College Care Packages

A care package is essentially a package that is sent to help out in some way. College students love care packages for several reasons. For starters, many of the items they receive are things they couldn't get away from home. Also, college students are generally short on cash so anything that they get sent helps them out in even a small way. Also, everybody loves receiving mail and college students are no exception!

Snacks

Snacks are great to send to college students because you can count on them being eaten! Homemade food that will remind them of home is always a plus, but even if you don't cook, you can send packaged cookies, popcorn, chips, oatmeal, and ramen noodles.

Canned soup and fruit are also nice. I don't know how strict the rules are at most dorms, but some will allow coffeemakers and some won't.

Coffee is a good idea for those all-nighters that so many college students pull. If coffeemakers aren't allowed, there's always tea and hot cocoa.

If you want to help with more substantial groceries, there are some grocery stores that offer gift cards.

Toiletries

In the past, I found that I run out of shampoo, conditioner, and other toiletries very fast. Any toiletry or hygienic item is helpful because these things are expensive and students need to have them. Toothpaste, body wash, razors, and loofahs help out a lot.

Other Essentials

Most colleges require students to pay to use the laundry facilities. Laundry soap is provided for a fee. Quarters are great for this reason. College students also appreciate quarters when they want a snack and can use them at the machines.

Just like any other room in your house, a dorm should be cleaned regularly. Cleaning supplies like Windex are good for cleaning mirrors, computer screens, windows, and televisions. Rooms also get dusty!

A first aid kit is a good thing to have around. College students can be clumsy sometimes, and band-aids come in handy!

School Supplies

Pens, pencils, loose paper, and notebooks are always a good idea. Even on campus, purchasing these items can be a pain. If you have access to scan-trons around exam time, this can save the trouble of having to find them on campus.

As far as other school supplies go, binders, dividers, highlighters, and note cards are good ideas too!

Fun

Of course, college students will also appreciate a break from school and laundry. Headphones are a nice bonus. Flip flops are cheap and convenient. They can be worn to the shower rooms or around campus.

Textbooks or even leisure reading save a lot of money for students. For students that like to read, a small light that attaches to a book is a nice touch so they can read in bed.

Magazines, envelopes, stamps, photo albums, scrapbooks, blank CDs, and puzzle books might be other ideas.

You also might want to check and see if your college student already has a white board. Many like to put them on their doors so they can get messages from others. Markers to go with them are fun too!

Holidays
Anytime you send a care package near a major holiday or birthday, themes can be fun. Sending themed candy is one way to celebrate. If you send decorations, they can be either used in the dorm room or shared in the common area. For example, Halloween decorations were a hit in the bathroom when I lived in a dorm.

Athletic Supplies

If your student is an athlete or likes to go to the gym, there are even more opportunities to send them things. Plastic water bottles are useful, along with sweat bands and gym clothes. Gift cards to sporting good stores will be highly appreciated. If your student likes to play basketball, a ball pump could come in handy. This can also be used at campuses that are bike-heavy.

Transportation

If your student drives, gas cards are a huge relief. Even if the student doesn't drive, train tickets offer a chance to get away from studies during vacations.

Even if you don't have the time to put together a package on your own, you can order one online. There are numerous sites that offer themed packages. Any college student will appreciate a gift every now and then!