<p>Is there anything special my freshman needs for her Grinnell dorm room? Do I need to provide her with a garbage can? What about a fan?</p>
<p>Welcome! I have a “second year” daughter and would be happy to answer any questions. Feel free to message me. As for the dorm, yes, s/he needs a trash can. Probably a fan unless s/he is in Norris or East. Walmart was wonderful and you can actually go online and order stuff to pick up. We got the trash can, pad for the desk chair, desk lamp, surge protector, plastic storage bins for under the bed, school supplies, large sizes of shampoos and other cosmetics, etc. there after we arrived and unpacked the car. They had a decent supply of dorm type things. We even bought the small fridge there. If you’re worried about things like the fridge being in stock, order in advance. You can always return it! They had lousy rugs so that’s something you might want to bring.</p>
<p>We are getting anxious to hear about dorm and roommate assignments. Any idea when to expect those?</p>
<p>Found out tonight. 1st floor James.</p>
<p>You mentioned that you would be open to questions regarding Grinnell, thank you. I will be visiting campus in August, and hope to have enough time and conversation to get a vibe. I just have some uneasiness regarding the “culture” of Grinnell based upon posts in other college review boards. Please forgive me if I offend or am mis-informed. I have read some posts at other sites that students specifically mention a self-governed campus or “liberal campus” that at times may raise some eyebrows. In addition, it was mentioned the college itself offers somewhat provocative courses regarding self pleasure, naked yoga and college “sanctioned” parties such as loosey-goosey…the difference being that these are college based courses/events, and not fraternity/sorority? I’m a open minded politically liberal leaning girl, and want to feel comfortable with my college fit. Just looking for some input to get a better understanding as to what I can expect to see beyond my initial campus tour. Can you offer some insight?</p>
<p>Sorry Badgerwi I’m a mom and not a student. I haven’t heard of naked yoga or other provocative classes but I do know there is “self gov” and that seems to work for most. I would suggest you ask these questions to students when you visit. No one wants you to go to Grinnell if it’s not a good fit - sorry i can’t be more help. If you do go I can offer ideas on getting your dorm room ready!</p>
<p>My son is a graduate and loved his time there. They have really fun parties, but I think the things you mention were made up by someone. Most Grinnell students are really serious about learning. They probably do relax on the weekends. I think that’s a good thing. If you check the course catalog online, I don’t think you’ll find anything shocking.</p>
<p>There’s a description of self-governance on the college website:
[Self</a> Governance - Student Affairs | Grinnell College](<a href=“http://www.grinnell.edu/offices/studentaffairs/selfgovernance]Self”>http://www.grinnell.edu/offices/studentaffairs/selfgovernance)</p>
<p>In practical purposes, it means that students seek to work out issues that may arise between them first rather than running right to an administrator to resolve it. It also contributes to the sense of community at Grinnell because students know that they are responsible to and for each other. </p>
<p>It also means that students and administrators work closely together so that students’ input is reflected in decision-making, and students have a seat on administrative committees right up to the Trustee level. But, in turn, the administration is not just a rubber stamp for student ideas and concerns. They work with the students and do act as a final authority on issues that require administrative approval.</p>
<p>In terms of parties, any party that is on a college-owned facility must be open to all students. Every Saturday night, there is a themed party in the Harris Center. The Student Government Association has a committee that puts these on. One of the themes each year is cross-dressing, the others are time periods, dance styles and other creative ideas. When i went to college over thirty years ago, I remember a boxer short party (required attire for all) and a toga party (ditto). I think life on any college campus is bound to have its risque or wild moments…</p>
<p>Grinnellians have an open, accepting attitude for the way people dress and express themselves (with political conservatism being a bit of an exception and students speak out against hurtful or prejudiced language and behavior). But it doesn’t mean that everyone on campus acts or lives in an unusual way.</p>
<p>Thanks so much all for the insight, just looking to get a better understanding before my visit. The courses mentioned seemed a bit exaggerated, and not what I would expect to see on campus. Thanks for the description of self-governance that the college employs.</p>
<p>My son arrives in a few weeks for freshman year. He has selected his freshman tutorial and looked at the other course offerings for the Fall, none of the type of courses you describe, no naked yoga. In terms of the self gov, we went to an admitted student day, and what we heard from the dean of student affairs (can’t remember his name, but very impressive) was consistent with SDonCC’s comments–plenty of room and the expectation that students will work things out together, so plenty of opportunity for growth, but the the Grinnell staff very much has their fingers on the pulse and are ready to work with students and step in when necessary. In terms of the “culture,” I’m probably too old to identify or understand it all, but I would describe my son as open/friendly/somewhat nerdy-intellectual, and he seemed very comfortable with the students he met on an overnight visit.</p>