I'm heading to college on the 26th, so what do you guys think I will need that maybe I didn't think of? Keep in mind I will have my vehicle with me, but I will be 3 hours from home. Also, the college is in a rural setting, not a city.

PS. No booze allowed. <img src="/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

151 for your alcohol stove <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

In all seriousness how about you let us know some things you have brought?

Well, here is the list they give me (so think of that as exactly what I am bringing):

what to pack
• Address book, stamps, stationery
• Alarm clock
• Backpack
• Baskets for toiletries and storage
• Bed Linen: sheets (extra-long twin size), bedspread/blanket, and pillow
• Bike
• Cleaning supplies (cleaner, paper towels)
• Clothing (bathrobe)
• Computer, printer, and cables
• Desk items (lamp, pens/pencils/highlighters, paper, calendar, calculator, tape, scissors, stapler, paperclips)
• Fan (portable)
• Financial items (checking/savings account, credit/debit card, health insurance card, Social Security card, driver's license or photo ID)
• First-Aid kit (band aids, cotton balls, cotton swabs, cold/cough medicine, aspirin)
• Food items (can opener, bottled beverages, coffee maker with automatic shutoff, one set of silverware/plates/bowls/glasses, condiments, snacks, dish detergent/towel)
• Games (cards, board games)
• Hangers
• Laundry basket/bag, detergent, iron
• Padlocks (desk, laptop, and bike)
• Room decorations*
• Sewing kit/safety pins
• Stereo system (CD player, radio, mini disc player, headphones, CDs, etc.)
• Telephone, cord, and calling card (or cell phone)
• Television
• Toiletry Items
• Towels
• Umbrella
• VCR or DVD player (with cables)
* Posters and photos must be hung with plastic tack.

what you’ll find in your residence hall room

• Bed with extra-long mattress (80 x 36)
• Cable TV connection (one per room)
• Chests of drawers
• Closet or Wardrobe
• Desk and chair
• Ethernet connection
• Refrigerator/Freezer/Microwave unit (one per room)
• Smoke detector
• Telephone connection with voice mail service (one per room)
• Trash can

what to leave behind
• Answering Machine
• Appliances (hot plates, toaster ovens, rice cookers, microwave, etc.)
• Ashtrays*
• Candles and incense
• Ceiling fans
• Draperies
• Firearms
• Furniture (waterbed, futon, chairs, etc.)
• Grills (indoor/outdoor)
• Halogen lamps
• Heaters
• Lofts/bed lifters
• Pets (small aquarium tanks with fish only are permitted)

250 bags of Top Ramen, 50 lbs of animal crackers, a big plastic bowl and a fork. That was all my daughter seemed to need to get by.

Lots of money.

My kids both told me that the handiest things I gave them to take along were the SwissTool X's and flashlights (Photons on their keyrings and converted MiniMags for the room)...

M

That first aid kit looks like it could use some beefing up.

Gee, things haven't changed much.

I would add shower sandals, a plastic desk drawer organizer, handi-wipes, earplugs, a phone card or cell phone (those college room phone rates are RIDICULOUS), and maybe something from home to help keep you from getting homesick.

Don't bring anything you wouldn't want your roommates getting into and destroying in a beer-induced haze. So definitely leave any Surefires and fancy expensive stuff at home or locked up.

Good luck at college! ("D" is for "diploma" <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />)

You might also want

<>broom & dust pan
<>hammer & screwdriver

Did anyone mention a hot pot - great for instant oatmeal and hot chocolate.

If I remember correctly, the handiest items I had were a Swiss Army Knife (pre-Leatherman days) and a plentiful supply of Kraft Mac & Cheese.

Vince