Dorm Items

Colleges and Universities A-Z Cornell University
1

<p>So, I know there are tons of lists on the web of what is needed for a dorm. But what I would like to know from current students.</p>

<p>What items do you think are must haves?</p>

<p>What items do you think would be nice to have, but not absolutely needed?</p>

<p>What items do you wish you had brought on move-in day but didn't think about until later?</p>

<p>I know it is way early to be thinking about this stuff, but I like to plan and this way plenty of people can chime in. Besides, once finals start and summer hits, who is going to post anything then?</p>

<p>Thanks</p>

2

<p>a fan for the hot august (and even when they turn the heat too high during winter) would be nice…</p>

3

<p>must haves: hangers, under bed storage containers or shoe rack, lamp for desk, standing lamp, laptop, 2 sets of bedding, towels, flip flops for shower, shower caddy/shampoo/toiletries, clothing</p>

<p>good to have: posters, suit/dress (sometimes if youre first semester freshman you get invited to fraternity events or interview for something on campus), swim suit, speakers for your computer, fan</p>

<p>dont need: pencils/folders, etc (you can get them at cornell store)</p>

4

<p>We felt the same way you did usafa2011dad and prepared (at least mentally) early. Since this was our oldest, and she is a girly girl, we definitely over prepared. Some of the items ended up being more valuable than others.</p>

<p>Must haves: small fan for year round, disinfectant wipes (my D said she surprised herself by using these all the time), command hooks (do not damage walls), bathrobe, white board for front of door, plenty of jackets, comfortable shoes, “going out clothes”, semi-formal dresses, backpack (D started out with a one shoulder “designer” book bag - but the weight of books caused her to switch mid-year)</p>

<p>good to have: vacuum (not the small battery operated, but a small electric)
plastic cups, large fan for the extremely hot days, closet extender, second larger screen for computer (can use for larger projects, or to watch TV on Slingbox), slingbox, refrigerator (rentals offered by Cornell - but do not get combo/microwave - many of the buildings can’t handle the electric surge - kids use microwaves in the common rooms), coffee maker, lamp for bedside, laptop (entry level MAC 13"), cell phone (verizon seems to work well on north campus), printer for room, foam matress pad, xl single sheets, beach towel, an ATM card</p>

<p>don’t need: dishes/bowls (other than cups), rug</p>

<p>DONT BRING: floor lamp with “octopus” lights - not permitted by fire dept - but sold everywhere as a college lamp, extension cords (other than the heavy type used for computers) - also not permitted by fire code</p>

5

<p>definitely must have a printer in the room. Using net print is too costly and inconvenient.</p>

<p>Also, a surge protector with many outlet slots.</p>

6

<p>Febreeze!!!</p>

<p>I also brought one of those fireproof, lockable boxes and left it under my bed. I kept my passport, social security card, camera and other valuables in there. </p>

<p>Definitely bring a fan, small vacuum and an extra lamp.</p>

7

<p>One more DO NOT: Do not load up your child’s laundry account too far in advance. We gave our D $100 on her laundry account at the beginning of the year and are about to donate about half of that to Cornell. She either didn’t do laundry or brought it home. Also, our D is on the 10 meals per week meal plan (which works out quite well) but we provide additional BRBs as needed. If there is money left on either account at the end of the year, that money is not returned. Especially with regard to laundry, don’t put too much on the account to start out with.</p>

8

<p>Huge 2nd on the power cord-- dorms always have like, a single plug. I have a Starbucks barista solo machine in my dorm which I love…its very small and it saves me a ton of $$ on coffee.</p>

<p>Definitely get a cheap printer, too.</p>

9

<p>Can we bring our own fridges, or do we have to rent one from Cornell?</p>

10

<p>i read both is acceptable ^^</p>

11

<p>Will dorms have microwaves or something?</p>

12

<p>There is a common kitchen area in the dorm that has a fridge, stove and microwave.</p>

13

<p>can you actually cook like full meals there? umm like tacos…enchiladas…stuff like that? if you can’t wow im gonna really miss that…lol</p>

14

<p>thanks ^^ I already have a mini fridge, so I’d rather bring that than pay money to rent one.</p>

15

<p>how are the shower situations in the dorms if u dont have a suite?</p>

16

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<p>hehe…yeah being mexican i miss those too…</p>

<p>i once made enchiladas freshman year in the kitchen of my high rise 5 lounge…there are no exhaust fans over the stoves…OH and the stove is an electric one :(</p>

17

<p>You may want to wait on cooking supplies. The food there is awesome. As a parent, I’ve only been to Sunday brunch at RPC, but if the rest of the meals are even close, then they’re great.</p>

<p>Don’t forget the bathrobe and shower flip flops (non-skid) and mark your boxes with the room and dorm - they’ll be whisked away from you at check-in time. </p>

<p>D rented a fridge/microwave combo. Absolute waste of money. Both are available in the common kitchen and the microwave blew out the circuits when used (as do hair dryers in the older dorms). If you want a fridge you can probably pick one up at the second hand sale (it has a name, I forget) during orientation. </p>

<p>You can call the school when you get the dorm room - they’ll give you dimensions, carpeting situation vs. tile floors, size of closets and bed heights so you’ll know if you need bed risers or not.</p>

18

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<p>hate to break it to you but Cornell Dining goes all out when parents are around (orientation/cornell days) the food quality goes a bit down after parents are gone…oh and especially now with the economic crisis…Cornell Dining aint what it used to be :(</p>

19

<p>I remember the Sunday brunch at Cook House…shrimp cocktail and cheesecake galore.</p>

20

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<p>They’re cleaned by somebody else – a privilege you won’t have again for a long time, if ever. What more could you want?</p>