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Things to bring and not to bring to college

Been a LONG time, but here goes.

What to leave home:
1. Anything related to Star Trek
2. Comic books
3. A mechanical pencil
4. White dress shirts
5. Bookmarks
6. Soap on a Rope
7. Kleenex
8. Board games especially Monopoly
9. Slippers
10. Any wall poster of any woman

What to bring:
1. Condoms (preferably ribbed)
2. Bottle opener
3. Subscription to Wired
4. USB pen drive
5. Cashews and Trail Mix (The good kinds)
6. Tape Measure
7. Noise-cancelling headphones
8. Cricket Bat
9. Nose Hair trimmer
10. Any Enya album for studying

Good luck. Hope you do better than I did in college. (Oh, but the MEMORIES!)
 
This should go without saying, but I'm often surprised how many people don't think about it: DON'T bring anything that's extremely valuable and/or would be difficult to replace (e.g. jewelry) - Stuff gets stolen in dorms all the time.

Given the number of "disagreements" in this thread, I thought I would point out one more thing: If you're unsure about what to bring, contact the residence life office at your school! Each school's dorms are a little bit different, and the staff will be happy to tell you what's in the room - some schools now have fridges in all the rooms already - no need for you to bring another one. It can also be helpful to ask about things like closet size and the number of outlets, whether or not ethernet cable is provided, etc.
 
rickvanr said:
Forgot to add that a Foreman is essential.
No one can disagree with that.
Click to expand...


Be sure to check with your dorm regulations before bringing the Foreman. The dorm I was in frowned on even hotpots. My 4 cup coffeemaker just barely slid under the list of what was allowed.

Make sure to check to see if your dorm has regular twin beds or XL twin beds, and purchase the appropriate sheets. Make sure your comforter is something you are comfortable sitting on and messing up -- your bed becomes your couch, lounge, staging area for projects, etc.
 
TEG said:
DO NOT BRING: A Printer of any Kind. You will have no room for it, plus the supplies cost an arm and a leg. Use your thumb drive to take anything you need printed to a computer lab. The iPod Shuffle is quite handy for this.
Click to expand...
My school charges for prints. It's easier to get a cheap printer.

DO NOT BRING: Silverware, Plates, or Bowls. Buy Paper plates/bowls, plastic silverware/cups as you will have no place to clean them in a dorm.
Click to expand...
We had a common kitchen downstairs. I cooked about once a week. I had pots, pans, silverware, plates, etc.
 
I'd also check with the roomie before bringing the microwave -- no use in having two. If you're allowed to have them though, they're wonderful to have. (The one in the lounge on my floor was always broken.)

Re: dishes -- plastic, microwave-safe dishes are best. They're also durable --for when you accidentally knock them off the desk.
 
joker2 said:
Be sure to check with your dorm regulations before bringing the Foreman. The dorm I was in frowned on even hotpots. My 4 cup coffeemaker just barely slid under the list of what was allowed.
Click to expand...

Of course, there are regulations, and then there's what your pot-smoking, beer-tax-collecting, "go play frisbee in the next hall so I don't know about it" RA will tolerate. ;) :D Also, in some older dorm buildings, a hot pot or microwave on the same circuit as just about anything else will blow a fuse or cause some sort of problems, so you may want to be mindful of that.

A lot of these cooking considerations depend on how close the cafeteria is, meal plans (mandatory or not, cost), and quality of the food there (which has to be considered against how lazy you are).
 
Oh, a small toolkit is always handy. A few screwdrivers, some allen keys and stuff. Very handy when you're putting some furniture together and for opening computers, battery compartments etc.
 
Things to bring to art school :

Some string
Canvas
Paint
Camera
Hat
2 belts
garden gnomes
a good chair
something you look good in when being moody
Morrissey poster
maybe a hackey sack

On second thought forget the paint and canvas. The whole point is to make it up on the fly and convince a couple people you know what you're doing. :D
 
Haven't gone to college yet (though I've gotten my first acceptance!), I've gone to boarding school for 4 years, so I'll drop my suggestions.

There are a lot of things that make life in a dorm room much more appealing...you could bring none of this stuff and have a perfectly wonderful time....but making your room comfortable is key.


--A good bedspread. Because your bed takes up so much space you'll end up using it as a couch and a drop zone for random crap. Get something comfortable to sit on that can take a beating.

--Airport Express (or similar....express is small and has great range for one room). You can talk with your roomie about this, but it's great to have and eliminates a HUGE amount of cable mess, which really gets in the way in small rooms.

--Game console (w/ a "Jam Box" so you can play on a monitor, or a TV). People will probably poo-paw this, but it's awesome for breaking the ice. When you have to get to know people that you're living with, it's much easier to do it through watching a movie or playing a game....it brings you all to common ground. Plus, other people will probably bring their systems....16 player Halo over system-link is a wonderful thing. :)

--Tapestry. Chances are you won't know much about the size or layout of your room before you get there....so poster space is hard to judge, but a big printed cloth packs really small and can adjust to fit anywhere. Excellent wall filler, especially if you have cinderblock walls.

--Floor lamp. If your room only has an overhead fluorescent lamp, you'll want something else. Standing lamps are really cheap, take up almost no room (they can be squeezed in behind your desk or bed), and they totally change the feel of the room.

--Kensington Lock for your computer. I think this is pretty obvious.

--A Shower basket. Depending on your dorm's arrangement you might be going down the hall for the showers. Don't want to be grappling with an armload of shampoo bottles and bars of soap. These can be had for less than $5.

--More than one alarm clock. Sleeping through sucks.
 
We had a famous Beer Bong at my college (a college is where you stay when you go to Uni) called "Cheerio." As one of the original investors my name is etched into the plastic funnel on the top.

It is nearly 30 feet long, has a tap near the mouth to adjust the pressure and went from 25mm plastic tubing through an adapter down to 19mm tubing. This pumped the pressure so high that when we tested it, the water we put through was shot nearly six feet into the air. It knocked me off my feet the first time I opened the tap to full.

We used to fill it from the third story of the college's old building and it would take about 20 beers before the foam got too high and it got too heavy to hold.

It was a beautiful thing to see in action. We didn't measure our abilities in "beers," we measured our prowess in "floors." If you could drink a "floor" of beer you were doing well, considering the pressure of it all forced it straight into your stomach.

I'll see if I can find some pics.
 
Chundles said:
We had a famous Beer Bong at my college (a college is where you stay when you go to Uni) called "Cheerio." As one of the original investors my name is etched into the plastic funnel on the top.

I'll see if I can find some pics.
Click to expand...

As I said - University life is all about discovery! Look forward to seeing those pictures!
 
OutThere said:
--Airport Express (or similar....express is small and has great range for one room). You can talk with your roomie about this, but it's great to have and eliminates a HUGE amount of cable mess, which really gets in the way in small rooms.

--More than one alarm clock. Sleeping through sucks.
Click to expand...


I havent though about a router. I forgot I run on one those here at Texas Tech (agaist the rules but I dont really care.)
I going to say go one step farther and something to think about if you have are using a laptop is get a full flege wireless router. The airport is nice but you may be expaning you network later on so having a dedicated router is nice. Mind you you will want to check the schools rules on it. A lot of them dont like you going be hind a router and they are even morel likely to complain if you are running a wireless router. Mind you it is nice for me since I have both a desktop and a laptop (not something I recomend doing. The laptop is kind of old and I had it for a while. Got the desktop later) Plus for my own uses it nice for shared printing and stuff.

Also extra alarm clocks are good. My computer doubles as a 2nddare alarm clock. My phone is my 3rd alarm clock. I dont like my main alarm clock but it works.


Oh and other item you are going to want. Power strips (and yes I mean multiple power strips. at least 2) and extention cords. I think for my single room here I have 4 power strips full. and and a few 3 plugs extention cords. The computer along is going to eat up bettween 4-5 plugs. This is not going to count the other things that will need power. For example Alarm clock, TV, DVD player, cell phone charge among other things. It always a good idea to have a little more in that area than you think you are going to need. 1 extra powerstrip will do. Worse case it stays in your desk. But there is a good chance it going to get used.
 
As you wish.

That's the president of the college on the receiving end.

Ah, good times.....good times....

 
I found my Xbox, PS2 and TV to be essential....I have so much free time having tuesdays and thursdays off, and in this small town, there isn't much else to do but sit down and watch a DVD or play a game

Cell phones are a must for anyone going to college outside of thier home area code. My parents can call me and I can call them without paying expensive campus long distance charges. Plus, for those of you with cars who will be driving long distances home, you'll want a cell in case of a road emergency.

Obviously, if you're reading this, I have a feeling you're bringing a computer. Don't count on ethernet cables being available...bring your own. Also, bring a surge protector too.

Fridge and microwave...check with your college first. My college has a minifridge in every dorm room, and the suites have a microwave too. It would be pretty stupid to bring either of those with you when they're provided.

I know others might disagree, and for a lot of people, it may not even be possible, but if you can bring a car with you, bring it. I know most say "Nah, you can walk everywhere" or "you can get rides from friends" but do you want to walk 2 miles to Wal-Mart in the rain or be dependant on your friends? Doubtful.
 
Timepass said:
Also extra alarm clocks are good. My computer doubles as a 2nddare alarm clock. My phone is my 3rd alarm clock. I dont like my main alarm clock but it works.
Click to expand...

Do you mean "secondary" alarm clock?

I don't mean to be mean but I'm having a lot of trouble understanding your posts. Do you have the Safari spellcheck turned on? If you're using Firefox there is a spellcheck plug-in you can use.

I'd seriously consider using one as it will make your posts (which are actually very informative) more easily understood.

Please don't take offense, just pointing out something that might help you.
 
Chundles said:
Do you mean "secondary" alarm clock?

I don't mean to be mean but I'm having a lot of trouble understanding your posts. Do you have the Safari spellcheck turned on? If you're using Firefox there is a spellcheck plug-in you can use.

I'd seriously consider using one as it will make your posts (which are actually very informative) more easily understood.

Please don't take offense, just pointing out something that might help you.
Click to expand...

yeah I understand. Normally writing a lot of these bettween running off some where.
Also I dont mean secondary alarm clock. I mean Extra alarm clocks. 1 extra good. I have 3. Alarm clock, computer and phone. My palm is sorta of a 4th one.
 
Timepass said:
yeah I understand. Normally writing a lot of these bettween running off some where.
Also I dont mean secondary alarm clock. I mean Extra alarm clocks. 1 extra good. I have 3. Alarm clock, computer and phone. My palm is sorta of a 4th one.
Click to expand...

Well, you do actually mean "secondary" then. Your Alarm clock is your primary alarm, the computer is your secondary alarm, your phone is the tertiary alarm and your Palm Pilot is your quaternary alarm.

That's a lot of alarm clocks!!

Have you seen the one that is fitted inside a studded rubber ball? When the alarm goes off it starts bouncing around the room. You have to physically get up to turn it off.

Back to topic:

If your common room has a fridge then that's all well and good but I would still recommend a smallish bar fridge. Nothing like coming home after a big night on the turps to a fridge full of cold water and something to eat.

A good fan. It's going to get warm for you guys soon and it's definitely warm down here (although it'll start to cool down in about oh, 2 months....can't come soon enough) and a fan will help to not only keep you relatively cool but it will also aid in ridding the room of any smells that will arise during the year (spilt beer, spew, sex etc.)
 
Chundles said:
Well, you do actually mean "secondary" then. Your Alarm clock is your primary alarm, the computer is your secondary alarm, your phone is the tertiary alarm and your Palm Pilot is your quaternary alarm.

That's a lot of alarm clocks!!

Have you seen the one that is fitted inside a studded rubber ball? When the alarm goes off it starts bouncing around the room. You have to physically get up to turn it off.

Back to topic:

If your common room has a fridge then that's all well and good but I would still recommend a smallish bar fridge. Nothing like coming home after a big night on the turps to a fridge full of cold water and something to eat.

A good fan. It's going to get warm for you guys soon and it's definitely warm down here (although it'll start to cool down in about oh, 2 months....can't come soon enough) and a fan will help to not only keep you relatively cool but it will also aid in ridding the room of any smells that will arise during the year (spilt beer, spew, sex etc.)
Click to expand...

It not the snooze button for me that is the problem. I already have to get up and go across the room to get to my alarm clock and then getting back in the top bunk is a pain in the rear. It more the fact that I can sleep though several alarm clocks. Heck today some one started banging on my door because I was sleeping though my main alarm clock. I am a pretty heavy sleeper. Plus I sometimes forget to set my main one. The computer is always set right since it is set by the day of the week. It all little tricks I have learned to get me up. And yes I am thinking about getting a 4th alarm clock. Partly because I want another clock in my room and I want another alarm clock.
Speaking of which where can I get one of those alarm clocks that go bouncing around the room. That one might work since it will move it location every day and require me think to figure out where it is.

Back on topic
Hmm more good items to add to the list. I will try to update after my class I have in a little while. The little mini fridge is nice. The school supplies me with one but I know if they didnt I would of bought one or took one from him. I like my morning milk. Yes fans are a must.

Oh another item. Broom and dust pan.
A push pin board. Good place for keeping notes and imporant things from class
Like some else said about having a car is really nice. Not really required. I enjoy having mine up here. I think I drive about 250 miles/month (1 tank). But it pretty easy to get by with out one. I gone some times over a week with out ever driving my car.
Hmm I need to rememeber to take some pictures of my room later to help out some and it will show give you a good idea on what some one who been in the dorms a few years is like. (yes I break some of my own rules but I been at school longer. Namely in the DVD department but a lot of them are up here on request from friends and bettween all of us we dont have very many over lapping DVDs. Books my look bad for me but almost all of them are old text books I use as referances.
I do wish I had pictures of my room my first year. I had a lot of extra stuff.

Adding to the list to bring later
Broom and dust pan.
Fan or fans

Things to think about
Computer desk chair (check on the size and lay out of the dorm first some time the extra chair will make it really tight, mind you I love my computer chair so I do have one)

Things not to bring
A couch or recliner. both eat up way to much room,


Also rememeber this is a basic list for freshman. Some things will be different for your own dorms. But you will not go wrong by following this list. After you get to school see what people who are returns do. They know the ins and out of the local dorms. Some things are good extra but space is going to be the largest issue.

I try to take pictures of my room later after I pick it up some more. It show you how some one who been in the dorms on his third and final year in the dorms lives.
 
Good suggestions all.

One I can add is this: don't rush to have everything you could possibly need before you go off to school. If you can arrange to have your parents visit on the 2nd or 3rd weekend (when the keggers have slowed down), you'll have a better idea of what to pick up at Target.

Here's what NOT to bring: a girlfriend from high school. A 100 Mhz Packard Bell. Windows 95 with 1 GB harddrive and maybe 8 MG RAM :eek:
(i started school in 1997).
 
jruc4871 said:
Good suggestions all.

One I can add is this: don't rush to have everything you could possibly need before you go off to school. If you can arrange to have your parents visit on the 2nd or 3rd weekend (when the keggers have slowed down), you'll have a better idea of what to pick up at Target.

Here's what NOT to bring: a girlfriend from high school. A 100 Mhz Packard Bell. Windows 95 with 1 GB harddrive and maybe 8 MG RAM :eek:
(i started school in 1997).
Click to expand...


Yeah I didnt have that luxury of parents being able to visit or being able to go home. 600 miles is kind of far for a weekend trip. But he right you dont need everything. A lot of stuff you can get after you get there. Mind most of that list it is a good idea to get ahead of time. The biggest key you need to rememeber is your space is very little. So you know all those boxes that you saved that you computer monitor printer ecta came in. You not going going to the space to store them. The will need to be broken down. The packing mattrial is going to kill you. Heck I one of my 2 closest here at school is complete dedicated to just storing my boxes (I payed for a single room. I basicly the space shared by 2 people belongs only 2 me) But but boxes take up a huge ammount of room and if I had a room mate all those boxes would be in the trash.
The thing to rememeber is to think of all the stuff you bring and how much space that takes up. Now at least that amount of space taken up. Now think is there still going to be enough room for 2 people to sleep, do homework, study and so on. If the answer is no. You are taking 2 much stuff. I know for a fact if I had a room mate space would be very tight. Right now it fine and I have extra space. But if I had to share this room with some else I would be very low on space.
 
I'm going to throw this out there too: Do not bring any of your high school apparel (sweatshirts, athletic team shirts, etc.). You don't want to be "that guy" that still is holding onto the high school years. Particularly avoid this if you went to a top prep school. Nothing more annoying when some kid starts saying, "Well, back when I was at Andover..."

For that matter, don't talk about high school all the time. You're in college now.

Just a pet peeve, I suppose... :)
 
Steven1621 said:
I'm going to throw this out there too: Do not bring any of your high school apparel (sweatshirts, athletic team shirts, etc.). You don't want to be "that guy" that still is holding onto the high school years. Particularly avoid this if you went to a top prep school. Nothing more annoying when some kid starts saying, "Well, back when I was at Andover..."
Click to expand...

Some people I know might have some trouble....it seems like their entire wardrobe is Hotchkiss gear. No worries though....I haven't succumbed to the merchandising scheme yet.

*crosses fingers...only 4 months of resistance left*
 
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