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The Ultimate Off-to-College Checklist

Heading off to college is an exciting milestone in a young person's life. For most kids, college is their first time living away from home, so you want to make sure your child is equipped with everything he needs for campus dormitory life. Here's a ready-to-print checklist of things you shouldn't let your teen leave home without.

Money. Just because you've sent the check to cover this year's tuition, room and board, doesn't mean there aren't plenty of other expenses. Textbooks alone will likely cost you about $300 a semester, according to the College Board. And expect that your child will need at least another $500 for general expenses each semester.

All college paperwork. Your teen should bring any forms, schedules, ID numbers, financial aid plans, or any other correspondence you received by mail from the university.

An organizer. Whether he prefers a daily calendar or a Palm Pilot, your teen will need a handy way to keep track of his new schedule, appointments and assignments.

A sturdy bookbag. It's worth investing in a bag that can safely carry several heavy textbooks from one side of campus to the other on a daily basis and still be in one piece by the end of the semester. Ditto, if he has a laptop computer.

Study supplies. In addition to the obvious notebooks, pens and pencils, other handy supplies for college include highlighter pens, paper clips, computer disks and a hole puncher.

Appliances and electronics. A computer, a desk lamp and an alarm clock are all highly useful. Find out whether or not dorm rooms are equipped with telephones. A small refrigerator and even a microwave make dorm life more pleasant, especially on late study nights, but check with the university to make sure they're allowed before purchasing. (The use of hot pots is generally not allowed in college dormitories.) Of course, your teen might also like to bring a stereo or TV. And don't forget extension cords, power strips and adapters.

Furnishings. Your teen will need towels and bedding (and don't forget pillows!), but note that many universities do not have standard-size beds, so inquire before purchasing. Storage crates, bookends and trunks all make keeping organized in a small, shared space possible. An inexpensive rug often goes a long way in adding warmth to a basic dorm room.

Toiletries. Many dorms have shared hall bathrooms, so you need to buy your child a toiletry basket for toting her grooming products. As far as toiletries, if your child forgets something, it's sure to be sold at the campus store -- if not, a local pharmacy. Of course, it's always a good idea to pack a first-aid kit.

Clothing and laundry items. If the university is in a location with a climate different from that of your hometown, remember to plan accordingly. Also, a warm robe and shower shoes are a good idea for shared bathrooms. Your teen will also need a large, sturdy laundry bag and detergent. After all, she's on her way to self-reliance!

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