Boarding school essentials

[HazelnuttyCappuccino]

DD2 is off to board in Spetember for Sixth Form for the first time. School haven't sent us a list of things to bring and now I'm panicking! Just things like how many sets of bedding or how many towels to bring? Anyone with boarding school experience - any useful tips and tricks or essentials she needs to remember? Thanks!

The more stuff she takes, the more she risks losing in the system. So keep it simple initially - she will tell you soon enough is she is lacking anything.

DD's school provided bedding but she wanted her own, and one set was enough. It was washed regularly.

Two bath towels and two hand towels were enough.

Not all schools require you to take bedding. My DS didn't need to take anything. My DD though took a duvet, 2 duvet covers and pillow cases. Sheets and pillows were provided by her school.

It is difficult to suggest how many towels etc as it depends how sporty your DD is and how often the laundry is done as a pp mentioned. Mine had 3 towels which included one for swimming. In the sixth form she was allowed to use the washing machines or the laundry. We had mesh bags to put underwear and socks in. These are zip bags and using them decreases the number of name labels that need to be sewn in.

The amount your DD takes is also restricted by the amount of cupboard/wardrobe space she is allocated. So it is better to start off with a limited amount of stuff and increase it as needed, rather than be swamped with too much stuff at the beginning and nowhere to put it.

Does your DD have the names of any other boarders she met when she visited the school? If so maybe she could email them and see if they have a copy of the uniform and boarding list. I expect there will be someone in the school office next week checking post etc. Our school office was manned from 10 -12 in the holidays.

Good luck to your DD at her new school.

DD has to take her own duvet, and pillows, and two sets of bedding.

Apart from that, I think the only compulsories are uniform, pyjamas, toiletries, casual clothes and school books, although they can buy toiletries on site.

They recommend a desk lamp, posters for the wall, a mug and cushions for the bed. DD has all that plus kettle, rug and toaster (that I have so far see, lol).