<p>We're starting to think about the packing list. I have lots of general college packing experience due to an older son who just graduated. But, he was attending school in California. We'd love some Grinnell-specific advice.</p>
<p>Is is worth the hassle to bring a bike to school? Besides getting around campus, do kids ride out to destinations beyond the campus? (We're from Seattle, and a road trip out to Iowa is a possibility, but a huge time committment. We could easily bring the bike if we do drive. But, flying in is more likely.)</p>
<p>Is there snow around from November to March? April? Do the students wear boots? Regular shoes with boots as a back-up? (I know this sounds silly and I feel silly asking!)</p>
<p>Son loves to x-c ski -- would he ever use his cross-country skis? (and I feel silly asking this too)</p>
<p>Bedding -- I'm guessing that a down comforter with a cover is the way to go? We know about the extra-long sheets.</p>
<p>Thanks for any advice.</p>
<p>We are planning to buy our son a bike out there and find someone to store it with over the summer. I am fairly certain there should be plenty of cross-country skiing out there (certainly more than downhill!!), but if you don’t get answers here, then check out the Grinnell outdoor recreation information on the website. They may even have equipment there the kids can use.</p>
<p>The kids can cross country ski on the golf course north of campus. We looked for groomed trails around Grinnell and did not find any. Snow in Iowa is variable–sometimes it comes in November, sometimes much later. Same with the thaw. My son wears hiking boots when it’s snowy. There are a lot of bikes on campus, although one does not see them being used all that often.</p>
<p>My daughter has her bike at Grinnell. There is a beautiful bike path to Rock Creek State Park that she enjoys. However, from late October through at least March the bike just sits, locked to the bike rack. Honestly, I don’t know if it is worth the effort to take the bike for just the few months they can ride. There are “campus bikes”, although very basic, that students can use for free.</p>
<p>I would definitely recommend bringing hiking boots. The weather is so variable, the past few years have been pretty nasty with a number of ice storms and plenty of snow. There are plenty of days boots are needed but also dry days when you can wear shoes.</p>
<p>My D loves to X-country ski also, but don’t bother to bring his skiis. There is very little space in the dorms to store them (we tried her first year). GORP (Grinnell Outdoor Recreation Program) has skiis that can be used by students, not sure if there is a fee but it would be very minimal if there is.</p>
<p>My D has a down comforter but in the early fall and spring just leaves it at the end of her bed. If your son is in one of the dorms without air conditioning it can be pretty warm in September and even into early October some years.</p>
<p>Yes on the hiking boots. I also recommend layers, like a fleece or other insulated jacket and then a shell with a hood to wear over that when it’s really cold. The wind chill on that campus can be fierce. The campus and town are so small that bikes aren’t really necessary. My son has a washable comforter, but down with a cover would be just as good. My son has dust allergies so a washable comforter is better for him.</p>
<p>Great info - thanks. Ww won’t worry about bringing his bike unless we drive out. He can use x-country skiis from GORP. Hiking boots - yes.</p>
<p>Hey, I was thinking about getting a group of a few parents to consider renting a storage container in Grinnell for the summers when S is there. We are coming from California and if S can’t store stuff at the college over the summer, would anyone be interested in renting a container out there. I think they come in different sizes and if we get enough interest, the cost could be quite cheap. At any rate, I am going to investigate when we drop S off in August. Any interest???</p>
<p>I think you will find that there is some storage available on campus for the summer. You can check out Grinnell’s website and if you find nothing there, check with the residence life office. I think you will find that the RL office sends out lots of information about this to the students, but it may be toward the end of the year, when they are busy with exams and papers. </p>
<p>I wish I could be more help, but we did not use on-campus storage last year and I have not talked to son enough about it this year to have the scoop.</p>
<p>Yes, C&K Transfer handles storage. (641-236-3418) They charge per box. Larger items they store off-site. Your student may be able to handle this, but if you have questions, give C&K a call.</p>
<p>For this summer, items stored, depending on size, were either $5, $7 or $10 each.</p>
<p>Thank you so much to California member for posting this thread. We will be coming from North Carolina and have many of the same questions posted on this thread</p>
<p>No need for a storage place - they school has a service to store things - buy a lot of clear plastic bins to put everything in and tape it with packing tape. Or - as we figured out too late - buy a large garbage can with wheels and pack it up put name on it and then it can be easily handled. </p>
<p>For the bike we were going to get a cheap on at Walmart but decided to buy it at the shop in town. We did this because during the summer they will store the bike - she just had to ride it over there and they took it. This was a major plus - and will continue to be for the time she is there. Also I would hope to sell it back to them at the end of her senior year.</p>
<p>It is very cold and snowy in Grinnell. Buy a very warm jacket , boots, gloves and hat also I bought hand and feet warmers that she has in her bag. the dorms seem to be warm but they still have to get to and from classes and the dining hall. I also bought base layers that she used all the time - sleeping under jeans etc. Lots of sweaters, insulated and waterproof boots are a must. Last year Iowa had its third largest snow storm in its history!! Snowed for days. Classes were cancelled but like I said they still had to go to the dining hall.</p>
<p>Also buy a flash light - for black outs!</p>