We are getting ready to send two kiddos to college at Cedarville University in Ohio. It’s hard to believe that we are at this point in our parenting journey, but we couldn’t be more excited for them. This is why we raise them - to go out into the world and thrive. Jon and I met at Cedarville and graduated from there in 1998, so it’s wonderful to have my kids go there too. 
The last couple of weeks have been a flurry of Amazon orders, Walmart runs and checking things off our lists. Since we are in the throes of packing, I thought I would share some things that aren’t usually on a normal college supply list, but we have found them to be necessities.
1. Stool or Ottoman
- At Cedarville, students are allowed to loft their beds up to 36 inches, which gives them so much room, but it makes it difficult to get on the bed. So a stool or a storage ottoman helps tremendously. Here a link to the one my son just ordered for his room: Storage Ottoman
2. Ruled Post-it Notes
- These Post-It Notes are fantastic for taking notes in their textbooks when students are doing their reading assignments. My daughter used them in the books she rented or that she wasn’t going to keep, so she didn’t damage the books.
3. Door Stop
- This came highly recommended from another parent, so my son has one all packed. The dorm room doors at Cedarville don’t stay open without being propped open. Having a door stop allows students to keep their doors open, which encourages community. We found his at Walmart.
4. Diffuser and Essential Oils
- I use my diffuser at home daily and love that it not only smells good, but it cleans the air as well. My daughter has loved having herFeather the Owl Diffuser in her dorm room. Depending on what’s going on, she can diffuse a blend to help encourage relaxation and sleep, focus, wellness, or she might diffuse something just because she likes the smell of it.
- I also send them both with specific oils for a variety of uses, and each of these can be applied topically and diffused (although I don’t recommend diffusing Digize). Here are a few of my tops picks: Digize for tummy trouble, Grapefruit and Clarity for focus, Purification for funky feet and stale smells, Peace & Calming and StressAway to soothe anxiousness.
5. Staedtler Pencils
- We are pencil snobs!! But seriously, these are the best pencils. We have tried many different kinds from regular pencils to mechanical pencils, and these are the best. They keep a point for a long time, when you sharpen them, they don’t just whittle down to a short little stub - they actually last quite a while, and the erasers are SO good! They cost more than other pencils, but because they last longer, you end up getting more for your money. The best place to find these are at Staples - make sure you get the black ones. Other colors do something different with the lead, and they are not nearly as good
Some of you may have kids heading to college too, so I hope you find this list helpful. It is always bittersweet to say goodbye, but I am thankful they are at Cedarville where they are getting a top notch education and being fed spiritually.
Please feel free to share any tips and/or tricks you have for dorm room necessities in the comments!
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