5 Things Bruce’s Kid Says He Doesn’t Need To Take To College This Year

Last year was my son Jack's freshman year at Georgia Tech. We did what most parents do with their first kid heading off to college, we loaded up a van and bought all kind of stuff that he never took out of the box.

I guess for some reason we figured Jack would suddenly develop a need for things at college that he had no use for at home. I think most parents do this, to at least some extent.

Here are 5 things that Jack said he didn't really need at college, they were nice to have, but for the most part just took up room in the dorm.

Mini Fridge: I think I would have killed to have a fridge during my college days but when I actually stop to think about it, Ramen Noodles don't need refrigeration. Jack says we can leave this at home. He has access to plenty of cold drinks in the dorm and there is always a water fountain.

A Television: I had to give him the old "what you talking about, Willis" look when he said he didn't need a TV. He said he watched most of the programs he wanted to watch on the computer. He said sporting events and other big events were always occasions for social gathering at the student union or at sports bar. So the TV is going in my office.

New Clothes: As a male of the species this one did not shock me at all. Jack and I are a lot a-like. We have five or six shirts we like. We have one or two  pairs of pants and we supplement socks and underwear to remain socially acceptable. New clothes are for girls. Actually it's not even a good idea to buy new clothes for freshmen. They all gain weight and pretty soon those new clothes will just be extra baggage during trips home to do laundry.

A Printer: I would have thought differently on this but Jack said it's nice to have a printer but most assignments are e-mailed these days. The actual need for a hard copy of anything is minimal. Printers are usually pretty bulky too. To be truthful, he will have his printer with him because it is nice to have when you can't get to the computer lab but for the most part it's a dust catcher.

An Iron and Ironing Board: I thought his Mom was going to faint when she handed him an iron and he asked "what does this do". Kids don't iron clothes. Just like they don't take clothes out of the dryer or do dishes. If they have something wrinkled they will do one of two things; spend .50 cents to throw it in the dorm dryer, or they will smooth it out on the bed and hope for the best.

There is my advice to you. I hope it will save you a little bit of money when it comes to buying stuff for kids heading off to college. We take Jack back to Atlanta at the end of the week and the load in the van will be a lot lighter this year. That's good news because Jack's Dad has gotten older and carrying boxes and kitchen equipment up stairs is not as much fun as it used to be.