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Published August 20, 2008
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Heading Back to College
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| By Cathy Tyson |
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| From left, Daniel Johnson, Ben Tyson and Xander Smith leaving for the University of Arizona Photo Andy Scheck |
Along with all the usual back to school items - new sneakers and a backpack there are a few unexpected things on the list for my soon-to-be college sophomore, Ben Tyson. Freshman year was no problem due to the itemized list provided by staff at the University of Arizona. Our son’s dorm room was furnished which meant a bed, small closet and a desk, and a tiny refrigerator. This year he’ll be living in the aging Kappa Alpha fraternity house, which translates into an empty room. Along with clothing, he’ll need: a bed, a window air conditioner, sheets, pillow, desk with the hope that there will be some studying going on and a dresser for his collection of very attractive t-shirts. He already has a cell phone – can’t leave home without it, laptop and printer.
Definitely not required, but on his wish list is a TV and Xbox video game player.
Not to be forgotten: a fat check to pay tuition before classes start, a meal card, a fully loaded ATM card care of Mom and Dad, and possibly most important - a pre-paid Campus Health Center fee. Although we are lucky enough to have good health insurance coverage, the campus health center is not a preferred provider. Not a bad deal for $80. per semester.
He’s already ordered his textbooks electronically, so they’ll be waiting for pick-up at the bookstore. How ironic is it, that a used copy of “Essentials of Economics” is not all that economical at $102.75.
He assures me, “it’s all good, I can handle it,” referring to a mattress, A/C unit, and furniture hunt. Sleeping on the floor or a fairly nasty frat sofa, might be just the motivation to purchase furnishings for his new digs.
For students at colleges farther afield, packing wisely for their plane ride is a necessity, especially with new luggage restrictions. Boxes with overflow items can be shipped U.P.S. To be honest, once postage is considered some students choose to pick up inexpensive bedding at their destination. Fortunately across America there is no shortage of stores like Target and Macys for towels, hangers, stackable plastic crates and mattress pads.
The hardest part is saying good-bye. Like many parents we’ll worry about safety, money and time management, not to mention alcohol. But it’s become abundantly clear that our eldest is ready to start the next chapter of his life – even/especially if it includes toga parties. |
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| Reach Cathy Tyson at: cathy@lamorindaweekly.com |
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA