What to make for a college going away present?

maybe a cool blanket for a dorm bed [if she's going somewhere cold] or a neat travel mug if she drinks coffee in the morning. You can just buy something as long as it's definitely useful and you thought about the gift.

Basically ask yourself "what would i need if i was living alone"

If you absolutely cannot think of anything or want to make a so-so gift better, add a Walgreen's/CVS/Walmart gift card. But make sure there is one in the town she'll be going to!

You can check with this: http://maps.google.com/

type in "Walgreen's loc: [her university] , [the town it's in]" and it will show you where and how far away it is. Lather, rise, repeat until you find a near-by convenience store.