Your back-to-school shopping list depends on where you're headed. Are you commuting to a local school? Heading to dorm life? Apartment-bound? Here are some general tips from people who have been there, done that. They're not necessarily must-have items, but all of them have been known to come in handy. Remember: when in doubt,
less is more.
Clothing
Excessive amounts of socks, underwear, and bras aree recommended (to cut down on how you'll have to do laundry). Tights, pajamas, bathrobes, slippers, T-shirts, jeans, sweatshirts, flannel shorts, bathing suits, workout clothes, sweaters, hats, slacks, sports jackets and ties, dress socks, pantyhose, skirts, dresses, chinos, snow pants, and shoes (dress, casual, and sneakers). Remember plenty of quarters for laundry.
For the Bathroom
Toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, blades, shaving cream, soap, soap dish, shampoo, conditioner, something to carry it all to the shower, deodorant, blow dryer, hairbrush, tweezers, nail clipper, nail file, emery boards, brush, mirror, tampons and pads, tissues, cotton balls, Q-tips, toilet paper, glasses, contact solution, prescription medication in original containers, pain relievers, sunblock, moisturizer, band-aids, first-aid kit.
Electronics & Appliances
Light bulbs (100, 150, or even 200 watt), halogen lamp, desk lamp, bed lamp, alarm clock, clock-radio, telephone, answering machine, stereo, tapes, CDs, TV, VCR, videotapes, computer, printer, refrigerator, microwave, bottle and can openers, hotpot, fan, camera, film, 3-2 prong adapters, extension cords, surge protector.
For the Bed
Extra-long sheets, pillowcases, study pillow, comforter, mattress pad. Desk and Academic Supplies Backpack, pens, pencils, sharpener, notebooks, clipboard, highlighter, memo board for door or desk, envelopes, stamps, stationery, address book, scissors, paper clips, rubber bands, scotch tape, hole puncher, ruler, calculator, pocket and desk calendars, looseleaf, graph, and printer paper, staples, stapler and staple removers, dictionary.
Tip Since you will be living on your bed, your comforter needs to be washable. Check the tag.
Miscellaneous
Mirror, bulletin board, bookshelves, wastepaper basket, picture hooks, hammer, nails, screws, glue, stick-on hooks, utensils, plates, cups or mugs, drying rack, iron and ironing board, laundry bag, detergent, closet organizer, clothes basket, hangers, hook for laundry bag, small vacuum cleaner.
