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, bras, 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, quarters (for when you run out of all of the
above), and shoes (dress, casual, and sneakers).
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.
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.