The official list on what to take to Berkeley

<p>So it's the July 4th weekend, and I'm leaving for vacation in a few weeks, so I need to buy everything for Cal right about now. So can everyone help me in compiling a list on what to take?</p>

<p>As of now I have:</p>

<p>Toiletries (brush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, shaving cream, etc.)
Flip-Flops (to go into restroom)
Pillows
Bed Sheets (what size?)
Backpack, wallet, cell phone, stationary, etc
Computer</p>

<p>Anyone else?</p>

<p>And also when do we get out roomate assignment?</p>

<p>i think roommate assignment comes around early august, and that's if your roommate checked that little box that says it's ok to let his roommate know. oh and make sure to bring clothes</p>

<p>This has been posted before
(by me and probably others) ...
<a href="http://resource.berkeley.edu/r_html/r03_01.html#bring%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://resource.berkeley.edu/r_html/r03_01.html#bring&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>Tips on what to bring</p>

<p>Wondering about what you need to bring to the residence halls? Each room is furnished with desks, beds, drawers, and shelf space. The rest is up to you. Here's a list of items that students have found useful to have. You don't need everything on this list! Evaluate your own specific needs before packing or purchasing. Check with your roommate(s) to see what they're bringing-you don't want to end up with three mini refrigerators! </p>

<p>Bath towels
Shower basket
Shower shoes/thongs
Combination lock for bathroom lockers
Extension cord/powerstrip
Alarm clock
Desk lamp
Mini dry-erase board
Bed sheets (twin extra long)
Hangers
Laundry basket
Detergent
Iron thumbtacks (for walls)
Telephone with answering
machine
Television
Stereo
Headphones
Computer
Printer
Mini refrigerator
Water filter/pitcher
Microwave
Ear plugs
Umbrella</p>

<p>Extra long bed sheets.</p>

<p>Actually, just go here:
<a href="http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/bts01_Checklist.asp?order_num=-1%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/bts01_Checklist.asp?order_num=-1&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>Something like lysol might come in handy.</p>

<p>Make two lists: </p>

<ul>
<li>items you need to bring from home.</li>
<li>items you can purchase when you get here.</li>
</ul>

<p>There are stores and shopping malls within a short walk or bus/BART ride from the Cal campus, so there is no need to buy everything in advance.</p>

<p>You don't need extra long bed sheets. Twin sheets work perfectly fine. The "extra-long-bed-sheets" propaganda is so that you waste your money on those college packages you are getting in the mail that cost 300 bucks for a bunch of stuff you don't really need.</p>

<p>Things you need to bring:</p>

<p>ATM card
1.5 weeks worth of clothing, underwear, jammies.
A computer.
Basic school supplies.
A work ethic.</p>

<p>Everything else is a distraction or can be purchased on the fly (toiletries, food, etc).</p>

<p>If you don't have a meal plan you might want to bring some utensils.</p>

<p>Its best to have as few distractions as possible in your room to get the most out of college.</p>

<p>
[quote]
Its best to have as few distractions as possible in your room to get the most out of college.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>That depends on what you want to get out of college, and I think what is and what is not a distraction differs from person to person.</p>

<p>In gsp<em>silicon</em>valley's post, he mentioned to bring a mini fridge. Is it REALLY necessary? I have heard that they are often not cold enough, not big enough to store enough stuff in there to make it worthwhile, and just takes up dorm space. </p>

<p>If it's really necessary, I might need to go buy one :/</p>

<p>It's a matter of personal preference, something that you would definitely want to work out with your rommie, if you have one.</p>

<p>A mini fridge isn't meant to hold a lot of stuff ... just small items like milk and other dairy products, juice, (beer,) water, leftover pizza, and other snacks for when you get the munchies.</p>

<p>Others can probably recommend where to get one near campus for a reasonable price, when you and your roommate are ready.</p>

<p>Toaster, it isn't necessary, but nice to have. Not everyone needs one. In fact, one per room or suite (in the mini-suites) is often more than enough. Also, you can rent them from Berkeley, and I'm sure other companies do this near campus, so you don't have to buy one.</p>

<p>
[quote]
I have heard that they are often not cold enough, not big enough to store enough stuff in there to make it worthwhile, and just takes up dorm space.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>I've not heard of heating/cooling problems. Just don't get a really poorly made one. The one my roommate rented from campus was great. It was big enough (certainly could have been bigger), but it fit pretty much everything it need to fit. They are fairly small compared to a full sized fridge, but not that small. They can fit in your closet or something if you're worried about space. I recommend two things- 1) get one with a freezer. Maybe you don't want a freezer, that's fine. If you think you will never use it, then don't get it. 2) wait to see your situation (or learn more aobut it) with regards to how big your room reall is, what youre roommate(s) or suitemates is/are doing and if they're bringing one, and that sort of thing. Call them/look online to see how big rooms are/ or wait. you'll be fine. </p>

<p>Go enjoy your summers people. :)</p>

<p>Thanks guys. I am going to wait to see if any of my roomates already have a fridge.</p>

<p>i used my minifridge extensively freshman year. it's pretty useful for storing drinks, leftovers, food stolen from the dining commons, etc. </p>

<p>BUT! here's a tip. don't buy one yet. they can be heavy, expensive, and just a hassle to transport. a lot of soon-to-be sophomores who moved out of the dorms last semester into apartments will probably be trying to get rid of their mini fridges for cheap/free, and it'll be right there in berkeley. check craigslist.com during welcome week. i'll be selling mine there!</p>

<p>how much clothes/shoes do u really NEED to bring? </p>

<p>I'm not extremely high maintanence, nor am I a "girly-girl" but i have A LOT of clothes and lots of shoes and other items I'd like to bring... but after seeing the closet space availabel in those dorm rooms i'm a little worried. So how much clothes is enough? Also, What kinda clothing is most appropriate? Should I bring some dressy clothes for going out or shoudl I just focus on jeans and sweatshirts?</p>

<p>are flip flops still needed in mini-suites?</p>

<p>No, but you just might wear them every day anyway (as in around campus).</p>

<p>really man? I think that'd be more of a so cal thing; then again, everyone copies so cal.</p>

<p>More of a so cal thing . . . <em>shrug</em> It's common at both places. We'ren't Berkenstocks from nor cal?</p>

<p>Birkenstocks ain't flip flops dude.</p>

<p>Close enough for me. Anyway, plenty of people in northern california have worn sandles for years. Do what you want, you'll be fine either way.</p>