SURVEY SAYS: Things Forgotten for College

I asked NewsDash readers, “What did you, or your child, forgot to bring to college that you, or your child, most regretted leaving behind?”

Out of the list of items I provided, only bike and shower shoes were chosen, each by 9.1% of readers. Most readers chose “other.”

Those responses included:

• Nothing – both children were very prepared.
• The majority of my belongings which we had shipped
• Responsibility
• extension cords
• So long ago…don’t remember.
• lamp and a jacket
• My maturity which did not come until much later and my car!
• Fear
• Her big girl pants. She cried like a baby the first month.
• My son forgot his pillow!
• His comfy memory foam pillow!
• My Mom
• Morals
• His dignity.
• Rice cooker
• Pictures of family
• Basic medicine – tylenol, cough drops, cold medicine.
• Desk Lamp

In comments left by some respondents, answers to the first question were explained. Some noted how things on my list weren’t necessary when they went to college— “Cell phone charger made me chuckle. Back in the 90s, only the rich people had those fancy things.” Editor’s Choice goes to the reader who said: “My son was so caught up in the excitement of being on his own and the new adventures that awaited him, he forgot he might actually miss home!” 

Verbatim 

Can't think of anything but that was a long time ago when I attended college..... before cellphones and electronics. I would have liked to have my own car but couldn't afford it.

The real questions is, what did they bring that they never needed. As the 1st child went to college, the car was filled up the top with things they never used. Sometimes we pack too much for them. The 2nd child went with all the items inside the car. We learned.

I didn't forget or regret anything when I went away to college and my son didn't forget anything but I am pretty sure he regrets having to leave behind his personal laundress.

My parents sent me off to a college we had never visited which was 1,000 miles from home. I flew and my belongings were shipped UPS however a strike on the east coast meant they were in limbo somewhere in New Jersey for more than a month before being delivered (damaged) to me at school. The dorm provided sheets but I had to buy things like towels before orientation even began.

Isn't packing for college just like packing for a vacation? Lay out what you plan on taking, then take half the clothes and twice the money.

Cell phone charger made me chuckle. Back in the 90s, only the rich people had those fancy things.

College was great! When can I go back?

Let's see, oh yeah, it became readily apparent it was common sense and self-control.

He must be Goldilocks because the one we bought was too hard! My husband and I drove down the next weekend and brought it to him. Now he's a happy camper!

It's important to remember what you believe, what you stand for, and what you'll fight for. Otherwise, you'll just drift along with whatever current is flowing.

My son was so caught up in the excitement of being on his own and the new adventures that awaited him, he forgot he might actually miss home!

Back in my day, a U-Haul wasn't needed. My sister and I both went in just one car, a Subaru. We mainly just took clothes and bedding. No electronics at all. It was a simple life!

You can be sure that just like when they first went to kindergarten and came home sick, so will the same happen in college - except you won't be there.

Twice now I regret leaving my bike behind: first with college, second when I moved to another state.

He was surprised how dark it is when you put your desk under a lofted bed.