<p>ok current/former students...how hot does it get in John Jay during august, september and the spring? My son will be on the top floor and we are trying to figure out what kind of fan or what else will be needed to stay comfortable. Any suggestions? Insight from what worked or did not work for you? Any other suggestions about what to bring/not to bring?
Thanks</p>
<p>It gets pretty hot, and with no A/C, the air doesn’t circulate at all. You absolutely need a fan, probably two. I went with a desk fan and a floor fan, but I’d recommend a desk fan and window fan.</p>
<p>Other things: I brought an iron and a handvac freshman year, but never ended up using either.</p>
<p>@pwoods: I’m living in Wallach next year. You and my parents both think I should get a window fan… But I usually think the air outside is worse and I’d rather have a standing one. What advantages do you think a window fan has over that?</p>
<p>thanks pwoods - we figured it gets really hot. Two fans is great. Did you have one of those tower fans and a window fan? Also did you bring a fridge or a microwave?</p>
<p>I wouldn’t bring a microwave. JJ has a microwave on each floor and Columbia doesn’t like students using appliances like that (microwaves, toasters, rice cookers, etc) in their rooms.</p>
<p>[Housing</a> : Appliances](<a href=“Columbia Housing”>Columbia Housing)</p>
<p>You definitely should get a fridge, though you may want to rent rather than buy. Also, make sure it’s big enough, at least 2.4 or 2.8 cubic meters. Ignore what the housing manual says is the maximum size.</p>
<p>Don’t bring a microwave, since JJ has a microwave on every floor. You can bring a rice cooker if you want (though you’re supposed to use it next to the microwave, not in your room) but I’m not sure it’s really worth it. You will have a meal plan.</p>
<p>pwoods</p>
<p>Why do you think a fridge is necessary for someone with a meal plan? (assuming one does not prefer “cold” water)</p>
<p>What about the width of the window-sils? Is there enough room to sit a fan on them? I was thinking about buying an industrial/painter’s fan because for the same amount of noise a typical fan makes on setting 3, it moves 3 times the air, however, it needs about 10"- 12" of space to rest on. If anyone has an idea about the Hartley window-sils I would appreciate any info.</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.walmart.com/ip/Lasko-Multi-Purpose-Pivoting-Utility-Fan-U12100/19861415[/url]”>http://www.walmart.com/ip/Lasko-Multi-Purpose-Pivoting-Utility-Fan-U12100/19861415</a></p>
<p>@query123</p>
<p>Fridges are good simply so that you can have a cold drink whenever, even if that drink is just a water bottle. They’re also nice if you have leftovers that you want to save or just food that you decide to buy to supplement meal plan.</p>
<p>Parent here: Daughter lived in JJ freshman year ('09-'10). She bought an adjustable window screen (18"high? x adjustable width) across the street at the hardware store and that, combined with an oscillating 12"-fan, got her through her first year…barely!</p>
<p>She had a hand-held-vacuum and used it (JJ had carpet at that time; not sure about now). JJ is <em>OLD</em> : She used flip-flops and a shower-caddy in the shower.</p>
<p>Do the dorms, specifically Carman, have irons that students can use? I am debating whether I should bring an iron to Columbia.</p>
<p>@grizzman25 </p>
<p>It’s BYOI</p>
<p>Thanks DowneasterDad! That stinks, but I guess I’ll just buy one once I get to NYC.</p>
<p>@grizzman25 For dorm room appliances, it’s always a good idea to contact your roomate(if you have one). If you’re in a single, I suggest buying one beforehand with a small hanging/storing board at a store you like to shop at with prices you’re willing to pay. There are trips to bed/bath/beyond on move-in day but you might not find what you are looking and once NSOP starts, you might find you don’t have the time to go hunting for one at one of the smaller stores along Broadway/Columbus which will, undoubtedly, be a little more expensive.</p>
<p>this is sort of off-topic, but the ‘floating meals’ thread got me thinking about the merits of dining plan 1 and 2. If one lives in John Jay, it made sense to choose the plan with more meals, since you’ll be living right above JJ cafeteria. Grabbing food without ever leaving the building, especially during the frigid NY winter, sounds quite appealing.</p>
<p>Also, does Columbia provide laundry soap? Sorry for these tedious questions!!!</p>
<p>^^^ no, it’s BYOD(as in detergent)</p>
<p>^The “things to buy” checklist does not mention this.</p>
<p>How about a first aid kit? Is it provided there or do we need to buy it on our own and bring it?</p>
<p>Thank you DowneasterDad!!! Is there any other minute objects that we need to bring that hasn’t been emphasized on Columbia’s packing list?</p>