<p>I'm an early shopper but i have run into some trouble about what to bring to campus.I live in NY so not really sure what to expect from southern California. Could current students could answer the following and give any tips and advice.I appreciate the help. </p>
<p>Should I bring...
1. Rainboots? I've been told it doesn't rain a lot but that when it does, there are a lot of puddles since Scripps doesn't have a good drainage system
2. Fan? I know it's warm all year long and extremely hot in August and September. (btw which dorms have an AC and which don't?
3. Microwave? Already purchased one for pickup only to find out that there are certain restrictions? I don't want to rent a microfridge every year. Is it possible to bring my own microwave and fridge? Do they have to be inspected before I will be allowed to use them?
4. Thick comforters? I'm not sure how cold it gets at night.
5. A car? I'm used to convenient public transportation but I know I can't expect that in Claremont. What are some alternate options for bringing a car on campus besides zipcar and (borrowing a car from a friend)?</p>
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<li>Also what about water? I found a company that delivers 5 gallon bottles to campus and I was considering of ordering from them. </li>
</ol>
<p>Hi Nikki,
- It’s Southern California, so things aren’t set up with rain being a priority. Yes, there are puddles, but any waterproof shoes will do. A number of women (myself included) wear tall boots all fall, but I consider rain boots to take up more closet space than they are worth. My advice would be to leave them at home, and bring them back after winter break if you decide you want them.
- A fan can be a must, depending on which dorm you are in. If your parents are coming to move you in, a quick trip to the local Target or Bed, Bath, & Beyond when you arrive. A large fan would be an item you may wish to discuss with your roommates as well. They are currently putting AC in some of the dorms that did not previously have them, so I cannot tell you which ones do or do not have it.
- SKIP the microwave. There are small kitchens with microwaves all over the dorms. Many students get a small fridge, but generally share the first year, when floor space is a bit tight. Wait and discuss this one with your roommates. Having one is nice, by no means a necessity, and not something you want multiples of.
- Where are you from? All dorms have heat, so you can get by with a thin Target duvet year-round, although an extra fuzzy blanket can be nice.
- Honestly, while everyone (including first years) can bring a car, few people find it worth it. Scripps even has cars you can sign up to check out. Some people venture out into LA more often than others, but there is so much going on campus, that leaving isn’t necessary to stay busy. The Claremont village is within walking distance, and the dollar cab system allows you to get to the Montclair mall for $4 (I think. It may have gone up to $5). The New Student Program runs beach trips and a number of fun area events for new students, so like the rain boots-- leave the car at home and decide later.
- There are filtered drinking fountains with water-bottle fill ups throughout the dorms. Many students get a brita filter pitcher that they keep in their mini-fridge. People from the Pacific Northwest tend to dislike the generic tap water, but it is drinkable, and the filtered water is sufficient. You won’t have the room for any water bottle system-- don’t waste your money.</p>
<p>-Scripps Student
These are my opinions, and I’m sure there are students that disagree with me, but I hope this helps!</p>
<p>Agree with all of the above, including waiting until you move in then doing a foray to BB&B or Target to get what you need, for example a fan or a footstool (if you have a lofted bed) There is a housing crunch so don’t bring too much stuff! Your room may be a lot smaller than you expect (eg a single converted to a double or a double converted to a triple)</p>