Andrew Ranieri, a senior majoring in Finance at Saint Josephs University, Philadelphia, PA, volunteers at SJ U-haul, a program that assists new students to move mountains of gear from car trunks to dorm room assignments or student apartments. ?Here's a list inclusive of the basics. Now, if you ask me about a wish list, I'll include a flat screen TV, too,? he says with a grin.

Most universities and colleges offer information in advance about a student's living quarters. Depending on what is furnished by the school, here's a checklist you may find handy to take on your shopping trip and helpful to spur your own ideas for other necessities. It excludes the usual notebooks, pens, calculators and similar tools.

Furnishings Desk accessories Poster putty Back pack Trash can Bulletin board Futon Mattress pad Sheets Towels Blankets Pillow Area rug

Dishes Pot(s) and pan(s) Tea kettle Silverware Dish detergent Dish towel Laundry detergent Laundry basket or duffle Clothes hangers A roll of quarters First aid kit

Shoe rack or bag Under bed storage bins Book case TV stand Full length mirror for back of door

Electronics and Appliances TV Microwave oven Clock radio High speed internet connection Desk lamp Mini-refrigerator Computer printer and replacement ink cartridges Desktop keyboard, mouse and monitor (for laptop) Hair dryer Fan Ipod Bookshelf stereo and CDs Ear buds

Food and Fun Hot chocolate Instant oatmeal or cream of wheat Ramen noodles Peanut butter and jelly Tea bags or coffee Crackers Dry cereals Raisins Trail mix Candy and gum Trash bags Decks of cards Board games

Essential elements to consider There are keys to preventing headaches, debates and frustrations during the pre-college preparation process.

Do some research to find what already exists if you did not receive information on the living spaces. For example, will there be a common area that requires some amenities? Perhaps you have previously attended an open-house and toured the campus. If so, that experience serves toward honing your checklist.

If possible, connect the two (or more) roommates and let them coordinate who will bring what. Sharing responsibility for furnishing their domain has three advantages: 1) it reduces a parent's financial outlay, 2) it establishes the early relationship between the students, and 3) it provides a means for the student to be committed to the task so less filters to the parent to complete. With planning done, start shopping well before school commences so you will have the opportunity to keep your budget intact.

Describe the college-shopping experience and words fall on a continuum from having dreaded root canal to a fun cruise of the Caribbean, yet, however you feel, remember that shopping is not the real challenge. That is yet to come.

All of the items you purchased, as well as your student's clothes-filled luggage, need somehow to be transported to the requisite school and trekked to the student's new residence.

If you are fortunate, your school will have a few volunteers on hand, like Andrew, who pay forward their time to help new students feel welcomed and parents relieved.