<p>When our son first headed up to ND as a freshman two years ago, we urged him to pack more than he was inclined to pack on his own. His instincts, it turned out, were right. Now, less than two weeks from Frosh-O--and three days before my son drives up in a small SUV with room for what he says are "just a few" of her boxes--it is crunch time for my daughter to pack. </p>
<p>Needless to say, our problem isn't convincing her to pack more ;) Kind of like prom that way--the packing for school thing is definitely a Venus v. Mars kind of ordeal!</p>
<p>So the questions:</p>
<p>Any current students out there--particularly female students--who have some advice as to what to bring, what not to bring? </p>
<p>Any really good web resources with realistic checklists my daughter can reliably use?</p>
<p>If she holds back bringing the Nanook From the North ensemble until she comes home for October break, will she live to regret it?</p>
<p>Narrowing the scope will make the difference between driving a later model comfortable sedan as opposed to a Beverly Hillbillies Jethro-mobile 95 Astro Van which can fit the stuff!</p>
<p>We packed son's long pants(jeans), fleece jackets and heavy winter coat when he moved in last year. We thought about waiting until fall break, but as we knew he would be flying because we are 11 hours away, we just didn't want to take the chance that airlines would lose heavier stuff (as airlines we know are famous for losing luggage)! As I recall, I know it turned cold right before fall break, and there may have even been a very light snow dusting. He needed the warmer things before he came home for fall break. I do not think however, that he intends to take winter boots with him at all this year. He did not even take them out of the box last year(even during the Feb freeze) and that will be one less item to take up space. According to son, they kept the walkways very well cleaned during the snow and he said he just didn't venture off the walkways to warrant winter boots. I know that he has a better handle on just how much clothing he needs esp when some of it is at the laundry, as well, but I guess that depends on each individual. But, I do think it will be less than he packed last year.</p>
<p>I think that it is a judgment call--honestly he did not take them out of the box! He said the machines that clean the sidewalks would clean them at least twice a day and he just never really ventured off the walkways. If he had a snowball fight or built a snowman, I guess he just wore his tennis shoes and suffered with wet shoes! But, he never mentioned it!</p>
<p>Son is also not planning to bring heavy comforter--only lightweight fleece blankets. As beds were lofted he said, and heat rises, he often got warm as he slept. He said a heavy comforter just took up space since he removed it. However, each dorm is different and some dorms may be colder than others.</p>
<p>As far as additional clothing, he is definately bringing dress suit/jacket/pants and shirts and ties. He said that he did use them for class presentations occasionally and during employment fairs. Hope this helps for guys and possibly for girls!</p>
<p>My daughter will be a junior and I also grew up in SB. I would say that your girl will be good to go with a normal North Face type zip up at least until fall break. My daughter definitely used her Uggs once the cold hit as it gets very cold and they are doing a lot of walking. So not as much an issue of walking though snow as warmth. My daughter was in Badin and the lofted beds definitely stayed very hot throughout the year!</p>
<p>This is my perspective. Prior to coming to Notre Dame two years ago, I had never seen snow nor experienced weather below 30 deg F. So, my first winter was a wakeup call of sorts. This is not to say that I did not prepare. As a matter of fact, my parents pulled out all the stops and outfitted me with military grade snow boots and the newest winter coat technology under the sun. Unfortunately, I did not need to use any of these. This is my take on snow boots and winter coats.</p>
<p>Boots:
It is true. The fine folks in maintenance keep the sidewalks salted and free of snow. And seeing as the Notre Dame sidewalk system links the entirety of campus, one will not need snow boots to cross the terrain. However, the real problem is ice. Notre Dame's drainage systems are just short of medieval. So during a rain storm (in any season) water stands in the most inconvenient of places (outside La Fortune and Jordan for example). In fall and winter, this water freezes and makes some of the paths rather dangerous. Even the best snow boots on the market cannot completely protect the user against ice. So, my advice is to get a nice pair of shoes with excellent traction. Tennis shoes might not be enough. Basketball and running shoes are nice. In my case, I used a pair of CROCS (and heavy winter socks) during most of the winter. Granted, they are a summer shoe. However, the developers implimented "no slip" technologies within each shoe that makes slipping nearly impossible. They are not perfect, but they get the job done.</p>
<p>Winter Coats:
These are essential. If you are flying, I do not suggest packing a winter coat in your luggage for move-in. Either send it by mail or wait until October break. A decent polar fleece should be sufficient in keeping students warm until October break. After that, you have a few options. I do not prefer bulky winter coats. So I layer my windbreaker over two thin polar fleeces. The layering is more than sufficient for South Bend's winter. </p>
<p>Parents! Don't forget to buy your students a laptop case.
Ok, this has nothing to do with winter. But the absolute worst thing a parent can do is send their son or daughter to university without a laptop case. They are essential and will protect what will quickly become your son or daughter's best friend in the journey of academic achievement.</p>
<p>I agree, the main issue at ND is the standing water and thus, ice. At around 4 or 5 AM, the street and sidewalk cleaning people sweep all of the sidewalks - if they need to be sweeped, which won't be until late October - mid November. I would definitely recommend just having sweatshirts and light coats. If you are seen wearing a parka in mid-October, people will know you are from south of the Mason-Dixon line.</p>