Can I just say that I always pack WAAAYYYY to much, so when I left for college last year, I filled up a Toyota Sienna haha (I only live 2 hours away from school).
Couldn't live without:
-Computer and printer (some kids get the computer but how helpful is that without a printer?)
-Microwave and fridge (make sure to check the size requirements that some dorms have on fridges)
-Laundry Hamper (some places sell convenient ones that colapse to take up less space)
-Power Strip with surge protector (common sense)
-Extension cords (Electrical sockets are spare)
-DUCT TAPE (firm believer in duct tape haha.. taped cords to the floor, taped white board to the back of my door)
-Large Towels, basket for shower items, and a lock for a locker (Bathroom essentials)
-Microwave-able bowls/plates/cups (Easy Mac is not easy to make when you dont have any bowls to heat it up in!)
-Medicine (IB Prophin, Tylenol Cold, Nasal Decongestant, Tums, cough drops, chap stick... You never know what kind of weird dorm disease you kid could catch. Colds spread very easily in the dorms!!)
-Plastic Containers (big tubs to place under the bed to store things in like books, movies, food items, water)
-Extra long twin sheets (I found mine at Linens and Things)
Fun Items (remember I'm a girl haha)
-Picture Frames (one of my fav. things to do is to see my friends pictures of them before i met them)
-TV with VCR or DVD player (Sometimes there is nothing interesting on TV, so a movie night is needed)
-Posters (some people feel more at home when they decorate their room)
-Dry Erase markers and board (Its fun to leave messages to roommates letting them know when you will be back or something)
-Umbrella (I forgot mine, and needed it a month into school started!)
-Camera (I love my digital camera, but maybe a disposable camera or two so he can take pics of him at school to send home everyonce and a while)
I hope thats a good start..