Everything Your Kid Needs Before Going to College

If you’re like most parents, you’ve probably spent quite a bit of time planning for your child’s future education. And that makes sense. After all, one way or another, it’s going to cost you some money to send your kid off on their educational path. But while there are many important college expenses, you’ll want to cover them. There are also some expenses you may not have considered. And if you don’t plan for them now, you could end up in a heap of trouble when the time comes for them to go off to school. So what kinds of things am I talking about?

School Materials

School materials include anything that would make studying easier. For instance, your kid needs stationery, a laptop, backpack, and a study lamp. Since laptops are delicate, you’ll need custom laptop sleeves to protect them. You might also want to get them a tablet because they’re smaller and easier to carry around. And since you’ll need to provide all their school materials, it’s best if you don’t buy anything expensive because by the end of the year it’ll be out of date or damaged. A printer will be a good deal since they can print their homework from the comfort of their dorm.

Microwave

Having a microwave is not an expensive item, and it is something that they’ll most likely need. Microwaves are used for more than just reheating their food. They can be used to cook ramen noodles and boil water, saving money by buying fewer microwavable meals. Still, it’s another thing you’ll want to consider when you’re compiling your list of college expenses.

Noise Canceling Headphones

If your kid is anything like the average college student, they’ll spend their time in the library. That means studying. But if you’ve ever spent any time in a library, you know how loud it can be with all the people talking and moving around. Your child will need noise-canceling headphones to block out some of that sound. They’ll also need to stay awake, so it’s best if they have a pair of headphones that also play soothing music. You might even consider noise-canceling earmuffs for those loud days.

Bike or Scooter

While this one is slightly different than the others, your child will still need transportation. This means you’ll need to budget for a bike—either to buy or for repairs. You’ll also need to budget around $100 yearly for gas. If you have the extra money, it’s best if your child saves up to buy their car after college ends. But until they do, make sure that they know how to take care of their bike or scooter. It’ll save you money in the long run if they maintain it instead of throwing it away.

Mini Fridge

If you’re going to be buying your kid a microwave, it’s also a good idea to buy them a mini-fridge. This way, they can store their food and other things like soda and water bottles. You should make sure to get one with an adjustable thermostat and temperature display since it will allow them to set the right temperature for food. It will also help them save money by not having to go out and buy a lot of food daily.

Coffee Maker

Yes, this may be an expensive item, but it can save them money in the long run. Having a coffee maker at their dorm means they no longer need to go out and buy coffee every morning, which will help them save money. So if you can afford it, get your kid a coffee maker for their room so they can help themselves!

Shower Caddy

This is another thing for your kid’s room that most people might not think about. But if they have to share a bathroom with other students, they will need to carry all of their shower supplies in so it doesn’t get wet or dirty. Many young people opt for inexpensive caddies that can hang on their showerhead or sit at the bottom of the tub until it is time to use them.

Robot Vacuum Cleaner

This is something else that may seem unnecessary, but it can save your child money in the long run. Instead of hiring someone to come and clean their room, students can use a robot vacuum cleaner. They are designed specifically to clean floors, so they will do the job themselves if you get them one of these!

Final Thoughts

This list of college expenses is a mixture of different items that your child will need to help them survive in the dorms. You can choose from this list or make your own! Like bike maintenance and earmuffs, some things may be optional, but it’s best to afford them. Your child needs to stay safe and comfortable, so make sure you have enough money to buy these items if they are on the list!