Extras - Dorm editionEverybody knows to bring a computer and a set of sheets to college. But did you think to pack a sewing kit? Earplugs? A zillion kinds of tape? A small desk lamp? Envelopes and stamps? A camera? These are the sorts of things you might not think of that students and administrators recommend. We talked to people at four colleges and universities recently, and even if you're already in the dorm, their thoughts may remind you of something you forgot. For those still packing, consider their advice. Almost unanimously, they recommended bringing a foam, egg-crate mattress pad and plastic storage containers and bags.
Crys Latham, senior assistant director of admissions at Oberlin College in Ohio, recommended bringing an address book, with ''every phone number, e-mail address, and regular address you can think of,'' plus birthdays, anniversaries, and credit card company numbers. Jean Herbert, dean for first-year students at Tufts University in Medford, said a collapsible laundry rack is handy. Folks in the office of residential life at Dartmouth College in Hanover, N.H., suggested bringing a bicycle, and Ben Feder of Nashua, N.H., a senior and admissions representative at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, said don't forget a bathing suit: ''It's always nice to have.'' Below are more of their thoughts. 1. In the medicine cabinet In an e-mail to incoming Oberlin freshmen, Latham said bluntly, ''You get sick. Medicine costs a lot of money and is usually only available for purchase someplace outside the vicinity of your bathrobe and room.'' She recommended bringing any over-the-counter medicine you think you might need, as well as first-aid supplies: Ibuprofen, Tylenol, Tums, Band-Aids, a thermometer. As Latham said, ''It's much easier to roll out of bed to your closet to get meds than it is to walk 3 or 4 blocks to CVS when you think you're on your deathbed.'' 2. The toolbox Feder at UMass/Amherst recommended bringing a few tools, like a hammer and screwdrivers, ''anything you might need to adjust something.'' Throw in a pair of pliers for good measure. Also, a spray bottle of all-purpose cleaner and, of course, laundry detergent are good to have, as is a small, hand-held vacuum or just a brush and dustpan. (''Dust is rampant in the dorms,'' Feder said. ''You'll move your desk and there will be huge dust bunnies everywhere.'') 3. The pantry At Tufts, Herbert said, students bring boxes of macaroni and cheese, bottled juices, and, of course, ramen noodles. Latham suggested chip clips, microwavable dishes, a set of cutlery, cups, and lidded plastic containers to store food and deter bugs. Dartmouth officials suggest bringing an electric coffee pot. 4. The classes (remember them?) Latham urged students to bring handfuls of cheap pens, pencils, and highlighters. ''Just bring a ridiculous number of writing utensils,'' she said. She also recommended a small corkboard and tacks, Post-It notes, a wall calendar (''Where you can see it; by the phone is a good idea.''), rubber bands, binders and a three-hole punch. Feder said a desk or window fan will make studying more pleasant. Dartmouth recommended bringing a surge protector for computer accessories. 5. The shower
Latham said she favors a plastic colander for toiletries, as it is sturdy, has plenty of holes for draining, and usually is less expensive than a fancy shower caddy. She recommended a pair of flip-flops for getting to the shower, and Feder suggested buying such things as razor blades, soap, and shampoo in bulk: ''You can have Mom and Dad spring for that.'' © Copyright 2004 Globe Newspaper Company.
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