Yesterday, I crossed off a significant milestone from my list—something you hear about but don’t truly consider until you find yourself in the thick of it. Botox? Colonoscopy? Nope! I took my daughter on a shopping spree for college.
You know the drill: the much-anticipated trip to Bed, Bath & Beyond and Target to snag all those adorable dorm essentials that will likely never fit in her tiny room or will vanish beneath the mountain of stuff that accumulates by mid-September. While the day was filled with excitement, it also came with a few valuable lessons. Since many of you may be embarking on this adventure in the near future, I wanted to share some insights. If you feel so inclined, cash donations for her tuition are welcome!
Do’s and Don’ts
- Do get her a mattress cover that protects against bed bugs, allergens, and other nasty stuff.
Don’t ponder what “other stuff” might include! - Do encourage her to grab that cute dry erase board for her dorm door.
Don’t tell her that by week one, someone will have drawn something not suitable for a family audience on it with a Sharpie. - Do buy her two sets of sheets so she can swap them out while one is in the wash.
Don’t think about the fact that the second set will probably stay unopened. - Do get her at least 25 good hangers.
Don’t mention that only 10 will actually fit in her closet. - Do stock up on Command Damage-Free hooks and wall adhesive.
Don’t let her know that nothing sticks to cinder-block walls—just like in prison! - Do choose vibrant, fun towels for her.
Don’t think about the awkward moments when boys see her wrapped in one on her way back from the communal bathroom. - Do assure her that the communal bathroom won’t be as terrifying as she imagines!
Don’t gag a little when you’re trying to convince her. - Do treat her to a nice lunch.
Don’t let her realize it’ll be the last time she enjoys real food until Thanksgiving. - Do listen when she admits to feeling a bit anxious about leaving home.
Don’t lock her in her room and start Googling “Home-Colleging” in a panic. - Do make sure she has a vial of pepper spray for her keychain.
Don’t envision the scenarios in which she might need it. - Do invest in a quality memory foam mattress topper.
Don’t get one that can comfortably support more than her weight. - Do buy her a microwave.
Don’t think she’ll use it for anything besides popcorn. - Do let her indulge in a couple of splurges.
Don’t let her know it’ll be the last time you’re covering the bill. - Do fawn over how adorable the mini-fridge is!
Don’t point out that it’ll barely fit two water bottles and a cheese stick. - Do sneak a few surprises into her bags.
Don’t mistake yourself for a “surprise.” - Do get her an umbrella.
Don’t mention that no umbrella can save her from getting soaked on her half-mile trek to class in the rain. - Do assemble a box filled with essential pain relievers, Band-Aids, a thermometer, and any regular medications.
Don’t set a reminder on your phone to check if she actually took them. - Do remind her to plan for the million things currently scattered across her room that she must bring along.
Don’t freak out when you realize she’s leaving it all behind. - Do show understanding when she contradicts your well-meaning advice.
Don’t laugh when she calls six weeks later to confess you were right. - Do enjoy the day and cherish the memories you’re creating together.
Don’t view it as an ending; see it instead as a fresh beginning.
For more insights on navigating this phase of life, check out our blog on home insemination. You might also find this resource helpful as you explore your options. Additionally, American Pregnancy offers excellent information on donor insemination.
In summary, shopping for your kid’s college dorm can be a whirlwind of emotions and logistics. Keep the experience light-hearted, and remember—it’s all part of the journey!