<p>DD is entering NU this Fall 2007. We need your input and advice.We are flying out from California, and want to know what to bring and what can be purchased in Evanston. Specifically:
Computer---purchase directly from NU? PC or MAC? Tech supoort available for repairs? Wi-Fi- available everwhere or just Norris?
Printer---in room or in dorm?
Bedding---heavy or regular down comforter? How cold does it get in the room/dorm??
Other than Bed,Bath & Beyond in Wilmette---what other stores service the needs of typical items needed by students--ie Wal-Mart? Office Depot?
Any and all suggestions welcome!!!--Thank you--a Mom--APOL</p>
<p>Good post! </p>
<p>For the computer: NU's tech site NUIT has most of if not all the info you asked about. NU has discoutns with Dell (up to 12%) and Mac ($200). There is tech support available. Wi-Fi is available in most classrooms, and on some of hte campus, but not all, and not the dorms (I'm 90% sure on this, there may be some hot spots in dorms)</p>
<p>There is a Target about a 10-15 minute drive from campus (southern part of Evanston and of course, opposite direction from Wilmette). You can get quite of bit of school supplies there but you can't preorder them like you do at BB&B. ALso a great place to get shelves, etc. Loew's is about 1/2 mile further from Target and I did preorder and put a fridge on hold there. Definetely pre-order as much as you can at BB&B- bedding, pilllows, hangers, etc. You will save bunch on shipping. </p>
<p>I bought DS a comforter/bedspread and he never used it - dorm room was always warm.</p>
<p>Computer---purchase directly from NU? PC or MAC? Tech supoort available for repairs? Wi-Fi- available everwhere or just Norris?</p>
<p>I love my MAC, but it mostly seems to be personal preference. I didn't need any repairs, so I don't know about tech support. Wi-Fi not supposed to be in dorms (but you can pick it up in parts)- it's pretty much everywhere else though.</p>
<p>Printer---in room or in dorm?
Both my roommate and I had out own. It was a lot easier that way.</p>
<p>Bedding---heavy or regular down comforter? How cold does it get in the room/dorm??
I had a heavy down comforter, but I would also sleep with tons of blankets at home. They keep the dorm well heated in the winter.</p>
<p>Does NUIT provide any free software, particularly Microsoft Office for Mac or Microsoft Office for Windows or should students simply buy the student versions of these programs.</p>
<p>do the rooms have airconditioning/heating?</p>
<p>heating- yes
airconditioning- depends on which dorm, but most don't (bring a fan!) Ones off the top of my head with airconditioning include Slivka, Plex, and umm that might be it.</p>
<p>First-Thanks to everyone who is helping with this transition-I truly appreciate your thoughts and imput!!!!-APOL
mom2boys...you mentioned a refrig...what size?
asdf11...MAC--did you buy it when you got to NU, if so, where? Sounds like we need to preorder a fan from BBB--suggestions on size of fan-stand up or on the desk?
Arbiter...how do you get the discount on the MAC?
Do the beds need extra padding-ie:feather top or egg crate foam?</p>
<p>If I remember correctly, there was size limit on how big a fridge allowed in the room. 3 cubic feet??? The one I bought was 2.8 cu feet. You can rent them too, but the price of the rental was just about the price of purchasing our own. Figured S could use it for a couple years then I could hand it down to the younger son.
Foster Walker is another dorm that has AC but freshman don't live in that dorm. Primarily upperclass.
Mattresses on the beds aren't the most comfortable and I definetely recommend buying an egg crate foam. S loved his foam pad and I have to admit that his dorm bed was more comfy that his mattress at home.
And BTW- in the same plaza as Target, you will find Office Max, Best Buy and a large grocery store. One-stop shopping! The stores are located on Howard Street and you should be able to find directions on-line.</p>
<p>Has anyone bought their stuff from Residence Hall Linens? how good is their stuff?</p>
<p>a lot of great info so far, thanks!</p>
<p>here's some random stuff i feel like i used a lot but wouldn't have thought to bring:</p>
<p>a flashlight (in case your roommate likes to go to sleep early)
medicine
scissors/nail clippers/etc.
plastic utensils
a plate you can put in the microwave</p>
<p>Has anyone ordered the egg crate pad or the mattress protector from the linen service? Like Eternity1115, I would love info on quality. Thanks.</p>
<p>I just got my linens in the mail - I ordered the big package thing. They're not the same quality as something you'd buy at Bloomingdales, but they're definitely nice-looking and comfy. The pillows are pretty fluffy, the comforter is warm. I was satisfied with what I got. :)</p>
<p>if res hall linens is the company that sent mail "from NU" i suggest looking at Bed Bath and Beyond or a similar store for stuff you need. I've heard some bad stuff about that company</p>
<p>in terms of mattress pads or egg crates, don't get it if you're not used to it. my friend got a mattresspad and ended up not using it the entire year because he wasn't used to it. Personally, i like a firmer bed and the beds in my dorm are pretty hard so it's good =)</p>
<p>a couple of people have referred to the use of a microwave---do we get a fridge/microwave combo? the wildcat welcome site says no microwaves...is it in the dorm???</p>
<p>i think you're not really allowed to have microwaves in most (any?) dorms. My dorm had a microwave for people to use but a lot of students just brought them anyway, the RAs (at least mine) don't really crack down on that kind of thing</p>
<p>also, since we're not allowed ironing boards, does that mean they're provided? or do people just not iron their clothes??</p>
<p>i see the facebook discussion has moved to CC. we might get a str8 answer this time.</p>