Boarding School First Timer - Help

[Pecially]

I’m just working through the massive list from the school of things to get for DS to go off to boarding school , and I was wondering if anyone had any tips on anything they found useful to take?
For example it suggests a lockable box for valuable items? I’ve no idea how big or where to get from?

You need a tuckbox. www.tuckonline.com has them, and probably other companies too.

My DS is provided with a safe in his room. Each boy has one. His housemaster should know. Other stuff: flip flops - for hanging around the house in - all the boys seem to wear them even in winter. Extra name lables.
Otherwise try and travel light.

I was going to ask the same question! My DS will be starting in year 7 next week.
We don’t really have much as all very last minute as he has been awarded a bursary. We are on a very low income!
Our list says “tuck box” too but I was just going to send a plastic box as there’s no way I can afford £60! I hope that will be ok!

We didn't bother with a tuck box an DD never had any problems. Other than a mobile and laptop (which they're not going to lock away a few times a way), what are they going to take that's so valuable?

I bought some massive laundary bags off Amazon. They're get for squeezing quilts, pillows, dirty washing, files, miscellanous things into very quickly.

DD took her slippers, no mention of flipflops.

contact school to ask about second hand tuckbox, he will feel really left out without one.

A tuck box isn't for tuck (food) anymore, it is just somewhere to keep his stuff, letters from home, books etc.

We are t allowed tuck boxes as no space but they have lockable desks and drawers.

Best advice ask to put in touch with other parents in the house or the matron. They can help with school specific issues.

My only advice is don't stress, everything can be borrowed until you are sorted. If it's Yr 7 then the Matron will be very supportive.

You will be fine with any type of box. The lock is suggested for anything expensive or money.
My dd does have a lockable make up box, but you can get them for boys too, without the make up.

Mine has flip flops so doesn't get verrucas or athletes foot from a shared dorm.
The carpets are a bit old too, so it helps to get to your slippers, socks or shoes.

They invariably have a fire alarm in the middle of the night, usually within first couple of weeks. Good idea to keep slippers by the bed, ready

Label everything especially the net used for laundry.

I have found that dear old trunks are a thing of the past and, given that any luggage you take will probably be locked away until next summer (ie not usable for any Christmas/Easter trips) I use those really big laundry bags which are like extra tough plastic bags with zips and woven handles.

Any pj’s, duvet covers etc should be of darker colours if at all poss - they all end up dingy in the wash anyway!

Posters, blu tack and photos are always good although boys seem to ‘nest’ one hell of a lot less than girls! Fairy lights which come with little battery packs ie not mains-powered seem popular with girls.

Check the position on tuck but if he/she is allowed it, take lots of stuff that is easy to share - good way to meet/ingratiate yourself with dorm-mates!

Lots of tissues and some lovely things planned for early on in the term for you. If you are first-timer, you wont believe how hard it will hit you! Good luck!

DS doesn’t really have any valuables.....

I have got slippers and dressing gown for fire alarms!

I am going to the school on Mon so will have a chance to ask questions then.... this is all new to me!

I wish they still used trunks, far better than cases and rucksacks.
Mine is packing atm, I'm watching but daren't speak as she knows what she is doing.
We have this every year, but this year we are on the train so can't take as much.
Lucky we are near so dh will drop instruments and equipment later in the day.
Anyone back this sunday?

Torches and headphones are a good idea, so they can listen to music, or watch a film/read a book without disturbing others. Likewise if a noisy dorm a bit of respite.
If you have boys does the school have a games console in the common room, I know some take their games.

Yes, talking about how hard it hits you, I'm still terrible and mine is in Y11. When you have spent nearly 10 weeks at home with them it takes some getting used to.
Ito tuck, we haven't bothered as they are allowed out to the shops as lots nearby, depending on age whether accompanied or not.
Find out where medical is and any important places, they soon find their way around but it helps if everything isn't a surprise when they need it.

Wow thank you so much for your replies.
I’ve done a big order from George at Asda for bedding and towels etc. He’s got sliders which he can use for flip flops / slippers. He’s never had slippers or a dressing gown (as the list suggests)
I’ve ordered hundreds of name tags too
Currently arguing with DH about paying £60+ for a tuck box

Just remembered that I actually ordered the towels from ikea because they have loops on them so they can be hung up. The list said I’d need to sew these on so I’m very relieved ikea has done it for me