<p>Hey there everybody,</p>
<p>I'm entering Rutgers this fall as a Physics Major and I've started looking at laptops. I've read and heard a lot of tips that recommend buying computers and software through the Rutgers Online Computer Store. But my mom and I were at Staples today and actually spoke to someone in person who made a lot of recommendations about computer specs (like hard drive size and processor speeds) and offered us all kinds of bundle discounts. </p>
<p>Is it really important to buy everything through Rutgers directly, or is it alright to get it elsewhere as long as we make sure all the software is compatible with the Rutgers server? Would this affect Rutgers Tech Support, or will they still service it no matter where you got it from?</p>
<p>Anything that you can suggest on this topic would be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>Thanks,
SG</p>
<p>Buy your laptop outside of Rutgers if you want. Most people don’t buy their computer through the university.</p>
<p>It’s not important to buy everything through Rutgers. And yes, they will provide service for your computer, regardless if it was purchased through Rutgers or not.</p>
<p>yeah, it’s not necessary at all to buy anything through rutgers. I actually got a very good deal on my dell studio 15 without going through rutgers. I also noticed that rutgers doesn’t provide a very wide selection in terms of laptops. sooo feel free to do what you want. Also, buy an ethernet cable, laptop lock and such before you get onto campus because they jack up the prices here like nobody’s business. </p>
<p>and you don’t have to worry about anything being compatible with the servers. really, just don’t worry about it. :)</p>
<p>Thanks MushaboomBlue! Good to know. By the way, my mom was asking me about Marching Band (I’m a trumpet player with the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Marching Band). </p>
<p>Could you tell me about the Marching Scarlet Knights? How intense is it? Is it physically demanding? (My asthma has gotten worse so I’m a little worried about it). And how often does the band travel? Cuz I’m also worried about stacking too many activities onto my first semester of college, and I’m a little scared of being in a different town every weekend following Rutgers Football when I have a lab report due the next day.</p>
<p>Hopefully you won’t mind talking about Marching Band too much ;-)</p>
<p>Ahh, yes. I did talk about marching band on here with your mom. I’ll gladly help answering any questions you have =)</p>
<p>Intensity? Well, the only intense part of marching band is band camp. Band camp this year is held at Camp Echo Lake in upstate NY from August 20 to 26. The typical day consist of a:
(1) 5:45am wake up call for a mile run/walk (you don’t have to run; if you walk at a good pace, you’ll be able to finish under 30 minutes).
(2) Then breakfast.
(3) Then – ugh – the 4 hour practice! This is the only intense part of the day. We do get the occasional 10-15 minute water breaks in between though. The 4 hours practice consist of drills for 45 minutes (we practice back marching, roll stepping, etc.). There after we work on pregame and setting our halftime show on the field. Sometimes it requires A LOT of “do-overs” – whether our marching and formation went well or not. It doesn’t help that as the practice goes on, the sun gets a bit brighter. Open field + sun = ughhhhhhh.
(4) Lunch, then BREAK TIME (although break time is not guaranteed; the director decides if we deserve it)
(5) Sectional practice – woodwinds practice together on music in one place and brass practice somewhere else together on music.
(6) Dinner
(7) Last practice of the day (2-3 hours)
(8) We meet on the basketball court where we practice our music that we play in the stands during the game. Last “band practice” event for the day (ends around 9pm)
(9) Finished – there are small events that the band members in the music fraternity hold (like dodgeball, basketball, talent show) . . . or you can shower . . . or just go to sleep =)</p>
<p>Sorry =) that was a lot, haha. It is only physically demanding during the 4 hour practice. I’m not in the best shape physically and so are others in band, but we’ve survived. Just make sure you bring any medication for your asthma and keep it at hand while on the field.</p>
<p>The band travels to only ONE away game during football season (possibilities this year include: Syracuse, University of Maryland) and if our football team does well, we get to go to a bowl game during winter break, so you don’t have to worry about school work (we went to Alabama this past December; previous bowl game locations included Texas, Arizona, and Toronto, Canada). So not that much traveling. Mostly home games.</p>
<p>If you ever have special circumstances regarding academics, you can always inform our band director days before to tell him about your situation.</p>
<p>SIGN UP and JOIN THE BAND! We always need brass players! You can never have too many =)</p>
<p>Thanks very much! Band Camp sounds like a lot of fun, and you’ve put my mind at ease about the scheduling (only 2 away games, including the winter bowl, should certianly be manageable) and the physical aspect.</p>
<p>I have officially submitted my confirmation to join the Marching Band, and I’m really looking forward Band Camp. The “Band Camp” at SPF is a long 12 hour day full of drill, sectionals, and technique right on the High School’s property; although it’s tough in the blazing sun, we’ve never “gone away” like you’ve described to upstate NY. </p>
<p>Silly as it may sound, I’m actually just as excited for the <em>end</em> of summer now as I am for the beginning. :-)</p>
<p>Awesome! Don’t rush summer though, lol. Enjoy it while you can! =)</p>
<p>You’ll be able to get a taste of band before band camp in July and early August. July is when we hold two Saturday sectional practices to get a head start before band camp, also allowing you to get acquainted with the band members and feel a bit comfortable. </p>
<p>And apparently our director added two ensemble practices in early August this year.</p>