<p>Thanks everyone!</p>
<p>@S&P: Do you know when microwaves came off the forbidden list? I was reading the handbook last month and they appeared to still be on the list of items banned in houses. Are they only acceptable in micro-fridges? Did I miss something (I hope so–I’d love to have a microwave in my room)?</p>
<p>The only acceptable microwaves are the micro-mini fridges - if you bring your own it is technically contraband although people do it. Again I think it depends on where you end up living whether it is worth it or not. Might be worth waiting till you get there - you could always find someone to drive you to Target.</p>
<p>Okay, that’s what I suspected. I’ll just take your advice and wait and see. :)</p>
<p>^ Ah, ok, so they only came off the list if you rent the fridge. Really, microwaves are probably not all that useful unless there is no kitchenette on your floor (in houses with dining halls, there is no full kitchen for students to use, but there is usually a kitchenette, which is a room with a sink, a fridge, and a microwave and/or a toaster oven). What might be a much better thing to bring is an electric kettle for tea or cocoa or ramen noodles. It can be hard to get hot water once the dining halls are closed.</p>
<p>Curtains! And boots. Seriously boots… the kind you won’t mind having molasses sticking to them (that’s their way of being green when it comes to de-icing sidewalks).</p>
<p>I also brought a pot so I could make mac n cheese on Saturday nights when I didn’t feel up for <em>yucky</em> dining food… but check to see if your assigned house has its own kitchen that its residents can use.</p>
<p>And books… I never brought books with me. You will find very, very little time to read for <em>fun.</em></p>