My soon-to-be first grader and I were back-to-school shopping at Wal-Mart a couple of weeks ago when we ran into a friend who was shopping with her soon-to-be college freshman daughter.
My pal’s baby is finally flying the coop. She will be attending college in the southern part of our state. Far enough away from her parents’ house to feel free, but close enough to call for help–and get it—-in times of crisis.
My daughter hugged my arm, as I spoke to my friend and I couldn’t help but look down at her, and then over to my pal’s daughter and think about what’s to come in the next few years. Before heading to Wal-Mart to buy dorm supplies, my friend and her daughter were at the mall purchasing back-to-school clothes.
My friend’s daughter’s biggest concern had nothing to do with making new friends or missing the ones she already has. Rather, she was sweating over how she was going to cram her entire wardrobe into her tiny dorm room closet.
So what should a college freshman bring to the place she plans to call home for nine months? Here are some of my suggestions:
Bathrobe: Even if you don’t typically wear one at home a comfy bathrobe is nice to have when you’re walking to and from the dorm bathroom in winter. It also comes in handy when you are just hanging around in your dorm with your gal pals. Get a comfy one made of super soft fabric for the ultimate luxury.
Footwear: Sandals are cute, but not that practical unless you are going to college in Hawaii, Florida or Arizona. Slippers are a good investment for walking around in your dorm. Get creative and purchase some brightly colored slippers or ones with a funky print. Finally, rain boots, they are nice to have when you are schlepping to class in bad weather. Also, they come in fun prints and are not too expensive.
Tights: Tights are essential in the fall and winter and rarely go out of style. Consider purchasing at least one pair of black opaque tights. They are inexpensive and a basic piece of a fall wardrobe. Wear them with heels, flats and dresses.
Skirt: Skirts are not essential, especially for a college co-ed, but having at least one knee-length solid-colored or floral print skirt to pair with sandals in the spring or leather boots in the fall can help spice up your closet, and can offer a nice change from your daily jeans or sweats.
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