<p>What major items does a freshman need to bring? Advice from students or parents appreciated</p>
<p>If you need a packing list, you can look it up on bed bath and beyond.</p>
<p>You may even be able to order online and pick it up from a store about 4 miles from campus.</p>
<p>I would guess that the packing list for Stanford is pretty much the same as for other colleges.</p>
<p>… Swimsuit?</p>
<p>Breath mints may come in handy for the unsuspecting freshman girls during ‘Full Moon on the Quad’…</p>
<p>Packing for Stanford is pretty much the same as packing for any other school, so most of those lists you’ll find online or at Bed Bath and Beyond will be a good start.</p>
<p>Personally, I would recommend a small fan (none of the dorms have AC and it can get hot at the beginning and end of the year), printer (more convenient than using the cluster), a laptop lock (yes, theft does happen at Stanford), a mattress pad, a small whiteboard, and a small first aid kit. A bike and bike lock are also essential IMHO. Also, some things you don’t need (Stanford supplies them or they’re not allowed):
Window coverings
Trash can
Halogen lamps
Candles
Small appliances (air conditioner, toaster, hot plate, etc.)</p>
<p>Hope that helps!</p>
<p>
I agree that the items are similar to what you would pack for other colleges. One difference may be the climate. I am originally from an area of upstate NY where some winter days get below 0F, and the temp exceeds 90F on some humid summer days. My parents didn’t really understand how different the weather was at Stanford and insisted on me packing things like gloves, hats, a winter coat, and snow boots; all of which went unused. With the large campus size, it helps to have a bike and bike lock, but most buy them after arriving on campus instead of transporting their bike to the school.</p>
<p>As a mother I’m wondering if dorm rooms are clean on the move in day. What are your experiences? Should we bring cleaning supplies?</p>
<p>The Stanford cleaning crews do an admirable job. Having said that, no the rooms have not been clean enough at move in time. D just graduated and she had me help her move in and move out each year specifically so I could clean to HER specifications. We live within a two hour drive so this was not a burden for me. I did a quick vacuum of the floor and desk and dresser drawers and closet. Then did a quick wipe down of all surfaces with bleach wipes. I did this her freshman year and she gave me a hard time…“Gosh Mom, you’re crazy!” but it was funny how she asked me back year after year… and she got pickier each year, checking my work. I was ok with the cleaning part since she did all the heavy lifting of her stuff.</p>
<p>“gloves, hats, a winter coat, and snow boots”</p>
<p>You do need some gear more appropriate to biking in the cold and wetness. Daughter loves the mud boots which prevent pants from getting dirty while biking.</p>
<p>Remember the cold rainy season usually starts late November/early December and ends around late March…and it could feel a lot “colder” than what the temperature readings indicate…frequently, many students seem to be taken by surprise at how northern California’s weather is very different than what they “expected” for “California” and many come unprepared…</p>
<p>emgamac, thank you! I wonder if we could find a vacuum cleaner in the dorm. I don’t think it would be a good idea to fly with it :)</p>
<p>Yes, all the dorms have vacuum cleaners that students can use…</p>