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Original poster

1st time boarding, what to pack?

38 replies

MyNewNewlife · 26/08/2024 11:33

My Ds 16 is going to board for 6th form. He has been to a local private day for secondary but is moving quite far away for 6th form.

How much does he need to take

He has to wear plain suits during school day so i have brought him 3
5 white shirts
Smart shoes and a more casual pair
4 pairs of trainers (one for
Sports)
School Sports kit
3 tracksuits
3pairs of jeans
4 casual trousers
Winter coat x2
Waterproof jacket x 2
4 pyjamas and house coat
4 hoodies
15 T shirts
8 general tops/ jumpers
15 boxers
15 pairs of socks
Hiking gear
Toiletries 2 of everything

He will be there for 7 weeks 😟

Thinking they will do a wash each week and not wanting him to get overwhelmed with washing organising etc

What additional items? Favourite food, drinks and snacks?

Any advice most welcome

OP posts:
Toddlerteaplease · 26/08/2024 18:04

Does he need 4 pairs of trainers and two jackets. Surely a winter coat and a lighter waterproof is enough?

FacingTheWall · 26/08/2024 17:04

Do they do their own laundry or is it done for them? I agree with far fewer items of non-uniform clothing, they just don’t wear it. One pair of formal shoes, and two pairs of trainers is enough. One coat. One lot of toiletries. He can go to the shop if he runs out of toothpaste.

longdistanceclaraclara · 26/08/2024 16:48

I think you have way too much! Why 2 jackets for example? House coat - is any 16yo going to wear a house coat?!

Original poster
MyNewNewlife · 26/08/2024 16:40

Super useful responses. Thank you. Mesh bag.. of course!

Its so strange sending him off.. 😬

OP posts:
UncleBryn · 26/08/2024 15:18

He will need far less casual clothes. Mine se to chill a lot in kit in the evening then shower and into pj's. I would get a mesh bag so all underwear etc can be sent to laundry in that. Agree with everything being named, I got a stamp which is brilliant for a quick name label at school if one has come off etc. Sliders or crocs essential for walking around the house and to go to meals etc.

Gangstamummy · 26/08/2024 15:16

In my experience of boys they seem to spend a lot of their downtime wearing the sports kit so keep home clothes to a minimum…

Gangstamummy · 26/08/2024 15:15

Be prepared for half of it to go missing (a certainty if unnamed) - I’d suggest you are sending far too much stuff. Why does he need two of each coat for eg? And two of each toiletry? Amazon presumably delivers but I’d be surprised if he can’t get to a shop to replenish if needed. Not on your list - I’d get him a lockable tuck box or similar and a mattress topper…

Original poster
MyNewNewlife · 26/08/2024 15:09

Xiaoxiong · 26/08/2024 11:55

The boarding school must have a list - almost every school does.

I'd dial right back on all the casual clothes, and increase the number of dress shirts to 6 if he has school on Saturday too. If laundry's being done once a week you should be able to just send 2-3 casual tops for weekends and reduce socks/pants to 10 rather than 15. Also will he have school on Saturday?

Remember that you have an incentive not to send too much as everything needs to be labelled, EVERYTHING - including every single sock! Sewn-in woven labels are best.

Here's an example from Radley - you see they only require 3 t-shirts and one pair of jeans in the "home clothes" section.

www.radley.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Shell-Clothing-and-Equipment-checklist.pdf

Thank you, thats helpful. Theres a guide but not itemised.

OP posts:
AgileGreenSeal · 26/08/2024 12:03

Surely the school gave you a list?

Wishitsnows · 26/08/2024 12:02

A lot seem to their sliders a lot of the time

LIZS · 26/08/2024 12:01

Agree , how often is laundry done and how quickly returned. Does he come home regularly?

Xiaoxiong · 26/08/2024 11:55

The boarding school must have a list - almost every school does.

I'd dial right back on all the casual clothes, and increase the number of dress shirts to 6 if he has school on Saturday too. If laundry's being done once a week you should be able to just send 2-3 casual tops for weekends and reduce socks/pants to 10 rather than 15. Also will he have school on Saturday?

Remember that you have an incentive not to send too much as everything needs to be labelled, EVERYTHING - including every single sock! Sewn-in woven labels are best.

Here's an example from Radley - you see they only require 3 t-shirts and one pair of jeans in the "home clothes" section.

www.radley.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Shell-Clothing-and-Equipment-checklist.pdf

Dolphinnoises · 26/08/2024 11:35

Do they not have a list? My school always did