Most of the time dorm rooms do not have personal bathrooms. If a bathroom is shared in a suite or with an entire floor, the student must transport his toiletries back and forth from the bathroom to his room. To make it an easier journey, give him a shower caddy so he has a way to carry all his things in one trip. Fill the shower caddy with various toiletries, such as shampoo, shaving cream, deodorant and a razor. College life is busy and it is sometimes difficult to remember essential, everyday items. A boy's college survival basket should be stocked with these items so that if he ever forgets to buy these things when he needs to, there will always be extra.
Pack foods that remind him of home. This could include oatmeal, hot cocoa or homemade cookies. Most dorm rooms do not have stoves or ovens; however, many allow microwaves. Ramen noodles and popcorn are a few good examples of easy microwavable foods that a student could eat between meals. Also, include his favorite candies in this survival basket. He may be in need of a sugar rush while he is staying up late studying for exams or writing papers. Add candy hearts or chocolate kisses in the basket to remind him that he is loved.
A successful college student is organized. A day planner will help your boy remember important test dates and holidays. The planner can be personalized by ordering one with pictures of the boy with his friends and family on the cover or throughout the planner. Include personal dates and birthdays in the planner for him so he will remember when to call, send birthday greetings to relatives or come home.
Dorm food can be bland and boring. Include gift certificates to his favorite restaurants to break up the monotony of eating dorm every day. Add gift certificates for other services as well, such as gas stations and clothing stores. Providing these gift certificates will give the college student a nice break from studying and provide him with a treat he can look forward to using.
Everyone has a special item that reminds him of home. Include this special object in the survival kit. This special item could be an old blanket, stuffed animal, favorite book or a picture of his family. This will help ease the student into his new surroundings and if he ever gets homesick, this item acts as a warm reminder of his friends and family.