I got something in the mail yesterday from one of the local universities, a sort of half-advertisement for the school, half-magazine. One of the things that caught my eye was a list called ‘Are You Packed Yet?’ It’s a list of the top 20 things new students said they recommended putting on a college packing list. It caught my eye mainly because I wrote about the same thing a couple days ago. I’m posting this list for comparison (with commentary), and because they listed some things I completely missed, or just wasn’t thinking about at the time.
-Driver’s license and vehicle registration
-Prescriptions and insurance ID card
-Important phone numbers and addresses
-Cell phone or phone card
-Electronics: computer, TV, DVD, iPod
(about the TV: I don’t plan on taking one, b/c my laptop plays DVDs, I can catch up with most of my favorite shows online, and there in the dorms I’ve been in, there’s a lounge with a shared TV. I didn’t miss mine at all this summer.)
-Artwork, posters, photos
-Linens, towels
-Laundry basket, detergent
-School supplies
-Calender, day planner
-Change for vending machines
-Favorite munchies
-Room supplies such as hangers, extension cords, surge-protector, alarm clock, message board with markers
-Personal items such as shower caddy, coffee mug
-Cleaning supplies
-Clothing (I really didn’t think I had to mention this one, honestly)
-Raincoat, umbrella
-Sports/recreational gear
-Camera
-Favorite books and CDs
the best investment was a foam pad for the bed. on the days that i slept on the bed (many days consist of chair sleeping or sleeping at a random sofa at the library), it felt like heaven — relative of course.
also, find out if your roommate likes it super hot/cold in the room. they never ask this on roommate questionairres but it is extremely important!! if you like the opposite extreme of him, get more blankets (if you want cold) or get a fan (if you want hot).
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my roommate thought i hated her for 6 months because i was hardly ever in my room. i loved her but she made the room 50 F and the vent was in front of my bed. go figure.