What is a common thing student sometimes forget to pack and take to college?

Contraceptives. Spending cash. Mini fridges, parents emergency credit card. Non perishable food stuffs, like ramen. Student loan info. Microwavable bowls and plates. Fork, knife, and spoons. Extended family phone numbers. Bedding with a comfortable foam insert, and pillows. Phone book, that includes restaurants that deliver. A years worth of medication, as well as finding a new doctor. Medical insurance. Dental care, and insurance. Internet and phone accounts.

Up to date government issued photo ID.

Laptop. it seems that most students take class notes on a laptop these days.

A warm coat.

A small toolbox. Also include an inexpensive voltmeter.

A small light, ideally a headlamp. Lets you read when roommates are sleeping, as well as find your way around at night.

An alarm clock.

You could use a phone for both these purposes, but it’s nice to not have to rely on a phone 24/7, last thing before sleep and first thing in the morning.

I can’t help to mention that RDG’s Contraceptives answer gives me a weird feeling. sorry it’s just me.
A close friend would be nice but maybe not practical. I would be concerned with safety and maybe a phone number to someone that could come help at a moments notice or a councilor at the college. I’m just a big scaredy cat.

@rayahope We’re not worried about the contraceptive thing, kid’s got head on straight. That credit card thing was something we didn’t consider. Debit card, yes. Santa brought a tool kit already. Got the college all but chosen so all that’s left is packing and prepping for the next 6 years.

Bullet proof vest.

My daughter’s dormmate had a mom and grandmother that got pregnant at 18. When her parents moved her in, her dad brought her a big box of condoms to prevent another early pregnancy. Seems to have worked. She’s 22, with a college degree and still not pregnant.

First aid kit
Snacks for the room
Bathing/hygiene supplies
Multiple phone/device chargers
Lysol/bleach wipes
Hand sanitizer/face masks
Headphones/ear buds
Good pillows/blankets
Comfy mattress pad/cover
Laundry detergent/clothing bag
Laptop/tablet
Debit card

Sleep mask/ear plugs if they’re a light sleeper. Dorms can be loud at all hours.

Swap in and out seasonal clothes if the weather changes where they’ll be going. Dorms are too small to keep ALL your clothes there through the whole school year.

@Acrylic I am so glad to hear that! I was worried about ..umm too much studying in the wrong thing.

Oh, ear plugs, yes! The brand “Loop” makes really good ones. You can sleep on them and they don’t fall out, ever.

A can opener, screwdriver and paper towels.

@Acrylic I see you have the tool box.Great! But don’t forget the voltmeter.
You can get one for only $10 and they are so useful. Your student will be a hero the first time s/he pulls that out to measure a set of AA batteries before tossing them or checks a fuse, or tests a wall socket for proper connection, or a battery charger, or…

Their favourite video game

@ragingloli This sounds like so many other old games out there like Gauntlet and LandStalker, so it should be fun. :)