<p>My daughter will be starting at Grinnell on the 23rd. She is traveling there alone with 2 suitcase to start out with. So far other than some clothes she will be bringing</p>
<p>a notebook computer and a few books
bedding
minimal art supplies
a fan
a power strip
a few mugs
(We are having a package of school supplies sent by a stationers.)</p>
<p>Do students study in their rooms?
If so, are desks and chairs supplied?
Will she need a lamp or lamps, if so what kinds?
Is drinking water available in the dorms or does she need to bring a filter?
Do students heat water for tea in their rooms or are their supplies in the dorm kitchen?
Do the dorm kitchens have a fridge she can use?
Are the students responsible for cleaning the showers etc.?
Are flip flops usually worn in the showers?<br>
What sort of window coverings are provided?</p>
<p>My son did study in his room. A desk and chair were provided. I got him a cushion for the chair. Lamps are not provided. I got him an Ott light (I think that was the name). Some kinds of lamps are not permitted because they might be fire hazards. I think there was a shade on the window. My son drank tap water. There was a microwave and refrigerator in the lounge on his floor. Every dorm has a kitchen. My son’s roommate also brought a mini fridge for their room, but it isn’t necessary. I got my son a tool kit and a little first aid kit, probably not necessary either.</p>
<p>Thanks bethievt, I will get her a desk lamp and something so she can read in bed. </p>
<p>I found the water there pretty hard to drink when I was there for admitted students weekend. Perhaps I am a wimp. I’ve lived in areas with a fair amount of well contamination from agricultural chemicals, so I am very suspicious of water. It sounds like this concern might have to wait a bit though. D says her room mate will be bringing a filter and that she agreed to bring an electric kettle.</p>
<p>I think the tool kit is a good idea, at least two sizes of multi screw drivers, pliers, and a hammer.</p>
<p>One local mom was really getting anxious for my daughter going so far away to school yesterday, I think it made my confident gal unsure; it certainly made me less sure. But I can’t really imagine I would be much use at move in time though. She seemed to just become part of the school when we visited, I was immediately unnecessary.</p>
<p>The students help each other with move in, move out and everything else. The dorms are not segregated by year, so there will be “experienced” students in the mix who can answer questions. They also get advisors right away and meet with that prof multiple times before registering for classes.</p>
<p>My son also felt he fit in right away at Grinnell. I predict your daughter will love it. We live in VT and I won’t pretend that the distance was nothing, but it was worth dealing with for the wonderful college experience he had.</p>
<p>Have they sent you the Family Resource Guide yet? That might talk about the types of lamps that are allowed. She can find anything she needs in town. The kids with cars give rides to the more distant stores. There are also cars on campus that can be rented by the hour, at least there used to be. My son never had a car on campus and that worked out fine.</p>
<p>MY REPLY IN CAPS (I just returned from moving my daughter in. Walmart has a ton of school stuff - reasonable, and you can even order at home for in store pick up so once she’s there. During move in many parents are there and one might be willing to take her - or often a friend will have a car. another good option is if you have a Target Red card they do free shipping on most items (not heavy furniture though).
Some things to consider not on your list: a rug is useful for the room. Plastic bins for storing under the bed (especially if in Norris - those rooms are small). Walmart also has $7 plastic risers that last about a year but gave my D a lot more room to store under her bed. Stick-on hooks for the closet, sticky tac to put up posters and pics.
C&J storage in Grinnell stores things for the summer for a super-reasonable price. Our entire car was full and also included a sofa and fridge for $60 for the summer.
Comments:
a fan DON’T NEED IF IN NORRIS they also have a whole bunch at Walmart if space is an issue
Do students study in their rooms? SOME DO, MINE NEVER DID
If so, are desks and chairs supplied? YES - NEED A CUSHION (WALMART)
Will she need a lamp or lamps, if so what kinds? ( A SMALL STUDY LAMP WORKS - WALMART)
Is drinking water available in the dorms or does she need to bring a filter? IF SHE’S FUSSY A BRITA PITCHER WORKS - THERE ARE WATER FOUNTAINS IN THE HALLS AS WELL, My D never complained about the water.
Do students heat water for tea in their rooms or are their supplies in the dorm kitchen?ABSOLUTELY!
Do the dorm kitchens have a fridge she can use? YES - MY D DID HAVE A SMALL FRIDGE AND USED IT A LOT.
Are the students responsible for cleaning the showers etc.? NO
Are flip flops usually worn in the showers? TO BE HONEST NOT REALLY BUT THIS IS PERSONAL. SOME DID.
What sort of window coverings are provided? BLINDS - THERE’S NO REAL WAY TO ADD ANYTHING ELSE IN MOST DORMS.</p>