<p>We just received the packing list from OSU.
Can any current students/parents comment about what is necessary, beyond the obvious bed linens, etc.
Also what about backpacks?
Are students still using those, or just the smaller drawstring bags, my daughter got several freebie ones at orientation.</p>
<p>Backpacks are still the most common thing for students to carry around. Many students bring their laptops and notes for multiple classes with them during the day so that they don’t have to go back to their dorm and so they can do homework between classes. If people have a smaller drawstring bag its usually because they are just going to one class or they have some sort of tablet that they take notes on so it replaces everything else. </p>
<p>As for packing I recommend to start thinking about it now so you can continue to add to your list over time. The OSU packing list covers alot of stuff but what you need to bring might vary a little bit depeding on what dorm your daughter is in. You might want a small vaccuum or some extra cups,silverware, and plates for when you stock your room up with food in the winter lol. (Also soap and stuff for dishes). </p>
<p>Also, almost all dorm rooms have tile floor so I recommend getting carpet. If you don’t want to deal with the hassel of bringing it with you on move in day you can look on the OSU website. They have a very good system for this where they tell you what size carpet you need based on what dorm you are living in. If you buy it from this system they will deliver it to your room before move in day so it is there when you arrive. It’s obviously not the best carpet, but they are all brand new and good enough for a college student. Its also not a rental like some other things so you can keep it for following years.</p>
<p>Thank you TexBuck, great information!</p>
<p>This is kind of obvious, but you WILL need a parka for the winter – not a jacket, not a coat, a PARKA!</p>
<p>There is no reason to purchase one this far in advance. You can wait until you get here, but if you happen across a good bargain then you might consider it.</p>
<p>Also, heavy gloves preferably mittens. Most of January and February will literally be below freezing all day every day. Often below zero.</p>
<p>Thanks NROTC, good points. And boots too most likely.</p>
<p>I don’t mean argue what you said NROTCgrad but why is a parka necessary? For the winter I got two northface jackets that zipped inside eachother. The inside one was warm and heavy and the outside one was their ‘ski’ jacket. It’s basically just an outer shell that is water resistant and similar to a stiff heavy windbreaker. This worked well for me rain or snow since it was so warm and still water resistant. I guess I could see you wanting a parka if you didn’t want to bring and umbrella with you so that makes sense. </p>
<p>I just thought of this but if your daughter is bringing a bike to campus make sure she has 2 things. A U-lock and a seat cover. I just used a plastic bag from kroger as mine but you’ll want this for when it rains or snows to keep your seat from getting wet. </p>
<p>@TexasBuckeye7 Actually, I was speaking partially in a figurative manner. A person does not necessarily need an actual parka. Layering, as you describe, will definitely work. Mostly, I meant that serious cold weather gear should be included in the plans for anybody coming from Texas (or California or Arizona, etc…). Midwesterners already clearly understand Ohio’s winter weather. Others might not.</p>
<p>:)>- </p>
<p>Yes I got it. Either one really warm parka, or two layered ones. The point is to stay warm and dry.
We have not decided on the bike issue yet, but that is good advice about the seat cover and lock.</p>
<p>If you’re from a Northern State (like Maine or New Hampshire) you’ll be fine as far as weather gear is concerned. Ohio winters are pretty mild to someone who grew up in a colder area (obviously).</p>
<p>I don’t think a bike is necessary UNLESS your daughter is very active or if she is going to be living in Morrill or Lincoln Tower. Why? There’s a lot of places on campus where you aren’t allowed to ride your bike, so she would have to get off and walk. Living in the towers puts you a little farther away from the heart of campus and the 15 minute walk to the Union might be better on a bike. But don’t get a wicked nice one, it may get stolen. </p>
<p>MEDICINE! This saved me so many times. No one wants a cold in the middle of midterms, but it happens and NiQuil can do a lot of damage control if you have it handy. If you’re prone to colds, flu bugs, digestive issues, heartburn, etc. don’t forget the meds.</p>
<p>And ethernet cable
A rug (Texasbuckeye is VERY right about this) A rug can make or break your room.
Curtains for closets… I get so many compliments on my dorm room simply because I hide all the junk in my closets with curtains. It makes the room seem much much neater.
foam pad for her bed
desk lamp
latch on side table (if she’s lofting her bed, she will want one to put stuff once she’s already crawled in)</p>
<p>Obviously you will never get a complete list unless it comes from your daughter, she knows herself better than anyone. I made a list the last month I was at home of the things I used frequently. Those little comfort items are amazing. I literally brought everything I thought I might need and whatever was left over, I sent back with my mom once my room was put together. If she has a pinterest, have her check out different decor ideas. Remember, in order for her to feel comfortable and at home, her room will need too look cozy and inviting, not like ahospital room.</p>
<p>Good luck!!
Sleepy.</p>
<p>ReallySleepy, how did you put a curtain up on your closet? I will be living on North Campus, and from the pictures I’ve seen, the closets don’t have a curtain rod or anything to hang a curtain up.</p>
<p>Thank you Sleepy, I will add these items to our
list…
And yes we decided against her bringing a bike for the reasons you mention.
Just one more thing to worry about.</p>
<p>SoccerGirl, I used some of those tension curtain rods. They’re pretty cheap, around $3-$4 at a surplus store.
OSUmom, If your daughter decides that she wants a bike after a few weeks, it wouldn’t be difficult to obtain one.</p>
<p>Good luck!!
Sleepy.</p>
<p>Yes sleepy, that is what we thought too. We can always bring her bike up to Columbus if she decides she wants it later. I have a question about the ethernet cable on your list. Isn’t there WiFI in the dorm rooms? What does she need the cable for?</p>
<p>The ethernet cable will allow you to hard line into the internet. I won’t go into all the technical why it is important, but it boils down to two reasons (1) the WiFi is generally good, but it does go down sometimes and it is always right before something you stayed up all night doing is due (2) the hard line is faster.</p>
<p>On the technology note, I recommend a laptop lock. Roommates will leave the door unlocked when they shower or just plain forget to lock it, so it gives extra peace of mind that laptops won’t walk away easily. </p>
<p>I found the little things are the most frustrating to forget. Things like sticky notes, scotch tape, duct tape, scissors, sharpie marker, extension cord (but don’t tell housing), power strip, hand soap, bathroom cleaner, toilet brush, good toilet paper, paper towels, paper plates and plastic ware.</p>
<p>This is probably my geeky engineering side, but I would consider getting an extra computer monitor. Your computer will likely replace your TV, news paper, and gaming console. You can get some for under $100, they plug into the VGA or HDMI port on your laptop, and the desks are big enough to have a laptop, monitor, and text book. I know a lot of people who use them and swear by them. Google “using dual monitors” to be welcomed into the world of extra productivity (or the same amount of productivity with some extra entertainment in my case).</p>
<p>Thank you so much AeroEngineer, this is very helpful info. We did get the cable, now we know why! And she did get the laptop lock. Will get all the other things you mention, we have some of them but not all. Will think about the extra monitor, good idea. Thank you again for the list.</p>