<p>Do current Stanford students have any advice for soon to be freshman: what classes are good to take, things for the dorm, social life tips, anything?</p>
<p>damn, haven't we helped enough? jp. do have more specific questions? what major are you interested in? what do you want to be socially involved in?</p>
<p>uhh...if ur parents are coming along to drop you off and they are driving a car or something...</p>
<p>BUY LIKE BILLIONS OF CASES OF BOTTLED WATER. </p>
<p>seriously when ur a frosh and you dont have a car... uhh it might be a hassle to buy/carry a case of water onto the marguerite. so take advantage of the opportunity.</p>
<p>literally, you should buy like 1 billion cases of water.</p>
<p>what's wrong with the drinking fountains?</p>
<p>the water tastes nasty.</p>
<p>(also, unchilled)</p>
<p>(also, very cloudy)</p>
<p>(this applies to stern)</p>
<p>The kitchens tend to have a filter on the side.</p>
<p>if you don't feel like being wasteful of tons of plastic or spending $$ on something that is free, just buy/bring a nalgene and fill up with the drinking fountain. after meals, i also filled my nalgene up with ice and the water from there and then it was cold AND the same water that you drink during meals anyway.</p>
<p>I had a Brita filter that I used a lot and that was nice, especially since it fit perfectly in my fridge</p>
<p>A lot of little things that I/people I know forgot/had to buy when they got here: a nice little laptop lock, surge protector, sleeping bag, an ethernet cable (you'll need to at least borrow one from someone, usually your RCC, to register your in room connection), and some formal clothes.</p>
<p>I guess since I'm from Southern California I was able to cram a lot of stuff into a car, which I guess won't be the case if you're coming on a cross-country flight...so I guess use your best judgment, but these are just some things I thought of...</p>
<p>why do you need a sleeping bag?</p>
<p>I guess that might have been something particular to my dorm, but we camped out for home basketball games and having a sleeping bag made things a lot more comfortable...that and I have a lot of friends that go to Berkeley and it was nice in case they visited or I went up there</p>
<p>Hm? Bottled water? Take advantage of the fact that we have such a good water sanitation program... no need to waste all of that money. If the chlorine/added minerals really bug you, you can always grab a water filter for around $10. Much cheaper than buying bottled water all semester long. More info: <a href="http://andrewsuciu.googlepages.com/bottledvstap%5B/url%5D">http://andrewsuciu.googlepages.com/bottledvstap</a></p>
<p>What kind of "formal clothes"? What kind of "formal occation"?</p>
<p>don't buy water bottles. waste of money. buy a nalgene. the fountains are fine.</p>
<p>formal occasion include frosh formal and certain invite only parties which are more for upperclassmen in certian circles or frats/sororities. there's boat dance too. there are also possible interviews you'll go to or award events or performances you might do for certain extracurricular stuff. it just depends. you don't need that much formal clothing though.</p>
<p>yeah just a nice shirt and khakis -- i had a jacket, but only used that like 6 times in the year.</p>
<p>er: bring a nice basket to take toiletries to the loo. and your favorite medicines. and extra lamps and stuff, if you can.</p>
<p>someone, i thought each bathroom has a little cubical to store stuff?</p>
<p>yeah most do, but not enough. and do you really want to leave shampoo and conditioner around so everyone else can use it? not that they will, but i've seen it happen.</p>
<p>... and toothpaste.</p>
<p>seriously, folks. using someone else's is just really nasty.</p>
<p>Don't take more than 15 units your first quarter. A desk lamp is really handy. Since it is sunny most of the time, it's a good idea to bring a blanket or towel to sit on when you hang out outside on the grass. Don't buy tons of extra Cardinal Dollars. Even if you don't get into a class you want to take (like an intro sem) go to the first class anyway and see if any spaces have opened up. Many times you'll be able to take the class anyway. Actually get to know your profs. Do you reading when you are supposed to instead of reading it at the end of the quarter right before finals. Don't worry about college before you get there. The stuff that you worry about probably won't be a problem at all. Know that even if your peers don't seem to be working that hard, they probably are. I would estimate that at least 90% of freshman (probably more) find that at some point they don't do as well as they would like to do. If that happens don't worry. Know that you are in good company. If you get a B in IHUM on your first paper, it's not the end of the world. Most TFs give Bs (or worse), yet still give As (or at least A-s) for the quarter. A lot of math/science classes have really, really nice curves so even if your raw score isn't great you could still end up with an A. If you want to join a club or try out for a group do it, even if you don't think you'll make it. And most importantly ENJOY YOUR FRESHMAN YEAR! It will be amazing and you'll be so sad when it's over. You are all going to have the most incredible year of your life. Welcome to Stanford!</p>
<p>^^^word.</p>
<p>Definitely get to know your professors. Most are extremely open and willing to help. And don't be afraid to try new things. Getting involved is the best thing you can do. Stanford is not all about taking tests and writing essays (although these activities admittedly take up a large amount of time ;)</p>
<p>As for material things, I would make sure to bring an alarm clock, the computer stuff mentioned above, and - if you are driving - anything that you would normally run to the store to pick up. Because it's true, lugging stuff around on the Margeurite is not exactly fun. There are plenty of more exciting things to do with your time. Good luck all. Hope to see you soon.</p>