Getting ready for college, what to bring

• Students shopping for dorm supplies should check list of do’s and don’ts provided by their college
• A wardrobe of clothes with their college logo will usually suffice for daily wear
• Other items that come in handy include a favorite T-shirt, earplugs and a plant to nurture

It’s about that time of year when students who will soon be heading off to college begin their online or in-store shopping for a seemingly endless list of supplies. In fact, if you visit the website of Bed Bath & Beyond and type in the search words “college supplies,” an assortment of 6,421 items appear. These include some products of questionable importance, such as barbeque grill covers, golf cart bags and inflatable pool floats all personalized with the name of the college of your choice.

The most practical way of starting this shopping expedition is by checking the list of recommended supplies provided by your particular college. This list will invariably include the items actually necessary for dorm living and college life. Most students start by buying sheets (twin XL), a comforter and pillows for their bed, then move on to toiletries and other necessities (such as flip-flops to protect their feet!) for the shared bathroom, and then school supplies including a laptop (unless it is provided by the college) and almost anything that starts with an i (iPhone, iPad).

Colleges also provide a list of items not to bring. These objects are typically banned because they are considered to be fire hazards, such as hot plates, halogen lamps and candles.

Of course, an appropriate wardrobe is always important to students. But typically the daily attire on most campuses consists of T-shirts, hoodies and other items with the school’s logo. Many other clothing articles are dictated by the climate, with Uggs and North Face fleeces popular on campuses in the New Jersey area, and colorful umbrellas and funky rain boots appearing on rainy days.

There are also some not-so-obvious items that come in handy. Bring a T-shirt featuring a favorite band or TV show to wear as an icebreaker at orientation. It’s a great way to meet new people and connect over shared interests. Bring earplugs or, better yet, noise-canceling headphones, as dorms are loud and you may need to concentrate while others are enjoying music or playing video games. Pack a sleeping bag, as you may have friends staying over you or you may just want to be comfortable watching Netflix in a friend’s room. Bring a plant, as studies show that a plant keeps you happier and makes you more responsible.

Lastly, don’t forget to pack Febreze or other odor spray — no explanation needed!

Susan Alaimo is the founder and director of SAT Smart. For more than 20 years, SAT Smart has offered private tutoring, PSAT/SAT/ACT prep courses and College Application Services by Ivy League-educated instructors throughout Central Jersey. Visit www.SATsmart.com or call 908-369-5362.