Dorm Essentials

<p>So, most of us have got our housing assignments. I don't like being a procrastinator so I've already begun searching for stuff for my dorm. What are the best things to have in the IU dorms? I will be living in the Global Village at Foster btw. Is there room for storage under the bed?</p>

<p>Oh, and I have a double.</p>

<p>Gee thanks for answering people. What? Is my question not up to par? Real classy. Losers.</p>

<p>First off, the IU forum on this site isn’t very popular so it’s not that big of a surprise that no one hasn’t replied to you yet. So seriously, just chill out.</p>

<p>I’m in Foster too; and i’ve never been in that dorm before but I’m assuming the rooms are similar to the ones we stayed in at Orientation (Wright). What I got in my room during Orientation was one bunkbed, with no space underneath. There were two “dressers” against the wall (both were tiny) and a shelf type thing. </p>

<p>If I’m not mistaken, IU sent something in the mail about a month ago about an accessory pack they provide for their students. It’s not free, but it was a good price. It included sheets with our color choice, blankets, a mattress pad, shower supplies, flip flops for the showers, other basic neccessities etc. So if you didn’t get that, I’d reccomenfd looking for and into it. It looks like a good deal.</p>

<p>Then bring the obvious fridge/TV/Fan/etc. and XBox/Sterio/etc. if you want. </p>

<p>Really you need to wait until August when you get your roommate assignment so you can plan who’s going to bring what. The rooms at IU are way smaller than the rooms at any other college I’ve been to. So you have to pack light.</p>

<p>The room is kind of small. It may be challenging to fit all those fridge, TV, and fan. Nonetheless, I recall seeing closets in Teter. Does IU provide free wireless internet access on campus? Is there a need to bring a suit? I guess that it is hopeless to bring a cello. What would those music students do?</p>

<p>Yeah there’s free wireless. And I wouldn’t bring a fridge or microwave since you can rent both for $129 for the year.</p>

<p>No need to get testy, it’s summer on a college forum and you asked a very generic question.</p>

<p>Anyways. The rooms in Foster Shea are nice, nicer than a lot of other NW rooms. Carpeting, nice closet, a dresser (I believe), and if you un-bunk your beds you will still have PLENTY of room. Pack light, though, because IU dorms are smaller than most. </p>

<p>TV/fridge/microwave all being obvious, bring lots of Command strips (they are a lifesaver when it comes to hanging anything) and the hooks that they make for them (I used those for my jewelry, towels, etc.).</p>

<p>As Eliza said, the first question was very generic. Also, RPS has a lot of valuable info at this website:</p>

<p>[IU:RPS</a> - Residence Hall Move In Guide](<a href=“http://rps.indiana.edu/mig.cfml]IU:RPS”>http://rps.indiana.edu/mig.cfml)</p>

<p>I must admit that I feel less and less inclined to answer this type of question when it seems that the person with the question hasn’t bothered to check the obvious sources first.</p>

<p>

Really? </p>

<p>

No, and clearly your attitude isn’t either.</p>

<p>If your in/apply to kelley or planing on joining a frat, buy/bring the suit. If not then its not a requirement</p>

<p>outsidesmoke,</p>

<p>Thanks. Btw, no smoking in dorm, right?</p>

<p>^^^IU is a smoke-free campus.</p>

<p><a href=“http://smokefree.indiana.edu/IUB_Tobacco_Policy.pdf[/url]”>http://smokefree.indiana.edu/IUB_Tobacco_Policy.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Although it is technically a smoke free campus (it is a “dry campus” as well) there are certain places smokers can go around the dorm. Even if you smoke outside of those areas nobody will say anything because everyone does it.</p>

<p>IllinoisMom2006: Actually, I have basically read the entire RPS website. I was more on the page of what are some college kids secrets on out of the norm things that work for them. I’m so sorry if I wasn’t clear enough. </p>

<p>Geekorathletic: I can start searching for stuff anytime I want. </p>

<p>Eliza: Thanks for the tip on Command Strips. What are they? lol </p>

<p>LoonLake: I’m just searching for individual stuff for right now. Like you said, I am waiting on hearing from my roommate before I think about all the stuff that can be shared. </p>

<p>All: And when 250 people look at your post and no one offers a reply, you’d get a little annoyed too. I’m glad I finally got your attention. And I’m sorry for sounding rude too.</p>

<p>I lived in the Global Village last semester and it’s a LOT nicer than Wright. Instead of dressers you’ll actually have a closet, along with carpeting, air conditioner, and of course your desk with drawers that slide out. I used mine as a mini vanity to put all of my lotions on top of it and whatnot. :slight_smile: </p>

<p>Also, in Foster unfortunately if you want to bunk your beds it will cost a hefty ~$120? (I don’t remember anymore–split with your roommate, it’ll be ~$60) for them to do it for you so most people don’t go for that option. However, if you arrange your furniture just right you’ll still get plenty of floor space along with storage room under your bed.</p>

<p>For the space under your bed, you might want to buy one of those plastic storage bins specially for under the bed. My first roommate had one, and it was pretty cool. I kept my suitcases under my bed. Also, you most definitely will want to invest in shower shoes, as well as a shower caddy and a toothbrush case/holder. Perhaps a robe as well, if you’re not comfortable walking around in a towel on a co-ed floor.</p>

<p>Two of Global Village’s lounges have kitchens, so if you want to do some cooking then feel free to bring some utensils! The kitchens have their own pots, pans, plates, etc but if you need other things you might want to pick some up. Along with the kitchen is a community fridge so if you don’t feel like shelling out money for one in your room, you can use that one. However, since it is a community fridge you have the risk of having someone tampering with your food. :confused: There is also a microwave available in the kitchens.</p>

<p>Hmm… as for other things, you might want to consider other things to help you feel comfortable in your room. A stereo? A rug? A TV? A toaster? Posters for your wall? An extra lamp for your bed? Really, what you should bring is all about what your own personal lifestyle is like… everyone is different. If anything, you can buy anything else you need when you get to campus, there are plenty of stores around. :)</p>

<p>BTW, Command Strips: <a href=“http://www.diyweek.net/news/images/11089.jpg[/url]”>Error;
Eliza is right, they are definitely a lifesaver. I used mine to hold my jewelry and my keys.</p>

<p>For what it’s worth, my only advice is to resist all the “dorm essential” stuff that is displayed around August at BB&B and Target, etc. Ipod resting docks, full body pillows, etc etc are often a waste of money. Do bring comfortable bedding, summer weather clothes, (you might want to wait on buying t-shirts; it seemed my S was given an IU tee every time he turned around!), a rain jacket, a bike is really great but make sure you have a really good bike lock, and perhaps some snacks. Also a toiletry case (my S brought one from LL Bean that can hang, and has compartments). I think power surge adapters, ext cords, are helpful to have on hand too.</p>

<p>The college has great Welcome Week activities including Midnight Madness where they shuttle freshman to a big box store and all items are discounted. Also there are poster sales, etc. </p>

<p>You might want to consider opening an account with TIS, the local bookstore. I think as a freshman they offer a good buy back deal on books. You can pre-order books and pick them up when you arrive on campus.</p>

<p>Unless you live fairly close by and can schlep a small fridge/microwave to from school then just rent one. My S isn’t into video game playing but his roommate was, and the tv was used mostly for that purpose, so his roommate brought the tv. That’s something you’ll def want to discuss w/your roommate when you get that info.</p>

<ol>
<li>Which hall(s) is the GV in?</li>
<li>Are the floors really co-ed? Cause I’m kinda nervous about that.</li>
<li>Aren’t rubber flip flops good enough for shower shoes? You know, like the ones for 2.50 at Old Navy?
4.Which is better, rain jacket or umbrella? </li>
<li>Do lots of people ride bikes?</li>
</ol>

<p>Thanks.</p>

<ol>
<li>Yea, I took a quick tour at McNutt at orientation and they said the floors were coed.</li>
<li>I don’t know, I heard its a pain since there are so many people walking around that you have to avoid. A student I talked to said he only used his late at night. I’ll probably bring one anyway</li>
</ol>

<p>Wait to do any more shopping until you go for orientation. I’m an advance planner too…but you’ll get to see your dorm (all except Briscoe, but I’m told it’s a lot like Forest). Ask questions when you get the tour. The RA told us a lot about the variances in the rooms within any given dorm. One floor might have different shelving, one wing/tower might have different layouts, etc. Example: In Forest…one tower has shelving in the closets…but the other tower has big drawers that can be put under the bed BUT, since that’s one question you asked…maybe some dorms aren’t like that. SO…once you get to orientation, you’ll know a lot more, have a much better feel for your particular building. I know it’s hard to wait. But there are also 2 Bed Bath and Beyond’s in Bloomington. Depending on if you’re driving or flying…you’d hate to bring TOO MUCH at first, right? I’d say pare it down. Buy local. Have excess needs shipped after arrival (winter clothes). Good luck.</p>

<p>Katniss</p>

<ol>
<li>Foster Shea, or at least it was last year</li>
<li>In Shea, the floors were single-sex last year but I don’t know if that’s changing</li>
<li>Those will work just fine</li>
<li>Get both</li>
<li>No, they’re kind of a pain on IU’s campus. Don’t bother.</li>
</ol>