Attention parents, relatives, friends, loved ones and basically anyone who knows any college students. I'm about to give you some of the best advice on how to make those people you know in college incredible happy, and love you forever. As you know, many college students are broke and sometimes don't even have enough money to buy food other than ramen noodles. Sending care packages, random gifts, birthday presents, Christmas presents etc. is highly encouraged and makes those in college not only feel loved but also helps them survive. College students, including myself, LOVE gifts! I've asked around and couldn't agree more on the top three gifts that college kids everywhere would love to receive.
3. Household Items/Practical Items.
Since we have now become adults and have to provide for ourselves after moving away from our parent(s), anything we can use in our dorm room, apartment, or house is always appreciated. No one is going to turn down a coffee maker, (Keurig or not) that allows us to make our own coffee before running out the door to class. This saves us a ton of time and money from going to our campus or local coffee shop too! Bed Sheets? Perfect! That is one less expense for us and it really wouldn't hurt to get a couple sets of them so we have other sheets to put on our bed while our dirty set is in the laundry. Anything from plastic dishes to a small fan, all the way to a futon, or vacuum cleaner will be loved by all students.
(See all that? Yes, we have to provide for that on our own in addition to paying for school, minus the bed and desk.)
2. Food/Groceries.
Food! We love food, especially if it is a home cooked meal. Since college students are constantly on the go we don't have much time to cook our own meals. We rely on either campus food, fast food, or on some occasions free food from different clubs and organizations. Basically, we eat like crap! Parents, this is why we scarf down food like we've been living in the wild when we come home for a visit. Sometimes we have so little money that we can't afford food and have to either beg our friends to cook for us, or ration out our food till the next payday. Thanksgiving and Christmas are like winning the lottery to us! A giant feast before our eyes and we don't have to spend any money or meal swipes on it? You bet we are going to eat until we pass out. Helpful hint: if you have a family member or friend at your holiday meal, offer then the leftovers, even if they say no! Insist they take them for the road, because sometime people are to shy to admit they have no food, or no money for food. Also, free food is one of the greatest gifts of all! We will appreciate it more than you know.
(We are practically crying tears of joy when we come home to this beautiful sight! Then we have to muster the strength we have to hold ourselves back from digging in face first.)
1. Money/Gift Cards
Like I stated before, sometimes college students don't even have money for food. With money or giftcards, we can buy anything we need. Sometimes that may be food, clothing for a job interview, school supplies for class etc. The possibilities are endless. Gas cards are also great, that way we can go see family, friends or loved ones. Personally I think there is no greater feeling in the world than that feeling when you have a full tank of gas. Then I can run to the store if I need to, drive to campus if I'm running late for class, see my family, or have a way to get to work for the next week or two. Sending cards for holidays, or just because that have money inside (no matter the amount) is sure to make a college student happy. So, if you're unsure what to get someone for their birthday and they are in college, always go with this option and you'll defiantly shoot to the top of their list.
(Yes, we're aware that money doesn't grow on trees, but anything helps! Only have $10 to spare? Perfect, send it along with your card or care package. Even the littlest amounts can mean the world to us, and we will stretch that as far as possible. You can never disappoint with the gift of money!)
