Dorm Room Needs

I agree that Ikea is great for dorm stuff. You could give her a gift certificate and offer to take her shopping there so she can spend it (then she knows what you are wiling to spend before you go there.) You could even tell her mom your thoughts and see if her mom is also giving money for stuff.

At Ikea, one of the great things are their conforters and duvet covers. That is good for a dorm since you would only need to wash the duvet cover instead of always having to wash the whole thing if she spill "pop" or "juice" on it!!! Also, foldable laundry baskets, sheets, or bags make great gifts.
You could also go with a college sweatshirt, t-shirt, or other clothing with MSU on the front. Those sweatshirts can be a bit pricy, but they are nice.

I recieved a heated mattress pad when I went off to college, it was the best present I ever received to take to college, I used it all the way until I got married more than 10 years later. Best of luck, you can find these at almost retailer such as Wal-Mart or Target.

Hi M.
I found a good list for you www.collegeview.com/articles/CV/campuslife/what_to_bring....
A few other good articles about how to adjust, how to make friends. And list of items that are not permitted on campus, sometimes including air conditioners, space heaters, pets, toasters, etc.
Ikea is fun, go as soon as the open, use the yellow hand cart, the grocery styles one will hurt your back. I left and had to go right to the chiropractors.
A. H

I was a student at MSU in the 90's. You know what I needed most for school? CASH!!! Just give her a $50 bill and let her decide how to spend it. This is the best possible gift you could give her.

I agree with all that Denise D says about bath and bedding items! What would be very nice would be if you had the time to take her shopping (with a gift card - like the other poster said, it allows her to know how much she can spend). But if you don't have the time for that, I'd go with the towels, bathroom caddy, bedding, etc.

I would go with storage items/bins, towels, bedding, or laundry hamper. I know Bed, Bath and Beyond has "dorm size" bedding in a bag, usually fairly reasonable, especially with a coupon. You could also get her a bunch of stuff for the bathroom (ie lotions, soaps, shampoo, etc) in a bin to carry it or hold it. A nice comfy robe, slippers or flip flops for the shower (especially if the showers/bathroom in community).

Good luck and have fun. I am sure whatever you get her she will greatly appreciate.