With high school graduation in full swing, finding the perfect dorm decor for your teen is next on the list. Take a look at these graduation gift ideas to be prepared for fall move in!

Decorative Curtains 

Students are going to want privacy when sharing their small space with a new roommate. Hanging a chevron curtain to the ceiling by their bed serves as an innovative room divider and also blocks out unwanted light. Choosing curtains with a bold print will bring in a youthful pattern to the space. Be sure to purchase curtains with ties or hunt for a contrasting ribbon to hold back the curtains when they’re not in use.

Light it Up

String lights are one of the most popular decorations found in dorm rooms. Since candles are rarely allowed, string lights provide a similar ambiance to the room and create a cozy environment.  You can even find lights with small lanterns attached for a bohemian, outdoorsy theme. Take a look at Target and World Market, as they have a large selection of decorative lights to choose from. World Market’s burlap star lights are a personal favorite because they’re neutral and aren’t too bright.

Make it Cozy

The next four years are going to go fast, but it’s important for your teen’s dorm room to feel like home. Bring in area rugs to add warmth to the room, layer mix-matched throw pillows for contrast, and work in monograms where you can to personalize their space.  Coming up with a color scheme will also give the dorm a cohesive look.

Matching ottomans or floor poufs are an easy buy and are small enough that they can be tucked away when not in use.

Get Artsy 

Don’t forget about the walls! Hanging art on those drab, white dorm walls will truly transform the room. Wall decals, such as sticker frames, Etsy prints with inspirational quotes, and decorative mirrors are creative options for your new college student. The For Like Ever poster from Super Rural doesn’t miss a beat with its bold color and typography, and fun saying. Mood boards are another way to personalize their side of the room.  Buy colorful pushpins, paint a corkboard a bright color, and collect family photos and other memorabilia to collage with. During the next four years, this board will be a source of comfort and inspiration for your teen.

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This is a guest post by Erica Bryant of Roomations. Roomations is an interior design and e-decor site that connects you with professional designers for custom room concepts online. Work with up to three different interior designers to visualize your project then make it happen by taking to the streets (or your computer) with a shopping list that includes everything you’ll need. Custom interior design has never been so accessible, affordable and convenient! Start by finding your personal style with our free Style Quiz.

The trend: parents hiring designers to deck out their student’s dorm room. Are designer dorm rooms the wave of the future? According to an article on bizjournals.com, parents are hiring interior designers for college dorm rooms:

More students and their parents are paying interior designers $90 to $175 an hour to turn drab dorm space into spaces worthy of magazine spreads, complete with upholstered headboards, wallpaper and crystal chandeliers, reports USA Today.

“There’s a (typically deep-pocketed) subset of the population that sees this as sort of an extension of their home,” Vennie Gore, president of the Association of College and University Housing Officers – International and the head of housing at Michigan State, told USA Today. “There’s a (typically deep-pocketed) subset of the population that sees this as sort of an extension of their home. They want to create in their room more of a home environment,” to the tune of $1,500 to $3,000 — although $10,000-plus makeovers are not unheard of.

Now you may not be one of those parents that will to drop that much change on a one year dorm makeover. But if you need a little help, there is some help available at a reasonable price.

Roomations offers e-decorating and virtual room design services that can help you transform a room in your own home (in addition to interior design tips and inspiration on our blog). Upload photos of your room and choose one or more interior designers who will prepare style boards based on your personal style, budget and preferences. Once you’ve approved your favorite style board and provided feedback, you’ll get a 3D rendering to help you visualize the design plus a complete shopping list, so you know where to get all products for your room makeover. Visit  and try their “Find Your Style Quiz … mainly because it is super fun!”

Studying is hungry work, but choosing the wrong foods to satisfy this hunger can actually decrease your energy levels and sabotage your healthy diet.  Chips, cookies and other snacks consisting of simple carbohydrates provide bursts of energy, but this energy quickly dissipates, so you experience crashes.  Instead of binging on junk food, eat healthy, balanced, smart snacks, like the five suggested below, to ease your cravings, fuel your brain, and keep both your diet and your education on track.

Apple Slices or Celery and Peanut Butter

Apple slices or celery sticks paired with one to two tablespoons of peanut butter provide a good mix of carbohydrates, fat, and protein to keep you full and alert while you pursue your education.   Celery sticks are lower in calories and sugar than apple slices, so if you need to munch constantly, these are the smarter choice.  If, however, you are feeling sluggish and sleepy, opt for apple slices.  They will give your blood sugar more of a boost.

When choosing a peanut butter, select a natural brand without added sugar or hydrogenated oils.  Eating brands that have added sugars, like corn syrup or table sugar, may give you a sugar rush, but the energy boost will not last.  Because the sugars in these peanut butters are simple sugars, your body processes them rapidly.  This means a crash will quickly follow the initial sugar rush.

Edamame

These immature soybean pods are packed with protein and low in fat, so you can munch them while you study to fill your stomach and fuel your brain.  You just need to boil or microwave the pods and add your choice of seasonings to make a delicious and nutritious snack.

Popular toppings for edamame include salt, soy sauce, sesame oil, lemon, chili powder, curry powder, rice vinegar and peanut oil.  If you tend to get hungry easily while studying, consider topping the edamame with a small amount of some type of oil or some chopped nuts.  These ingredients add healthy fat to help you feel more satisfied.

Greek Yogurt and Fruit

Greek yogurt is a great source of protein, and its creamy texture can help ease cravings for less healthy dairy products like ice cream.  You can eat the yogurt straight from a container or use it as a dip for fresh fruit.  Plain yogurt makes an excellent dip, but if you prefer a little sweetness, you can mix in some honey.

To get the most satisfaction out of your snack, choose a low-fat yogurt or add nuts to non-fat yogurt.  The added fat will balance your snack and help to better satisfy your hunger.

Air-Popped Popcorn

If you’re craving chips, consider eating air-popped popcorn instead.  Popcorn is lower in calories and fat than chips, so you can eat a lot of it without having to feel guilty.  It is also high in fiber.  This fiber will fill you up and help to stabilize your blood sugar, so you can avoid crashes and maintain your focus.

Avoid topping your popcorn with butter and salt.  Butter adds calories and fat, and excessive dietary sodium is responsible for many serious health problems.  Eating too much salt will also make you thirsty.

Fresh Vegetables and Hummus

Made from chick peas and olive oil, hummus is high in fat and protein.  Paired with fresh vegetables, it makes a delicious balanced snack, so eating it will keep you feeling full and focused as you advance your education.

Because it is relatively high in healthy fat, hummus is calorically dense.  This means a little bit goes a long way.  To keep your calorie intake down, avoid using a multi-serving container for dipping.  Instead, buy single-serving containers or portion hummus into individual servings prior to eating it.

There is no need to compromise your health for the sake of your education.  By choosing healthy snacks, like the ones above, you will ensure both your body and brain stay in great shape.

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Author Bio

Sarah Daren is a writer who creates informative articles relating to the field of health. In this article, she offers a few nutritious foods to consume while studying and aims to encourage continued studies with an online masters of education.

We’ve all seen movies about the college experience, ripe with parties, drinking and new experiences. The reality of it is, living with roommates isn’t always one big love-fest. How you get along with your roommates impacts your entire college experience, so follow these tips designed to help you coexist peacefully.

Create a System

When more than one person shares a small space, it tends to become a matter of who left the thermostat up, why there’s a pile of dishes in the sink, and whose turn it is to clean the bathroom. Head off trouble by creating a chore list that clearly outlines who has each duty on any given day. Work together to come up with a fair list, so no one carries an unfair load.

Carve out Your Own Space

If possible, make sure you each have a place to go when you need time alone. If your residence is large enough, you can escape to your own bedroom. Relax, open your laptop or watch some TV. Netflix and Hulu are great options that allow you to stream video and television using any PC or Apple device. This personal time will help unwind and enjoy something you want to see. Otherwise, find a study hall, bookstore, library or lounge to use as an escape hatch.

Employ the ’24-Hour Rule’

Have you ever noticed how something that drives you crazy one day seems totally unimportant the next? Before you categorize something as a problem, give yourself a 24-hour cooling-off period. Unless, of course, your roommate enjoys starting fires. You might want to get on top of that problem right away.

Keep Your Own Counsel

Gossiping about your roommate has zero chance of improving your relationship. If you have something to say about your roommate, be brave enough to say it directly. If you have a problem that’s not important enough to voice, it may not be all that important.

Create Roommate Experiences

It’s wonderful when experiences occur organically and relationships magically find their feet. That’s not always the case, though. You can prod the process along by including your roommates in activities you enjoy. Ask them to a concert, fair or party. Most importantly, learn to be a good listener. Take time to focus on your roommates without worrying about what you’re going to say. You may be surprised by how much you learn about them and how appreciative they are of your support.

Spread Your Wings

No one wants to be responsible for being a roommate’s only friend. Take the opportunity to meet as many people as possible on campus. It will not only offer variety, but it teaches you more about yourself and where you fit. Play sports, join clubs and taking advantage of time in public areas.

Keep It all in Perspective

If you’re lucky, undergrad will span four years. While it seems huge while you’re in the midst of finals, tuition loans and social obligations, the time truly does speed by. Before you know it, college will be a fond memory. No matter how big a problem seems while you’re going through it, it’s a blip on the radar screen of your life. Try to remember that you’re not only in college to earn a degree, but to fine-tune the important social skills needed to help you succeed in the real world.

While student dormitories are not exactly danger zones, students who reside in dormitories should observe safety measures to keep their property safe from thieves or accidents such as fire. For the most part, it only takes common sense to prevent potential accidents in student dormitories. For instance, you should not leave candles or hot cigarette butts burning inside your room. According to the National Fire protection Association (NFPA), the number of dormitory fires reported between 1980 and 2009 increased by 17% and on average, dorm fires destroy property worth about $20.9 million, cause 3 deaths, and 38 fire injuries every year. These statistics show the importance of taking fire safety seriously. Here are some dorm safety tips that you can take as an individual student to keep your dorm safe.

Cooking

Figures published by the Consumer Product Safety Commission show that cooking accounts for 72% of all dorm fires. With this in mind, you should only light fires or cook in designated areas and you should always monitor your cooking. If you have to leave the cooking area, ensure you switch off all cooking appliances such as hotplates, microwaves, or portable grills. You can always continue cooking after you attend to any issue that requires your immediate attention. Remember to store flammable liquids away from heat sources. It is also wise to wear short and close fitting clothes. Loose clothes can easily get in the way and catch fire.

Fire Extinguishers

Fire, which is a product of a chemical reaction called combustion, requires oxygen to continue burning. A fire extinguisher contains chemicals that deprive fire of oxygen and most university and college dormitories have portable fire extinguishers that you can use to put out small fires. The rule of thumb is to use the right type of fire extinguisher when putting out a fire. For example, you cannot use a class A fire extinguisher to put out a class B fire (any fire that involves gasoline, oil, or kerosene). Use the PASS technique when handling a fire extinguisher. This means pull the safety pin, aim the nozzle at the base of the fire, squeeze the trigger, and sweep the extinguisher from side to side.

Evacuation

If you hear the fire alarm go off, head to the nearest fire exit as fast as you can. Of course, you can try to evacuate other engineering students the dormitory. If there is smoke, avoid the temptation to run. Instead, walk carefully in the direction of the nearest fire exit. When everyone gets out of the dormitory, close the door behind you and remove the key. Do not attempt to re-enter the building unless a qualified person says it is safe to do so.

Personal Items

Always keep your door locked when you leave to attend classes or go out with friends. Use engraving techniques to mark electronics such as TV’s, laptops, and mobile devices. It is advisable to install applications that can help you track anyone who tries to steal your electronics.

Suspicious Persons

If you come across suspicious people, do not confront them or try to be a hero. Use hotlines or email addresses provided by your learning institution to alert the security personnel. Additionally, inform your maintenance department of broken doors or windows, if any, and of course, you must never hide your dorm keys under the doormat since most burglars know all the usual hiding places.

Social Media

Do not publish your personal details, travel plans, or credit card details online. A determined burglar, stalker, or kidnapper can use this information to track your movement. If you plan to travel over the weekend, call your friends or parents and inform them.

Your personal safety as well as the safety of other students is paramount. To start with, always monitor your cooking. Secondly, use the nearest fire exit if you hear a fire alarm. Thirdly, learn how to use a fire extinguisher to put out small fires. Finally, do not leave your dorm room door unlocked while away.

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This guest post is from Sarah Daren, a writer who creates informative articles relating to the field of health. In this article, she offers a few safety tips for students and aims to encourage further study with a bachelor of science in health information management.

If there’s one thing that’s almost universally true about teenagers it’s that they’re fairly self-involved, and getting them interested in altruistic pursuits can be a chore. But as they get older and start to figure out who they are and what drives them, it may become easier to get them fired up about social and environmental challenges. Most young adults are full of energy and they want to do their part to make the world a better place. If you want to give your own college student some direction, you might suggest that he join the ongoing crusade to make the Earth a cleaner, greener place for all of humanity through his eco-friendly efforts. And here are just a few ways that you can get him on board with doing his part for the environment, and hopefully urging others to go green on campus.

1. Provide reusable products. Before you send your child off to college, he’ll no doubt need a slew of new stuff to take with him. While you can certainly reuse items from around the house rather than buying brand new, or make efforts to purchase products made from recycled materials, you might also consider looking for ways to reduce the impact of the many disposable products he’s likely taking with him. For example, you could get him a razor and strop for shaving so he won’t have to toss razor cartridges anymore. And plenty of college students looking to cut costs have resorted to old-school hankies for their winter colds rather than using tissues. You could also give him reusable totes so that he never again has to take plastic or paper bags from a store.
2. Organic linens. The twin XL bed is an odd size, practically only used in dorms, which means his favorite sheets are staying at home and you’re purchasing new bedding. But instead of grabbing any old thing at the store, consider looking for all organic linens (sheets, comforter, pillows, even curtains) as a way to cut his carbon footprint when he’s getting his zees.
3. Locally-sourced goods. One great way to encourage your student to go green on campus is to help him find options around town where he can get locally-sourced and organic goods. You could start by looking for a weekly farmer’s market nearby where he can get some fresh fruits and veggies for his dorm room. And you may also find markets, restaurants, and even clothing stores that provide the community with greener goods.
4. Conservation. One of the easiest ways to go green (aside from using recycling bins on campus) is to try to conserve energy and water. Even though he’s not responsible for air conditioner system maintenance in his room, perhaps he should think about leaving the AC off and finding other ways to stay cool. He could also unplug electronics when they’re finished charging or not in use. And as for water, he might consider showering every other day instead of daily. It’s doesn’t take much to cut energy and water consumption significantly, even on campus.
5. Outreach efforts. While your student can certainly do his part, he might be so gung-ho about environmentalism that he wants to involve others. In this case there are likely clubs he can join on campus or national groups that he can sign up with. At the very least he can tell his peers about easy changes they can make on behalf of the planet and their own continued existence.

If your student is lucky he’ll end up with a dorm room that’s roughly the size of a shoebox (as opposed to the postage-stamp variety). Let’s face it: dorm rooms are small and cramped! And most of them already come with two twin beds, two desks and chairs, and two wardrobes, which means even if you’re student is fairly economical with his stuff he still may not squeeze everything in. He’ll probably want to bring his entire wardrobe and he’ll certainly want his computer setup. Then there are toiletries, electronics, and small appliances like a microwave and mini-fridge. And soon enough there will be a slew of books and papers to contend with, as well. Of course, if he plays music or sports there will be even more equipment crammed in. In short, your student’s small dorm room could soon become a featured residence on the TV show ‘Hoarders’ if he’s not careful. So here are just a few strategies that could help to cut down on the clutter and truly optimize your student’s college dorm room.

Pare down the list

The first and most obvious step is to pare his list of must-haves down to the true essentials. Yes, he may want to take his entire closet full of clothes, but in most cases this simply isn’t feasible, especially since he may need outfits for all types of weather (requiring a wide variety of clothing). That said, you can help him to pack a few more articles of clothing by investing in a space bag system. Since he’ll arrive at school during the heat of late summer, he’ll probably want shorts and tees handy. He can therefor pack his winter clothes into space bags and vacuum out the excess air to create packages that are a fraction of their normal size. When winter rolls around he can unseal the cold-weather clothing and replace it with his summer stuff for easy and compact wardrobe storage. Extra linens may also be stored in this manner.

Minimize the belongings

Next you’ll have to figure out how to minimize his other belongings, or at least keep them neatly organized. A good place to start is with electronics equipment, and rather than making him lug his large PC and printer to school, not to mention tons of cables, you might consider hooking him up with a slim laptop or even an iPad. This tiny tablet may not seem like a good alternative, but peripherals like a keyboard/cover can aid in activities like typing, and there are tons of apps to help him make the most of the tablet lifestyle. For example, cloud storage options like Dropbox can allow him to store and transfer files, and AirPrint (along with an enabled printer) can provide a means of wireless printing. The iPad (or alternately the Kindle) can also house a library of digital books, transforming what would have been a major storage hassle into a snap.

Maximize storage

As for storing other items, consider that there is plenty of space under furniture and overhead. Shelving units attached to the desk can provide space to store books and papers while bins under the bed can be used to house everything from clothing and shoes to sheets and towels to toiletries. Be creative: use walls, doors, and footboards to add extra storage with removeable bars, shelves and/or hooks.

While you’re at home worrying about a leaky roof or choosing your new HVAC unit, your student will be trying to figure out where he can squeeze in one more textbook or winter coat. By providing him with ample storage solutions you can help to minim

Here’s a current comprehensive list of my picks for college info websites. Do you have any additional suggestions?

COLLEGE BLOGS

1. ParentsCountdowntoCollegeCoach.com–You will find the MOST information here on our blog: college guidance, college planning, college coaching, and college news. Come here first to find the latest and best tools to help you navigate the college maze.

2. TheCollegeSolutionBlog.com–An excellent resource for college-bound teens and their parents: admissions, testing, and financial aid.

3. UniversityLanguage.com/blog–Great blog articles about everything related to college admissions geared toward students.

4. NYTimes-TheChoiceBlog–Demystifying college admissions and financial aid by providing articles and Q&A by experts in the field.

5. GreatCollegeAdvice.com/blog–An excellent resource about the college admissions process providing expert advice helping students map their college journey.

6. USNews.com/Education–The education channel of U.S. News and World Reports providing the latest news and information related to college.

7. CollegeBasics.com–An excellent resource for information about college essays, college applications and high school resumes.

8. InsideHigherEd.com/blogs–Several different blogs related to higher education.

9. TheRealCollegeGuide.com–Four blogs about college life: the dorm, lifestyle, academics and heath and fitness.

13. UniversityParent.com–A site where parents can ask questions, gather information, and download and view college guides and campus newsletters.

14. CollegeParentCentral.com–A blog created to give parents useful information about college and the college admissions process.

15. YourCollegeKid.com–A site with parent forums and other college prep tools.

FINANCIAL AID

16. FindTuition.com–Help finding money to pay for college, along with articles related to college financing.

24. Zinch.com–A free service for students and parents where students can showcase themselves, connect with colleges, and search for scholarships.

25. MeritAid.com–The place to go to find merit scholarships and academic scholarships from colleges across the country.

26. Scholarships.com–An extensive scholarship search engine that helps you search and schedule alerts for deadlines.

27. How2winscholarships.com–A guide for parents and students on how to effectively apply to and win scholarships.

COLLEGE VISITS

28. SmartCollegeVisit.com–Created to provide information about college visits, help parents and students plan, and view personal accounts from both parents and students.

29. CollegeWeekLive.com–A virtual college fair that sponsors free LIVE events with archived presentations, student chats, and college booths.

COLLEGE PLANNING

32. EntrepreneurEdu.org–This is an excellent resource for students who are interested in colleges who offer entrepreneurial programs.

33. BetterGrads.org–A network of college student peer advisers and a resource filled website presenting honest accounts of the college experience geared toward high school students.

34. MyCollegeCalendar.org–Interactive college admissions counseling program designed for both high school students and their parents.

43 BigFuture.collegeboard.org–A planning tool to help parents and students get ready for college.

TEST PREP / TUTORING

44. TutorsForTestPrep.com–An SAT expert and coach offering tips to help your college-bound teen improve their SAT/ACT scores.

45. FairTest.org–The site for the National Center for fair and open testing providing information about colleges who do not use the SAT/ACT for admissions decisions.

46. Number2.com–Free online test prep (SAT/ACT) with vocabulary exercises and help.

47. Word-nerd.com–An PSAT/SAT vocabulary prep tool.

48. QuincyTutoring.com–A resource to find a tutor and schedule a tutoring session.

49. SATprepforADHD.com–Tutoring to help students with learning disabilities and ADHD.

Update: I was just reminded of this GREAT additional SAT resource:

DirectHitsPublishing.com–Books to help you study KEY vocabulary words for standardized tests.

TEXTBOOKS

50. Bookrenter.com–Rent college textbooks and save up to 75% over purchasing them new.

51. ECampus.com–Find textbooks, sell textbooks, search for college supplies and college apparel all on this one site.

52. Chegg.com–A hub for students to compare textbook prices, study for exams, and choose the right courses.

53. CollegeBookRenter.com–An online resource for Renting or Selling Text books online.

RECRUITING

54. NCSASports.org–The college recruiting site for athletes.

55. BeRecruited.com–If you have a teen that’s a student athlete, they can create an online profile here and help colleges and coaches find them and be recruited.

DORM ESSENTIALS

56. DesignYourDorm.com–A free online, interactive resource for designing and organizing your college-bound teen’s dorm room.

Campus visits are an important part of the college selection process for any student. Higher education is a significant investment of both time and money, and you and your teen should both be proactive about finding the perfect school. When you visit colleges for campus tours, don’t simply follow along silently. Remember these important tips for making the most out of every one of your campus tours.

1. Give Yourselves Plenty of Time
   Rushing yourselves through a campus tour will defeat the entire purpose of visiting at all. You won’t be able to see everything, and you’ll be so frazzled by the stress of rushing about that you won’t remember anything either. Plan ahead to give yourself plenty of time to enjoy every campus tour at a leisurely pace. Set aside a whole day for excursions to local colleges, and consider planning an entire weekend around your trips out of town.
2. Explore the Whole Town
   If you’re visiting a college campus in an unfamiliar area, take some time after the tour to explore the whole town outside of campus. Surrounding areas can play a major role in the college selection process. Some schools are tucked away in rural areas with little city life to speak of, while others are situated in the middle of dense, exciting metropolitan neighborhoods. Take your campus tour beyond the campus itself, and explore the surrounding areas to get a sense of where you are and where your teen will be living.
3. Ask Lots of Questions
   The campus tour is your greatest opportunity to have your burning questions answered. Veteran students and faculty members typically conduct these tours, and they can give you the insider information that can’t be found in web pages and pamphlets. Ask lots of questions during campus tours, and encourage your teen to do so as well. Inquire about anything that springs to mind; computer centers, extra-curricular activities, academic advising or whatever piques your interest. You won’t get another opportunity like this, so let the questions fly.
4. Request to See Dorm Rooms
   Your campus tour may or may not feature a tour of dormitories and student living spaces or it may be a “model room”. Some colleges encourage prospective students and parents to explore these spaces, while others do not. Whatever the situation may be at your campus tour, request to make a visit to the dorms. If your teen is going to be living on campus, rather than attending an online university, the dormitory accommodations will be a very important deciding factor in the college selection process. A college may have several different options for dorm living, so try to see as much as you can during your visit.
5. Bring Home Lots of Literature
   Start a catalog of college literature from your campus visits, and bring home as much as you can from each school. Obtain pamphlets and brochures on everything from major programs to financial aid, from international study to career placement. School literature will help you and your teen to remember the details of every campus you visit, making each tour educational and worthwhile in the college selection process.

There are plenty of things your student will want to take to college, including a massive wardrobe, appliances, furniture, bedding, bath supplies, decorations, and so on. Of course, if you have any knowledge of the standard dorm room, you know that all their stuff is not going to fit in the shoebox-sized space they’re allotted, especially since they’ll have to share it with a roommate. For this reason you’re probably going to have to pare down what they pack, and you should do it long before you start loading up the car. Consider compiling a list of everything your college-bound student wants to take when packing for college and then go through and cross off the things they really don’t need. But don’t forget to include items that they really can’t live without. Here are a few you’ll certainly want to add to the list.

1. Comfortable bedding. College students are notorious for burning the candle at both ends, so when they actually have time to catch a few zees, comfy bedding is a must. Now, you might not think it’s necessary to purchase quality sheets, not to mention pillows, blankets, a warm comforter, and perhaps even a cushy topper for the mattress. But the more rested your student is, the more sleep he’s likely to get, improving focus, grades, and more. When you weigh the cost of comfortable bedding against the cost of a semester of school down the drain thanks to insomnia, you should be able to see your way clear to shelling out a little dough for the linens.
2. Portable devices. A computer is great, but these days a portable device can provide a lot more use value for the average student. For example, a laptop or tablet (with a keyboard) can not only act as a dorm-room PC, but it can also carry an entire library of books (and other media). And thanks to numerous apps designed for college students, it can also be a notebook, a recording device, a way to deliver class presentations, a schedule, and more. In short, it can provide for all kinds of academic needs in a lightweight and portable frame.
3. College cookbook. The freshman fifteen is more than just a clever quip. Students living in dorms have limited options for food preparation. Often, they are granted a meal plan, which can definitely help them to eat regularly and observe a balanced diet should they so choose. But many dorms restrict students to items like a mini-fridge and microwave, making it extremely difficult to eat healthy. So think about packing a dorm-style cookbook (there are several options to choose from) so that your student can stay on track with healthy eating.
4. Noise canceling headphones. Living with a roomie is not going to be easy, even for kids that have had to share a room with a sibling. But the worst part may be listening to other students snore all night, talk in their sleep, or blast music or the TV as they fall asleep. Noise cancelling headphones can not only help your student to fall asleep, but they can also work for study sessions when a roomie or students on the other side of a paper-thin wall are making noise.
5. Storage. Dorm rooms are infamously small and cramped. Dorm rooms like you see in the movies simply don’t exist, whether your student is at Texas A&M or the University of Florida. Ample storage solutions are a must. Vacuum-sealed space bags are an option, as are stacking and under-bed bins. A shower caddy, drawer organizers, and perhaps even a small file cabinet could also work wonders when it comes to maximizing usable space and keeping the dorm room free of clutter.

Summer is a busy time for families of college-bound teens. These five tips might help you with your to-do list and help relieve some of the anxious, stressful days ahead.