, Band-Aids, and a thermometer.
Don’t set a reminder on your phone to check if she’s taking them. - Do remind her to plan for the countless items currently cluttering her room that she must bring along.
Don’t panic when you realize she’ll be leaving some of it behind. - Do be patient when she contradicts your helpful advice.
Don’t chuckle six weeks in when she calls to admit you were right. - Do cherish the fun memories made on this day.
Don’t view this as an ending; see it as a new beginning.
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Summary: Preparing for a college shopping trip can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. From picking out dorm essentials to managing emotions, parents can navigate this experience with humor and practicality. Remember, it marks not just an ending, but the start of a new adventure for both you and your child.