packing for balch hall

Colleges and Universities A-Z Cornell University
1

<p>My daughter is assigned to Balch Hall, a double. We're trying to calibrate our "to buy" list. Mirrors - does the sink have a mirror, do they need a full length mirror? How big are the dressers? Presume 6 drawers, holds maybe six pairs of pants or sweaters (petite daughter)? Towel rack and shoe rack? Will over the door models work? Can you have both over door towel rack/shoe rack on opposites sides? Under the bed storage - use for luggage and maybe a sweater box? How big are the closets? Need to get those hangers with multiple pants/shirts per hanger? The sink shared between rooms seems great, is there a place for supplies to be left at sink or schlep back to dresser each time? Hair dryers/straighteners usually used in rooms or at sink or big bathroom? (i.e is shower caddy massive or just shampoo/shower stuff) How are the mattresses, do we REALLY need cushioning for the top? Extension cords? Just surge protector for computer? Like most, she won't have a car, and bulky mirrors and racks are best purchased and moved in with minivan vs schlepping on the bus, I'd presume.</p>

<p>Thanks so much.</p>

2

<p>go to the general discussion for Cornell section - there are several students who have lived in Balch and could probably answer your questions - the furniture I believe is all the same thru out the University (actually - it looks just as it did 35 years ago, too) - I will try to post a pic for you if you want but it is of Dickson not Balch - and the Housing section has floorplans somewhere...</p>

3

<p>Hi,
My daughter is in a single at Balch. I started to buy her stuff based on what my other daughter who will be a senior has. I did buy the extra pad plus a quilted mattress cover (XL twin). They are not high quality mattresses so the pad helps a lot. I don't think she'll need a mirror. I did buy bed risers and underbed storage containers (long and flat ones). I always think it's best that they schlepp their stuff back to their room. Items sometimes sprout legs and walk if left unattended. It's better to bring up things like extension cords and surge protectors then to scramble at the last minute. I also bought a vacuum cleaner. Call res life to see if they have mirrors. Buy lots of storage containers to help keep organized. I got her a table top fan to circulate the air. Most important item is an alarm clock with battery backup!</p>

4

<p>Mirrors - Sinkrooms have one. Each bedroom also has one (about 2'x3'). Some rooms have a full length mirror on the back of the door</p>

<p>Dressers - 6 drawers. The bottom ones (bigger) can probably fit 8 pairs of jeans. The top ones (smaller) can probably fit 4-6 sweaters.</p>

<p>Towel/Shoe Rack - Most sinkrooms have a bar where you can put a towel. There are shoe/hat racks on the backs of most closet doors.</p>

<p>Under the bed - Most students use a combination of suitcases, trunks, and those plastic underbed storage containers. </p>

<p>Closets - Ample space. It's not a walk-in closet, but still a pretty good size. </p>

<p>Sink rooms - There is a cabinet where you can put toiletries, etc, and there is a mirror on the front. </p>

<p>Hair Dryers - You usually use them in the big bathroom. Balch is beautiful, but still old, so hair dryers short out the electricity in some rooms. The bathrooms have all been rewired to handle those kind of appliances. </p>

<p>Caddy - Average size. Things most people put in it: soap/body wash, loofah/washcloth, toothbrush, toothpaste, lotion, shampoo, conditioner. </p>

<p>Mattess Pads - You definitely need them. Those beds aren't exactly luxurious. Quilted or foamy mattress pads work best. </p>

<p>Surge protectors - Definitely bring one. Also bring a few extension cords. Most rooms have 2 or 3 outlets, each with two plug jacks. </p>

<p>Overall - I think it would be best to wait till you get here and buy everything, that way you don't end up bringing excess. There is a mall about a 5 minute drive away with a Target, Sears, and Best Buy, so that should cover all of your needs (oh, it also has a supermarket). There is also a shopping plaza with a Walmart, Kmart, Bed Bath and Beyond, and more about a 15 minute drive away. (There's also a Wegmans next to it).</p>

5

<p>Thanks so much all for the information.</p>