<p>ok, so we are starting to think about what to bring to campus. We have read the lists. I would like some input from current ND students about what you recommend bringing to campus in the fall.</p>
<p>Thanks
Gymmom2007</p>
<p>Things that are easier to buy new when you get to campus:</p>
<p>TV
Fridge
Carpet
Bedding (sheets, comforter, pillow cases, pillows, etc)
Brita Filter
DVD Player
Futon
Anything larger than a breadbox</p>
<p>South Bend is PACKED with stores, close to campus, that (especially around move-in time) cater to students who need to buy these less academic school supplies. Most of those lists are very good. This thread would probably be more effective if you asked about specific items and whether they’re necessary or not. </p>
<p>Also, I know the list I spouted off above is full of large, expensive stuff. I recommend that you split room necessities as a whole with your roommate, but make individual purchases individually - i.e., do not split the cost of single items, but rather agree, for instance, that you will buy (or bring) a TV while your roommate buys (or brings) the fridge. This protects against sticky situations when freshman year roommates do not room together sophomore year, yet have to somehow split a rug a la King Solomon.</p>
<p>for girls—rain boots!!!</p>
<p>My D will be so happy that she can wear her bright red Hunter rain boots.</p>
<p>Do kids really have TV’s in their dorm rooms? Never heard of it… maybe I am out of touch.</p>
<p>Yes, they do. At least, most of them.</p>
<p>Just about every student has a tv in their room</p>
<p>Bed Bath & Beyond has a service where you can order what you need online and then pick it up in the Mishawaka store (about 3 miles from campus).</p>
<p>If you are flying in, I recommend renting a biggish vehicle–we ended up with a minivan because the rental company was out of compacts and it was wonderfully convenient–we picked up our order at BB&B, ran to Target and bought toiletries and things like laundry detergent, and hauled kids around to pick up this or that. </p>
<p>You will need XL twin sheets, comforter, towels at a minimum. DD was in a quad her first year so the girls split the big stuff–DD bought the fridge, somebody else brought a futon from home, and another girl brought a TV. An electric kettle is nice to have–but be sure to spend a little extra for one with an auto shutoff. </p>
<p>Don’t forget these items: Advil or other OTC pain reliever, antihistamine, bandaids and disinfectant, gauze pads, nail clippers, saline eye wash, laundry detergent/fabric softener or dryer sheets, paper towel, a can of those clorox wipes (or similar brand), a small package of swiffer dusters (if you have girls–otherwise don’t bother LOL), for girls a LARGE supply of sanitary supplies (they are expensive and of course you always run out at the wrong time), some energy bars or other packaged healthy-ish snack for emergencies, batteries for whatever your student has that runs on batteries, a flashlight, an inexpensive sleeping bag (if there is room) for guests or trips, Uggs or other warm boots for winter.</p>
<p>Fans-for dorms w/o ac. While it is mainly the first couple of weeks that are warm, our student keeps a fan on during the winter to keep air circulating.</p>
<p>brita filter for the dorm sink or for what?</p>
<p>My son’s room was so hot in the winter that he ditched the heavy comforter by November.<br>
His double room in one of the older dorms was also the size of a prison cell. Even after lofting the beds, they had room for only a refrigerator and two of those sling-like folding chairs, which they usually ended up using to pile things on rather than to sit in. With the refrigerator, there was absolutely NO room for a futon or any other real furniture. If either of them had brought a TV, there would have been no place to put it where more than one person could see the screen.</p>
<p>^do you happen to know the general size or dorm that he was in. </p>
<p>I am asking because I am in Alumni (supposedly the 2nd smallest dorm) and in a 9x14 dorm, which doesn’t seem too, too bad, yet is small.</p>
<p>^I can tell you that it is small, based on our student’s freshman dorm room and carpet that we purchased for the room. You will def need to loft the beds and I doubt there will be room for a futon, much less a tv. You would be wise to make contact w/your roommate and discuss options for carpet, fridge, etc. When you move in, there will be plenty of upperclassmen to help with your move, as well as suggestions for room configurations to make the most of space. And, as mentioned earlier, you will need a fan since Alumni does not have a/c. Kevdude, another poster on the forum, is a resident of Alumni and can probably give you lots of tips. It is a great location and seems to have a wonderful history of tradition.</p>
<p>Also be aware that some of the dorms (I think Alumni as well) have modular furniture in many of their rooms. If you have modular furniture you will not be able to loft your beds which can be a curse or blessing pending on your preference. If you have modular furniture it may prove difficult to fit in a sofa and other bulky items. Just send an e-mail to your rector or RA to find out if your room will have modular furniture.</p>
<p>What is modular furniture? haha I know when I stayed in Keenan during my visit they did have lofts, but I’m going to be in Keough now, so what’s the opinion on that?</p>
<p>keough has modular furniture… basically u have a desk and dresser and the two are of equal size so that u can put your bed on them and conserve space… almost everybody does this freshman year but it starts getting annoying having to climb up the ladder to your bed every night so my roommate and i next year are going to find a way to keep our beds on the ground, or at the very least, bunk them</p>
<p>Bring a tape measure. It will come in VERY handy, especially if you’re planning to pick up a rug or other larger item once you get here.
And when one of the helpful fellows moving you in asks if you want the beds lofted, say yes immediately.</p>
<p>^very true. </p>
<p>also if you want to go crazy, which i may do. even though you ND doesn’t give exact dimensions, you can use the door on the diagram as a base to scale your room. Doors are usually 2’6". Knowing that, you can find an estimate you dorm size and then try to get a general idea of where you want things to go. </p>
<p>also, many facebook groups are made for each dorm room. Ask around to see if any upperclassmen are on the groups (or search previous groups). They probably have a great idea of size of room/what works best. it never hurts to do a lot of research now and have an easy move-in so you can get into your activities.</p>
<p>Just a word of caution. If you can, you should definitely loft. But you should be careful in who you let build your loft. When you arrive at the dorm you will likely see fliers for students who claim to be loft builders/designers. I think a lot of these guys are honest and goodhearted people, but most don’t have a clue about construction. So when you arrive on campus and consider hiring a group of these guys to design your son or daughter’s loft, just be sure that they watch out for a few key points.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Pressure treated wood is always a bad idea because it is a carcinogen.</p></li>
<li><p>Peg ladders are often dangerous and can snap easily. Traditionally designed ladders are stronger and have more support.</p></li>
<li><p>Deck screws are almost always ideal.</p></li>
<li><p>This may be a bit excessive, but metal joist hangers do a great job of holding up the bed frame.</p></li>
<li><p>Just because a builder says he’s an engineering students does not necessarily mean he has any clue about construction.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>I thought Freshman can’t loft until 2nd semester.</p>
<p>It may depend on the dorm. In our student’s dorm, pretty much had to loft due to size of dorm room and there were no rules regarding lofting, plus furniture allowed for lofting. </p>
<p>Another piece of advice: if you plan to put down any carpet or rugs, move all furniture out of room, put the carpet down and then set up the furniture.</p>