Dorm Room...Essentials?

<p>I just started thinking about what stuff I'm gonna need to take to SB in the fall. Most of the necesities, I would assume, are fairly obvious. Clothes, sheets, laptop, shoes, entertainment stuff, hygiene products...</p>

<p>But I'm sure there are also things that I take for granted at home and that I would never think of to bring. That is, until a week later and I realize the error of my ways. One cannot really know what is...needed...until it's too late.</p>

<p>So maybe we could compile a list of stuff you guys have thought might fly under the preparation radar and we would all benefit from a trip or two less into an overpriced convenience store in South Bend.. Anyone that is a current student would be of great help here too.</p>

<p>I will try to start thinking of things you may forget, remind me though! Shower sandals are a must, snacks for your dorm room are nice but you can get those in South Bend, ahh, I will keep thinking!</p>

<p>Someone suggested a pillow wedge for easier late night studying/reading. An electric fan for people in non air conditioned rooms?</p>

<p>Definately the fan, but you can get that in South Bend. A box fan is an essential if your dorm doesn't have air conditioning, which is easy enough to find out. As for me, I read in bed all the time with just my pillow and do fine; it just depends on what you like and what your preferences are. Look at how you study at home, realize that you have a lot of options outside of your room, and plan accordingly. I for one like studying in my room but a lot of people need to get out, and there are a lot of places to do that. If you like the pillow wedge, then get it! Just get what you think you would use. I found going to Cosco and walking up and down all of the aisles helped me find things I would have forgotten. I will keep thinking though, but it may take me until I get home from retreat on Wednesday.</p>

<p>there is a very complete list at <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=82285%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=82285&lt;/a> but it is not ND specific</p>

<p>Good find, I definately think that covers most of it. I will start thinking of the ND specific stuff. Also, just remember, most of the rooms at ND are fairly small and you have to share them :( so plan accordingly and also get in touch with your roommate when you get their info and plan what you are bringing!</p>

<p>thanks all</p>

<p>That list is pretty ridiculous in what it has on it. Take for example an atlas. I've never had any class that has need one. If I eventually have one, I'll use the internet or the library. Realize that dorm rooms are much smaller than your home but you have to keep everything that you need to live in them. Think about what you really need and any alternatives to whats on that list. </p>

<p>Also, talk with your future roommate and arrange to split up the list for the major purchases like a futon, TV, fridge, etc.</p>

<p>I have had a college class that required an atlas actually. However, that list is basically just everything and the kitchen sink, don't bring all, but at least you won't be missing much if you go off of that. I second the small dorm rooms, especially in the older halls.</p>

<p>Is there a need for a lockbox or anything like that? I mean, getting things stolen out of your dormroom isn't a big issue, is it?</p>

<p>Not unless you go to Fla. St.</p>

<p>lol</p>

<p>I think if you're careful withi your wallet and laptop nothing should be a big deal. </p>

<p>If you need a lockbox, however, Al Gore will be distributing them free of charge at select showings of "An Inconvenient 'truth".</p>

<p>not trying to be a wiseguy, but do kids at ND really worry about their wallets or laptops being stolen? wow</p>

<p>i would assume that is an issue at FLa state or big state school or other schools, but would a kid do that at ND when if he got caught he is out the door in a minute?</p>

<p>i'm an incoming frosh and it seems like people there are pretty comfortable wit just leaving most of their stuff lying around. it's a catholic school of course. </p>

<p>what i meant is that no matter where you go if yo leave your wallet sitting around the temptation to make a quick swipe.</p>

<p>that's just common sense stuff tho. i was sort of looking for a way to make fun of al gore.</p>

<p>i don't know many people who have lockboxes... if you lock your room, you should be fine.
also, ND kids are pretty trusting. but that's not to say that you should leave your stuff lying around everywhere.</p>

<p>I know plenty of people that don't even lock their dorm rooms, but then again I do. Here is a story that should put your mind at ease. While moving my stuff to storage this year, I was in a rush and I left my door wide open, with my laptop on my bed visible from the door. My roommate was gone, the room was empty. I asked a friend to close my door, he forgot, and the door stood open for four hours. When I returned, my laptop was on my bed, wallet and camera on my desk (they were also visible). I was very thankful, and I wouldn't do it again, but hopefully that gives you a sense. Overall people are very trustworthy.</p>

<p>if you're a golfer, you should definetly bring your clubs. As you might know, there is a golf course on the campus.</p>

<p>is the dorms co-ed? i dun mean the rooms of course but for every floor. is it co-ed??</p>

<p>A list posted by ND's ORLH itself is at the following site:</p>

<p><a href="http://orlh.nd.edu/housing/incoming_students/What%20To%20Bring%20to%20Campus.pdf%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://orlh.nd.edu/housing/incoming_students/What%20To%20Bring%20to%20Campus.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>Having expeienced both I am very happy to say that the dorms are single sex. It doesn't sound as fun, I know, but I lived on a co-ed floor at Creighton and honestly I am thankful for the way we have the dorm setup. It isn't bad.</p>