<p>So move-in day is a little over a month (a month and 10 days) away. Any tips/hints/suggestions/what not to do/something learned the hard way during freshman year at Duke?</p>
<p>If you haven't sent in your picture for your Duke id and are going to do it on move in day, do that right when you get there! I forgot and started unpacking so I look really sweaty and gross in my picture and I have to keep it all four years!</p>
<p>the lines are really long for pictures so either get there early, or send in a picture.</p>
<p>I would also recommend consolidating your stuff, preferably into large boxes. That way, you pull up, the FACs unload everything quickly, bring the boxes to your room and you can go park your car. It makes the move in process go much faster for everyone.</p>
<p>if you are going to purchase books from the Duke bookstore, I would recommend doing the Devil delivery service (I think that is what it is called but don't quote me on it). You can specify either used or new books. They will deliver all the books for your classes to East for you in one box so you will not need to waste time in the bookstore looking for all the books you need and waiting in the long checkout lines. I believe there was a form they mailed to you along with a bunch of other papers over the summer. If not, you can always call them to find out the procedure.</p>
<p>Word of caution, books through Duke is expensive. My roommate order Devil Delivery and his textbook bill was astronomical. Even though he checked used books he still got them all new because the used ones run out fast and they substitute so his bill was like $400+ for the first semester. The same math book that he got new at Duke for $150+, I got new online for around $70.</p>
<p>It was actually pretty funny because I late sold that book back to Duke and made a $10 profit. Hehe.</p>
<p>How did you buy your books online? Through amazon?</p>
<p>Yup amazon is great. I'm sure there are other places online too.</p>
<p>bring flip-flops and shorts. and then in the fall break or thanksgiving break bring a warm winter jacket. no need to read the summer reading book. if you never had a job before in your life, get a job on campus, even if you work few hours. it will help you pace your spending.</p>
<p>send in a good picture for your ID, since every professor gets it on their rosters and it's on all official paperwork. my friend didn't realize this and sent one in looking violently hungover and some seminar professors have made little jokes about it,</p>
<p>HAHAHA^^^</p>
<p>is the picture for all 4 years?</p>
<p>twinkletoes - try and make friends outside of your freshmen dorm in your first few weeks. </p>
<p>It'll help you branch out more.</p>
<p>Also filter out EC's and pick a few to stick with.</p>
<p>the picture is generally for all four years -- only a few ppl at the duke card office volunteer to take new ones when you lose (or "lose") a card or need a replacement... sometimes your card gets worn out from frequent swipes and the pictures get blurry and the gym ppl won't take it. in any case, after three years i personally got a new picture which was good since my id pic didn't look anything like me.</p>
<p>yeah- meet ppl outside of dorms. my freshman year dorm was like an intense clique/pack, so i really barely knew anyone outside (or had meaningful friendships) my dorm until i went through rush. which is my other petition -- to keep an open mind about greek life. also orientation week is my favorite party week of the semester, and that first month of school will be a ton of fun, and definitely try to do as much as you can (go to things like hypnotists or stand up comedians on campus, go to a cappella festivals or art shows or whatever) to soak in all duke has to offer. anyway, if you choose to venture off campus for fraternity house parties (or track house or w/e) just exercise caution and common sense. in years past, the ALE -- which is this sect of the police force solely for Alcohol Law Enforcement -- raided house parties, lined everyone up and breathalyzed everyone, tons of kids got cited, it was this huge mess. the ALE really hasn't existed to that extreme level since, but they can and do make random appearances at bars (for fake IDs) and things like that;... so just be careful. it's not anything to deter you guys from enjoying an off campus social life, it's just something to be cautious of.</p>
<p>^ditto</p>
<p>A lot of upperclassmen fraternity brothers will invite you to off-campus house parties during orientation and first few weeks of school. These are tons of fun, and a great place to branch out, meet older students, and other freshmen. </p>
<p>However, if the party has people spilling out into the yard and music audible from a mile away, you might want to go somewhere else because it might attract attention from the police.</p>
<p>I agree with those who said branch out and meet people from outside your dorm. And GO TO THE MARKETPLACE FOR DINNER!!! I hardly ever did that, and half my friends ended up meeting each other there.</p>
<p>BUT my biggest suggestion is to go to those nerdy events your RA/FAC plans during the first few weeks, and really get to know people. I never did that, and subsequently did not have a solid group of friends until the end of my freshman year. Keep your door open, and take advantage of those opportunities, because if you don't it makes things incredibly difficult!</p>
<p>I need to get a new photo. Mine is absolutely horrible and I had it all last year.</p>
<p>A lot of new freshman is being warned of the hot weather during the first few months (Aug, Sept and maybe Oct.). Does the dorm has the heater during cold months? Do I need a blanket? I'm planning to bring the reversible comforter which is polyester fill. Is it enough?</p>
<p>The dorms are way overheated in my opinion. Each room has its own radiator that runs hot water. Whenever we turned it on, it felt like the amazon rain forest in our room. I think over the course of the whole winter, it was on for a total of 2 days. We walked around in t-shirts and sweat pants so you definitely do not need to worry about heating. As for comforters, I think both of us had down comforters and they were more than enough.</p>
<p>About keeping the door open.</p>
<p>I mean, I plan on leaving mine open, but do people seriously just drop by and start talking? How does it work?</p>
<p>Yeah- people walking in the halls (to leave dorm, go to bathroom, whatever) will just peek in and wave and say hi and introduce themselves. It's really simple and casual - people, until you know them at least, generally won't walk straight in, plonk themselves down and talk for an hour+, but it's a good way to casually meet people.</p>
<p>provided there is a place to plonk...</p>
<p>if you want to have a relatively social room, make sure to have seating available. we lofted freshman year and had several foldout chairs and it seemed like people were always around for basketball / 24 / pong / whatever.</p>