Taming the College List

It begins with AA batteries and ends with an underbed storage container. It's the list of things my nephew has been instructed to bring to college (http://www.ohiochristian.edu/news/ohio-christian-signs-mid-ohio-basketball-standout). Its been many, many years since I packed up and headed off to Penn State, but from what I remember, the list used to be much shorter. I remember taking sheets, towels, a comforter, clothes, shoes, hangers, toiletries, a boom box, notebooks, pens, highlighters, a calendar and a clock.

For my nephew's freshman year the university suggests he also bring a laptop, flash drive, printer, microwave, shoe rack, lock box, lamp, trash can, first aid kit... you get the idea. Being the super shopper I am, I've decided to tackle the list by hitting local department stores and the internet. I've found a few extras that I think will help him to be a better, safer student.

For the auditory learner who'll be hit with tons of college reading assignments... The Readingpen Advanced Edition is a fully portable, self-contained assistive reading device that is designed especially for people who have reading difficulties, learning disabilities or dyslexia. This portable reading tool provides immediate word support and helps students read and understand independently. It sells for $229.95 at http://www.enablemart.com/.

To deter laptop theft... The Laptop Lock has an anti-thief design to keep the sneakers away. The T-bar mechanism bar allows utilization of this lock for all notebooks, desktops, docking stations with built in standard security slot. Simply loop the laptop around a stationary object with the cut-resistant galvanized steel chain lock. It sells for $8.95 at http://www.no-retail.com/.

For all of your student's linen needs... The Complete Campus Collection is a 24 pc. set. It includes two complete changes of linens in 2 coordinating colors, 2 extra-long flat sheets, 2 extra-long fitted sheets, 4 standard pillow cases, 2 machine-washable pillows, 1 extra-long reversible comforter, 1 blanket, 1 extra-long quilted mattress pad, 1 extra-long egg crate pad, 2 all-cotton bath towels, matching cotton hand towels, 2 matching cotton wash cloths, an oversized bath sheet, a pop-open hamper, underbed storage bin and a bedside buddy. It sells for $199.95 at http://www.rhl.org/. Dorm in a Bag has only one sheet set, one pillow and doesn't come with the mattress pad, egg crate pad, underbed storage or bedside buddy. It sells for $69.99 at http://www.target.com/.

For accidents and illness... The Compact First Aid Kit includes 10 Bandages, 3 Gauze Pads , 5 BZK Towelettes, 2 Triple Antibiotic Ointments, 2 Sting Relief Towelettes, 1 Cold Pack, tape, tweezers and vinyl gloves. It goes for $5.25 at http://www.e-firstaidsupplies.com/. Of course you'll still have to toss in pain relievers, cough drops, and maalox.

For the heavy sleeper...The Sonic Boom Alarm Clock can wake anybody up. In addition to extra-loud beepers, the startling bed-quaking vibrators will rattle any student out of bed for an 8:00 am class. It has variable tone and volume controls and a detachable bed shaker. It sells for $39.95 at http://www.x-tremegeek.com/.

For the environmentally conscious co-ed... http://www.terracycle.net/ has green friendly school supplies made from old juice boxes and potato chip bags. The backpacks, binders and folders are super cute.

To all the students, parents, grandparents and aunties attempting to tame those college lists GOOD LUCK! Remember tax free back to school shopping kicks off the second weekend in August for Alabama, Louisiana and the Carolinas.(http://couponing.about.com/od/localcoupons/a/h_taxfreeshop.htm) Look for lots of specials on top of the tax break. Happy dorm loading!