Using your Stimulus Check to Get Ahead of Your child's College Checklist

In the midst of COVID-19, you've got a child that will be attending college this fall. You’ve also had some extra funds deposited into your back account from your tax refund and the President's stimulus check. If this is you, let's talk about how you can use your extra money to get ahead of shopping for your child’s dorm room essentials. On average, college families spend about $976.78 during the shopping season.

Before you begin shopping:

1. Take inventory of what you have that can be taken to college.

2. Have your child create a registry on Target, Bed Bath and Beyond or Amazon with the remaining items. This allows you to make purchases incrementally.

3. Now is the time to reach out to your village to find out how they would like to support, you may be able to share the registry with them.

Room Needs/Storage

• Bedside lamp

• Alarm clock/clock radio

• Mini trash can

• Storage bins (under the bed storage)

• Desk lamp

• Fan

• Bulletin board and pushpins

• Dry-erase wall calendar/board

• Picture hangers (double-sided tape for concrete walls)

Linens/Laundry Supplies

• Sheets and pillowcases (2 sets. Check with college for size needed — some college twin beds are extra long.)

• Towels (3 each of bath, hand and face)

• Pillows (2)

• Mattress pad (check with college for size needed)

• Blankets (2)

• Comforter/bedspread

• Clothes hangers

• Laundry bag/basket

• Laundry detergent

• Lint brush

• Mini sewing kit

Office/Desk Supplies

• Electronic storage media such as memory cards and USB flash drives

• Stapler and staples

• Printer paper (if you decide to bring a printer)

• Pens and pencils

• Pencil holder and sharpener

• Notebooks

• Folder with pockets

• Labels of various sizes

• 3 × 5 index cards

• Sticky notes

• Paper clips and binder clips

• Rubber bands

• Tape

• Scissors

• Highlighter pens (multiple colors)

• Ruler

• Stackable desk trays (at least 4)

• Stamps and envelopes

Electronics

• Laptop (printer is optional; there are usually computer labs where you can print)

• HDMI cord, Ethernet cord for computer (check if your room has wireless)

• Surge protector

• Extension cords

• Headphones

• Cell phone

Shared Items — Check with roommate(s)

• Audio equipment

• TV

• Coffeemaker/hot pot/microwave, if allowed

• Small refrigerator (if one isn’t provided)

• Area rug

Toiletries

• Aspirin or other pain relievers

• Adhesive bandages, antibiotic ointment

• Cough drops

• Shower caddy

• Shower shoes (flip-flops)

• Shampoo and conditioner

• Hairstyling products

• Bath and face soap

• Toothpaste and toothbrush

• Dental floss

• Comb/brush

• Nail clippers

• Hair dryer/straightener/curling iron

• Razor and shaving cream

• Lotion and/or facial moisturizer

• Cotton swabs

Clothing (Focus on clothes that are in season- you can always shop for the next season during breaks)

• Underwear

• Socks

• Pants/jeans

• Shirts/blouses

• Sweats

• Pajamas

• Slippers and/or flip-flops

• Sweaters

• Light/heavy jackets

• Gloves/scarf/hat (and other foul-weather gear as needed)

• 1 pair of boots

• 2 pairs of sneakers or comfortable/walking shoes

• 1 set of business-casual clothes

• 1 pair of dress shoes

• 1 swimsuit

Household and Kitchen Items

• Paper towels

• Trash bags

• Lightbulbs

• All-purpose cleaner

• Plastic storage bags

• Food-storage containers

• Dish soap

• Wet wipes

• Tissues

• Bowl, plate and cup

• Coffee mug

• Water bottle

• Silverware

• Can/bottle opener

Miscellaneous

• Umbrella

• Backpack

• Sports equipment