2. Reach out to your future roommate to see what s/he can bring so you can split up the list. Rather than end up with two TVs, perhaps you can share one. There are still items you'll likely both need, like separate alarm clocks, extension cord/power strips (since most dorm rooms only have a couple outlets), your own posters/decor items (like photos of family and high school friends), and your own iPods/music systems, but checking in beforehand makes sense for those things you can share. Also, you should inquire about the residence hall rules for bringing in appliances/electrical equipment. For instance, will they allow you to bring your own mini-fridge or are you required to use an approved vendor with special mini-fridges? Mini-fridges aren't a necessity, but they come in handy and can help save some cash if you stock up on late night snacks and cold drinks rather than ordering food delivered.
3. Confirm what equipment and office supplies are required and determine whether it's cheaper/easier to buy it after you arrive on campus. Most colleges offer lists of what they suggest students need to buy, including such basics as extra-long sheets for your extra-long dorm beds, desk supplies (stapler, tape, scissors, pens, etc.), and some sort of portable container to lug your bathroom supplies back and forth. But what about other gear? Does your college require every student have a laptop? If so, is it cheaper to buy at the campus bookstore with the educational discount or shop around before you get to campus? Do you need to bring your own printer or is there a 24 hour computer lab in the residence hall with free printing? Do you need a bicycle? Can you buy a used one from a graduating student or the local campus area's Craiglist rather than lug one from home to campus? When can you get the list of required books for your classes? What's the return policy if you buy them on-line from a cheaper source than the campus bookstore in case you later drop the class?
4. Consider what new wardrobe needs are necessary. Are you moving from a climate where it's sunny year-round to one with real winters? Since flip-flops won't cut it in 30 degree weather, you'll likely need to wait until you get to campus to pick up some winter clothing. If your residence hall has shared bathrooms rather than semi-private ones, do you need a new bathrobe? If you plan to bike to classes, keep in mind that you may need some bike-friendly clothes (e.g., women can still bike in dresses/skirts but you'll need longer hems).
5. After you've settled in and before the first day of class, scout out the campus and confirm the amount of time it takes to get to your class locations. It might be a little geeky, but it will be one less thing to stress about on the first day of class. It's probably been a while since you took the campus tour, so see if your roommate or other new friends want to walk around campus with you. I also think it's a good way to find out about campus hangouts and places to eat lunch. Rather than walk all the way back to the residence halls in between classes, students often opt to study on campus at coffeehouses or on the lawn. Many larger campuses also have free campus shuttles. Figure out the schedule and where the stops are now, and that might just mean you get an extra 10 minutes of sleep!
6. Go get your Student ID card and e-mail account (if it hasn't already been assigned). Try to go early to avoid the lines. Your Student ID card is necessary for so many things from the mundane, like getting into the residence hall, to the special, like discounts at local movie theaters or for free tickets to campus events.
7. Confirm financial accounts are in order and locate the closest ATMs. Before your parents leave campus, make sure you're all set with the campus financial aid office/cashier's office. If tuition hasn't been paid yet or some other financial issue arises, it is probably easiest for them to handle it in person. If necessary, figure out whether you will need to open a new bank account with a local bank. You should also find the closest ATMs (hopefully your bank has one so you don't get charged a fee for every withdrawal!). You should also talk with your parents about credit card accounts. They may strongly prefer that you not open your own credit card accounts, since so many college students end up with significant credit card debt. If you take on a part-time job or your parents deposit funds into your bank account, you may be fine just using cash provided there is an ATM close by. Some colleges also offer the option to "load funds" onto your student ID and use that as a form of cashless currency. While you're at the bank, get a roll of quarters for the residence hall laundry machines, too.
8. Find out where the Student Health Center is. This is another task that most students don't bother doing until they're sick. Trust me, when you're feverish or otherwise sick enough to need a doctor, you don't want to be looking up a campus map trying to figure out where to go. While you're at it, find out where the recreation facilities are so you can avoid the Freshman 15 by swimming, working out, rock climbing, etc.
9. With new friends and possibly your roommate, go check out the college town itself. If you're lucky, it's within easy walking distance but if not, hopefully one of your new friends brought a car or you can rent a Zipcar. You'll want to look for the local grocery store (since the residence hall convenience store tends to be expensive and have limited inventory), cheap restaurants, coffeehouses, hair/nail salons, shopping mall, etc.
10. Call your parents and thank them. Assuming your parents have been a positive influence in your life, call them and thank them for all that they have done to help you get to this point in life. After dropping you off and heading back home, your parents may be facing a mix of emotions, too. Hearing from you will cheer them up and knowing that you're doing well will reassure them that they've raised a great child who's about to embark on an exciting next chapter of life.
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