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Loan Options

When you're weighing loan options, start with need-based loans such as Perkins loans or subsidized Stafford loans. These usually have the best terms.

Expert Advice

"I like to see students who challenge themselves by taking extra math or writing courses beyond what is required."
Read about Course Selection
J. Washington, Jr., U. of New Hampshire, Admissions

Off-to-College Checklist

Stock Your Child's Dorm Headache-Free

Print this checklist to make sure your child has everything she needs for the first year at college. Each person's needs are different, so tailor this checklist to suit your child's requirements. For example, hats, gloves, and scarves wouldn't be needed in Southern California, but you probably want to add sunblock to the list.

Kitchen Needs
Plastic bowl and cup
Coffee cup
Fork, knife, spoon
Can/bottle opener
Chip clips
Room Needs/Storage
Bedside lamp
Alarm clock/clock radio
Wastepaper basket
Milk crates or other sturdy storage cubes (a collapsible crate also comes in handy for carrying laundry or other things)
Stacking baskets
Under-the-bed storage trays
Lots of hangers
Desk lamp
Fan
Drying rack
Adhesive hooks, tacky adhesive, and mounting tape
Bulletin board and push pins
Dry erase wall calendar/board
Toolkit
Electronics
Computer and printer
Phone cord/Ethernet cord for computer
Headphones
Surge protector
Extension cords
3-2 prong adapters
Phone (Check with roommate(s) to avoid duplication.) It should be cordless, with multiple message boxes in the answering machine, unless you're using voice mail.
MP3 or portable CD player (great to use at the gym)
Linens/Laundry Supplies
Sheets and pillowcases (2 sets. Check with school for size needed—some college twin beds are extra long.)
Towels (3 each of bath, hand, and face)
Pillows (2)
Headrest pillow
Mattress pad (Check with school for size needed—some college twin beds are extra long.)
Blankets (2)
Comforter and duvet cover (makes laundering easier)
Clothes hangers (wire takes up less space, plastic are easier on your clothes)
Laundry bag/basket
Laundry marking pen
Laundry stain remover
Roll(s) of quarters
Quarter dispenser
Lint brush
Sewing kit
Toiletries/Misc
Pepto-Bismol®
Imodium®
Aspirin or ibuprofen
Vitamin C
Neosporin®
Band-Aid® bandages
Cough drops
Shower tote
Shampoo and conditioner
Hair-styling products
Bath and face soap
Traveling-soap container(s)
Toothpaste and toothbrush
Dental floss
Comb/brush
Tweezers
Nail clippers
Hair dryer
Razor and shaving cream
Lotion and/or facial moisturizer
Q-tips®
Office/Desk Supplies
CD–ROMs/Memory Sticks
Phone/address book
Assignment book
Heavy-duty stapler and staples
Printer paper
Pens and pencils
Pencil holder and sharpener
Notebooks
Pocket folders
Labels of various sizes
3 x 5 cards
Post-it® notes
Paper clips
Rubber bands
Scissors
Highlighter pens (multiple colors)
Ruler
Stackable desk trays (at least 4)
Hanging files or folders
Dictionary and thesaurus
Stamps/envelopes
These Can Be Purchased Upon Arrival
Paper towels
Trash bags
Lightbulbs
All-purpose cleaner
Ziploc® bags
Kitchen storage containers
Laundry detergent (tablets are easiest to manage)
Fabric softener (sheets are easiest to manage)
Dish soap
Wet wipes
Tissues
Clothing Guidelines
21 pairs of underwear
21 pairs of socks (more if your child plays sports)
7 pairs of pants/jeans
14 shirts/blouses
2 sets of sweats
Pajamas
Slippers and/or flip-flops
2 sweaters (if appropriate)
Light/heavy jackets
Gloves/scarf/hat (if appropriate)
1 pair of boots
2 pairs of sneakers or comfortable/walking shoes
1 pair of dress shoes
1 set of business attire
1 set of semi-formal attire (optional)
Shared Items (Check with roommate(s) to avoid duplication.)
Audio equipment
TV and VCR/DVD player
Coffee maker/hot pot
Microwave/toaster oven
Small refrigerator
Area rug
Camera
Posters/art