Pre-Dorm Buying

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvard University
1

<p>My mom insists that we get all of the college buying done now rather than later. So... just a few concerns: </p>

<ol>
<li><p>The site does not list an air conditioner as one of the big no-nos, but does that necessarily mean its still permissible on campus (even a really small, energy-efficient one)? </p></li>
<li><p>I know microwaves are not allowed, but what about a microfridge (a microwave built into a fridge, seen by some schools are the only permissible way to have a sort of a "microwave" device)? </p></li>
<li><p>How many of you are considering the RHL and computer brochures sent in the mail? </p></li>
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<p>Thanks! And, of course, I can't wait to see you guys in the fall! Until then, happy summer!! </p>

<p>P.S. I like trunks. But my mom hates them because they are not "practical." It's quite possible that July heat is getting to my head... but is a lockable trunk a decent idea for keeping your most personal stuff safe (any suggestions possibly from anyone who has already had experience with dorm life)?</p>

2

<p>I didn’t think air conditioners would be necessary… I thought it was rather cold in Boston?</p>

<p>I can’t wait to see you guys in the fall!</p>

<p>Same here :]!</p>

3

<p>Parent of a recent grad here …</p>

<p>I am fairly sure that you can’t bring an air conditioner! The Yard is composed of historic buildings and you can’t hang much of anything out of your window. Bring a good fan!</p>

<p>Do not bring a hard trunk. Many rooms will not have the space for them.</p>

<p>You can rent a microfridge through the school or bring your own microwave. Most proctors look the other way.</p>

4

<p>No to air conditioners (you cannot fit them in the windows, nor would the wiring handle the load.)–but bring a fan, that will do fine for the few sweltering days. Rooms are inspected over winter break so an individual microwave would be confiscated when/if discovered. You can rent the micro-fridge described aboe from Harvard Student Agencies- they will deliver it and remove it at the end of the school year.</p>

5

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<p>It can hit the 80s in September and May.</p>

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<p>Nope. Harvard doesn’t like things on the exterior of Yard buildings. </p>

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<p>Yes those are allowed. Even microwaves are de facto allowed because no one ever checks or cares.</p>

6

<p>Can anyone give us the lowdown on the mattresses? Are they comfortable?
Does the Egg crate pad help? Is it worth it or should we splurge on a fetherbed or thicker foam layer?</p>

<p>Do any extra long sheets fit or should we just buy sheets via HSA?</p>

<p>And finally, did anyone use those bed lifter blocks to improve storage space under the bed - are the risers worth it or not?</p>

7

<p>The egg crate pads or foam pads are a real help for the uncomfortable mattresses.</p>

<p>Any twin extra long sheets fit. The HSA ones are not good quality–low thread count, rough, cheap, but expensive.</p>

<p>My D tried the plastic risers, they kept slipping. Perhaps there are heavier, stronger ones out there?</p>

8

<p>Thanks Fauve. I was wondering how safe the risers are.</p>

<p>Did you find the students end up buying or bringing their own bookcase, trunks for storage, computer chair, futon sofa/bed, rug??</p>

9

<p>As for AC, visible curtains are not even allowed in the window of the historic yard.</p>

<p>What I have heard about the microwaves is that they are not allowed. Basically over winter break you cover the microwave. Policy is that no personal property can be touched, not even the blanket shaped like a microwave. If they cannot outright see it then you should be “fine”.</p>

10

<p>I purchased the HSA package deal last year and was not at all pleased. Every item was very low quality, but given how cheap it was, I guess I got what I paid for. I would recommend buying the bedding supplies etc. from Bed, Bath, and Beyond. It might be a little more expensive, but you will be grateful for the improved quality.</p>

<p>Reiterating what has already been said, BRING A FAN. It is hot the first few weeks and the dorm will be uncomfortable without one. Also, don’t expect to buy one in Cambridge. All stores sell out quickly.</p>

11

<p>2born2- bookcases are provided, one for each student. A desk chair with padded seat is also provided. </p>

<p>Habitat for Humanity hosts a used furniture sale out on the grass in front of the Science Center during freshman move-in. They sell futons, furniture, etc., which were donated by last spring’s graduating seniors. Go early for the best (cleanest) selection.</p>

<p>Hemmed carpet pieces are sold at The Coop- about $50.00 for a 6’ x 8’ piece. You could probably save money by buying them at Target if you have the transportation. The Coop also sells futons, chairs, lamps upstairs, however the prices are quite high for the quality.</p>

12

<p>My daughter used bed risers for years and they were fine. There was never any problem with them; we bought them at Bed Bath & Beyond.</p>

13

<p>If you end up getting a rug, are you permitted to have a vacuum (compact and minimal-no noise)?</p>

14

<p>^Yes you can have a vacuum. In fact dorm crew will let you borrow them, though the one they gave me caught on fire…</p>

15

<ol>
<li><p>B B & B has a program to allow you to buy stuff locally and pick it up in Boston area. You will need a car because there in no B B & B walking distance to the yard.</p></li>
<li><p>Got son one of those memory cell mattresses. Probably the only thing that we bought which he acknowledges was the right thing to buy.</p></li>
<li><p>If you have transportation, you might try Building 19 (its a discount warehouse with several locations in the Boston area) for rugs. Bought one for son last year (about 8 x 10) and it was about $60. Unfortunately, too big to store, so it may end up at the Science Center sale. </p></li>
<li><p>Son used risers on his Dorm and House bed. Allowed him to store a modest sized (about 16 - 18" high) locker under the bed. The locker was capable of being locked, but I doubt that he did that.</p></li>
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16

<ol>
<li><p>We “inherited” a window AC with our freshman dorm (I believe the summer residents left it and no one threw it out). I don’t remember ever using it during the year, but I definitely used it for a summer (staying in Leverett). There is definitely a “no AC” rule, but it’s only enforced slightly more than the no microwave rule.</p></li>
<li><p>RE: Microwaves - [What</a> If It Were All a Lie? | The Harvard Crimson](<a href=“http://www.thecrimson.com/article/2002/10/10/what-if-it-were-all-a/]What”>The Harvard Crimson)
Even if you get “caught” with a microwave (really, though, what they’re looking for during inspections is candles/space heaters) you’ll get a warning and a notice that your room will be reinspected later. If I remember correctly, they might even tell you the date of the reinspection (so you know to stash your <em>whatever</em> in a friend’s room). Don’t buy a microfridge (overpriced) or rent the HSA one (crappy and overpriced). To be honest, we always had a microwave, and I don’t anyone ever used it (noch’s/filipe’s filled my late night food needs). But it could be nice for popcorn or whatnot.</p></li>
<li><p>And to echo opinions already stated - HSA is rather scammy on the whole…</p></li>
<li><p>I would strongly suggest getting a futon w/ frame (available at the habitat sale - but get there early), a comfy chair or two (once you know how big your room is), and random stuff to give your room character (tacky art? tiki hut? stolen traffic cones? whatever).</p></li>
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<p>There’s no cable, so - unless you’re a gamer - TVs aren’t that useful. Someone should bring a decent set of speakers. If you’ve got money to burn, a nice projector is a good investment - projecting movies/hulu from your computer.</p>

17

<p>My main advice for this point in the summer is that with the exception of bedding/desk stuff, I would wait on the other things for your room. Two reasons - your roommate(s) might be the purchaser, if you are sharing a single room double, the extra seating will not be useful. Once you get your housing assignments, you can act on these other things.</p>