Back To College; What To Buy And What To Skip!
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MANSFIELD (CBS11 NEWS) - The countdown is on before parents send their kids off to college. Knowing what to send them with is an overwhelming task. CBS11 Consumer Reporter Cristin Severance explains what to buy and what to skip when helping to stock their dorm room.
"This is just a fraction," said Pam Kaplin of her packed closet of things to send her oldest daughter off to Texas A&M with.
Kaplan said the most difficult part, besides saying goodbye, is what to buy.
"Everyday I realize I'm missing something," said Kaplan.
Consumer Reports recommends several must haves including:
- Bath towels - choose thicker-but-affordable towels for their absorbency.
- Sheets - most dorm beds are five inches longer than the standard twin. Buy XL twin sheets, mattress cover and a comforter that are long enough.
- A microwave - the Kenmore 73114 for $105 is recommended.
- A coffee maker - the $40 Black & Decker CM4000s drip coffee maker.
Dealnews.com has a long list of what to skip including: please hyperlink here:
- An iron (what college kid uses one anyway?)
- Expensive bedding and decorative pillows (waste of money and space).
- A vacuum
- An alarm clock (they will use their phones).
As organized as Kaplan is she knows it's likely she will forget something. But she has a plan for that too.
"Unlike when we were in college, now there's Amazon and you can have it shipped to them," said Kaplan.
Dealnews.com reminds parents that Amazon offers "prime student."
Students receive a 6-month free trial then 50 percent off the cost of a yearly prime membership.
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