5 * what to bring

(a brief guide to preparation and packing -- from the Brown College O-Week book, with minor editing)

Wait ... I've never done this before

Coming to college, I had no idea what to bring. After I arrived I realized there were a few things I forgot and a few more things I could have left behind. The first suggestion that I can give you is to call your future roommate(s). Rooms are usually spacious, but not big enough to hold two or three of everything. Call your roommates and decide who will bring what. Beyond that, here's a short (and by no means complete!) guide to help you pack.

Absolute Necessities

• A pillow, EXTRA LONG twin sheets (79"), a comforter, and a blanket. Rice has provided information on a company that sells this sort of extra-long linens: http://www.oncampusmarketing.com/rhl/
• Several towels, washcloths, and a bathrobe (unless you want to walk to and from your room in your towel or boxers; often, a floor of rooms will share a large communal bathroom).
• Toiletries. Though Target is close by, it's nice to bring soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrush and paste, hairbrush, razor, and anything else you need.
• A large laundry basket, detergent and dryer sheets to do your own laundry (sorry, we don't have anyone who likes to play mom and do your laundry).
• A desk lamp. Though the rooms have lights, they're definitely not bright enough to light all your work late into the night.
• Clothes hangers!
• An alarm clock. Though you won't like it by midterms, make sure it's loud enough to wake you, but not so loud that it wakes your entire floor.
• A backpack, book bag, briefcase, satchel, or something similar. You need something to carry all your books and notebooks to class.
• An umbrella, rain jacket, and some waterproof shoes. It rains more in Houston than I ever imagined it could, and it floods. (Ask an upperclassman -- there are stories about canoeing to class.)
• Since you'll be on your feet most of the year, and almost all of O-Week, make sure you have some comfortable shoes to wear.
• Shorts, T-shirts, tank-tops, and jeans. The humidity rarely drops below 60-70%, so you'll spend most of your time in these outfits.
• A few winter sweats and sweaters for chilly classrooms and the winter months (e.g. December, January, and sometimes February).
• Some dressier outfits. You never know when that special guy or girl will ask you out for a night on the town. Be prepared to dazzle them. Also, you will need a dressy outfit for Matriculation during O-Week.
• Money! (get as much from your parents while you still can). You will need it for your books and for the extra stuff for your room. Traveler's checks or credit cards are good ideas. Also, your advisors can take you to a nearby bank to open a bank account (very handy).
• Power strips and extension cords. There are never enough outlets.

Optional Accessories:

(you should probably coordinate these with your roommate(s) as well)

• A stereo and walkman (with headphones -- you'll want something to listen to after your roommate has gone to sleep).
• A phone and answering machine.
• A TV and VCR. Though many colleges have a community TV/VCR, your room is cable-ready and you never know when you'll want to relax with a movie.
• A small refrigerator, small microwave, and a coffee maker.
• A dry erase board for your door. It will be very helpful when your friends are trying to find you.
• A couple of plates, bowls, cups and silverware. Your college's kitchen has other utensils, but it's nice to have some things available in your room.
• Plastic crates to store the above-mentioned cooking supplies, books, or acquired junk.
• School supplies: spirals, paper, pens, pencils, stapler, scotch tape, dictionary, thesaurus, calculator, daily planner, etc.
• A computer. You can take advantage of the network and free Internet service provided in your room (it's Ethernet; more information on the Computing in the Colleges page). However, your college does have a computer lab, so there will be computers available.

  [Don't worry about the technical details -- as of 1998, all colleges have two College Computing Associates in addition to the usual helpful people on campus. These people are Rice students who also work for User Services, and they know their stuff. They'll be around during O-Week -- feel free to pester them with your computer questions. (The editor is a CCA.) -ed]

   
  
• Furniture. If you'll be living in a double, there isn't much room; bean bags or a small couch and a floor lamp (lamp supplied with room) will fit nicely. If you live in a quad, you will have a common living room with plenty of space for furniture like a couch, coffee table, floor lamps, rugs, and chairs. Upperclassmen will sell this stuff cheaply, and there is a Target extremely close by.

Is that all?

I hope this has been helpful for you. I'd recommend packing prior to the night before you leave. If you forget anything, there's always UPS. Good luck!! Can't wait to see you in August!

(from the Brown College O-Week book)

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