<p>Looking for suggestions for packing for new freshman in AMR. We are trying to buy items ahead of move-in as we don't have much time in Baltimore. </p>
<ol>
<li><p>Can anyone suggest a type of fan for AMR? Really - we have no idea what would be best for a small room and what is needed and how it will work space wise. Is this just a small fan to sit on the desk? We come from a colder climate so please be as specific as possible. </p></li>
<li><p>We have seen a power strip on the list. Would you recommend we go ahead and buy that? </p></li>
<li><p>Is a lamp helpful or is the one that comes with the desk adequate? </p></li>
</ol>
<p>Any other suggestions would be appreciated. </p>
<p>It would be easier to see the room and figure it out but not sure we have that luxury. </p>
<ol>
<li><p>Unless you’re bringing a lot of stuff that would clutter your floor, a floor fan will be fine. I used a fan that could be raised and lowered and would pivot. You could use a desk fan but you should have room for a bigger one.</p></li>
<li><p>Yes. If nothing else, it will give you 6-7 extra outlets.</p></li>
<li><p>No idea, I didn’t work at my desk. Might as well test it out there and if it’s not enough light, you can get one. I don’t think you’ll need it, though, unless it doesn’t work.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>A window fan also works. There aren’t that many days that a fan is absolutely necessary but, for those few days, you will be very glad if you have one. And a power strip (or two) is a must. AMR I was built in the early 20’s (although, obviously, renovated a number of times since then) and AMR II in the mid 50’s (also renovated a few times). Despite the renovations, there are insufficient outlets for a 2010’s lifestyle.</p>
<p>Few people actually work at the desks in the rooms. They mostly are used to put stuff on so the lighting is not really critical. The good thing about the AMR’s is that they are very social. In the evenings, most people have their doors open and you can socialize with everyone on the floor (and other floors as well). The bad thing is that degree of socialization is not very conducive to studying. So most people study elsewhere and socialize in the dorm. Those who can study through any amount of noise and distraction also tend to be the ones who study while on the bed as opposed to a desk. I suspect that with the opening of the new Brody Learnings Commons (which is very nice!), even fewer people will be studying in the dorms.</p>
<p>Get a window mounted fan, they seem to bring in a lot more air. I actually had both a floor and a window fan, which is helpful during the hotter months. I also actually used my fan during the winter at night because if you are on the top floor it can get a bit warm.</p>
<p>Buy a floor standing lamp. The overhead lights and the desk lamps are both really annoying fluorescent bulbs that are not nice to have on for long periods. I brought both a desk lamp and a floor standing lamp with good bulbs. However, you probably won’t be doing much work in the AMR’s so a desk lamp probably isn’t necessary.</p>
<p>A power strip is a necessity. </p>
<p>Wifi was installed this past year so you don’t need to bring a router anymore (not even sure if they were allowed before, but a lot of people had them).</p>
<p>You might want to buy earplugs if you are a soft sleeper as the dorms may be a bit loud at night depending on when you go to sleep / the character of your floor. It’s usually quiet on weeknights though.</p>
<p>A fan is a necessity (Baltimore/DC area has a climate that I affectionately refer to as “swampy” – it gets super humid and miserable in the summer, and can stay pretty warm in the spring and fall). I would have a desk or window fan, or something that can clip on to the bed rail, to save space. The AMRs, and a dorm in general, can get pretty crowded with stuff on the floor.
A power strip – DEFINITELY. I did not bring one my freshman year and ended up buying one the first week of school. I lived in Wolman and I think the AMRs have even fewer outlets.
The desk lamp that’s there is probably OK – no one I knew in the AMRs actually worked in their rooms anyway.
I think you can see floor plans online on the Housing website?
Other things? Definitely some sort of rain jacket or umbrella, it rains all the frickin’ time in Bmore and the campus collects rainwater like none other. Shower shoes! for the AMRs. A mattress pad (x-long) is not a necessity but a nice thing to have. The mattresses are not the greatest and are honestly kind of gross, so I liked to put space between me and the mattress haha.</p>
<p>Unless things have changed, you can rent a combination fridge and microwave when you arrive. Not a necessity but a nice thing to have. Typically, roomates will agree to split/share the rental cost.</p>
<p>Yes, you should be able to rent a dual fridge-microwave for the year (it’s not too expensive if I remember correctly). It’s pretty convenient and when you’re done at the end of the year, it will be taken care of. For me it was very useful because I drink a lot of water so not having to leave my room was pretty convenient.</p>