Historically, the sons of Native Americans participated in a rather simple rite-of-passage: they were given a knife, were sent into the wilderness for a period of time, and were expected to survive on their own.

The modern American college student, however, embarking on his first independent living experience, isn’t going to cut it with just a knife.

Your typical college student has to be able to perform a gamut of tasks and exhibit an assortment of skills in order to survive successfully. He has to be adept at the use of appliances and electronics: telephones, computers, cd players, cameras, tape recorders, coffee makers. He has to know how to surf the net, sort the laundry, save the environment. And this is just a fraction of what is expected of him.

An organized approach is invaluable in determining what he needs and what he needs to know. Categorizing the "necessities" seems a logical way to begin: room furnishings, linens, desk and stationery supplies, appliances and electronics, sports and hobby equipment, closet and storage items, medications, toiletries. Then of course there is the all-important wardrobe. To the casual observer it seems to consist solely of T-shirts and torn jeans. And yet, there are occasions when other outfits seem called for – semi-formals, interviews, visits to the dean. Variables of geography, propriety and climate will impact on the clothes that are necessary.

Often, the most useful items (defined as those most likely to be borrowed!) are those that can be easily overlooked in the rush to settle in on campus: a tool kit, a sewing kit, a first aid kit, extra batteries, quarters.

Somehow, college students do manage to develop survival skills, and the vast majority graduate successfully to "the real world." So let’s cross our fingers and send them off with high hopes …… and a Swiss Army knife!