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The Brown University Freshman Checklist
Electronics
Computer
Computers, once used solely for the purposes of the Oregon Trail have now become the essential item for every college student. Pretty much everybody has a laptops (though some have laptops AND desktops)—you need it so you can work in the Blue Room, the Rock and the Scili. Your laptop will be your best friend, so get a good one that won’t die on you. For instance, your Dell is likely to throw in the towel around the end of sophomore year, while a Thinkpad or a Mac are more likely to stick around for graduation. But yeah, on computers: get one.
Jolt Picks
• Apple
MacBook Pro - You'll look great on campus with this baby.
• Search
PC Notebook Options - Because not everyone's into Apple.
Printer
It's possible to do without a printer thanks to college print services, computer labs, and generous roommates. However, if you have a paper due, you may not want to be so dependent on the computer lab being open and roommates being charitable. Instead of spending valuable working time dealing with printing and being a mooch, it might be worthwhile to fork out some cash for a small printer and some ink
cartridges.
Jolt Picks
• Canon
Pixima All-In-One - Great for scanning and printing - under $200!
• Browse
All Printers - Choice is beautiful
Computer Accessories
You
will need an Ethernet
(RJ-45) cable to connect to the Internet. Be sure to get a long one in
case you arrange your room so that your desk is far from the plug. This will also be helpful when using the Brown’s Wireless Network, which is spread throughout campus. You may
also want to make sure you have a wireless
card, if not for your University's Wireless Network, for local cafés.
You will also want some CD-Rs for
saving big projects, making mix CDs, and other projects. USB
Flash drives can also be helpful. Get the largest capacity you can afford.
And remember headphones.
A TV, and optional DVD/VHS player
TV? You are in college now and way too mature for that. Uhhhh right. You'll need this sucker as a primary source of procrastination, entertainment, and to watch the news when shit goes down. Others simply watch IPTV (LINK TO IPTV). The DVD player is nice for watching your favorite movies over and over to memorize lines you will repeat endlessly to friends. If you happen to get a VHS player built-in to your DVD player or TV, it can't hurt. You'll be able to tape "The OC" when you can't watch (you know you watch it). This is a big ticket item, so make sure you talk with your roommate(s) before packing to see if you can split the total cost or each bring one component (i.e. one brings TV, one brings DVD player).
Jolt Picks
• Phillips
Progressive Scan DVD Player - Quality DVD Player that won't skip!
• Sony
27" Trinitron WEGA Digital TV - Sweet picture at a great price
Phone
You may want a phone for convenience, although you may find that you barely ever need to use it.
Cell Phone
Get a cell phone with a provider that has good service in Providence. Every service has its flaws, but Verizon and Cingular are said to be the best in terms of reception. And don’t worry if you drop your phone in the toilet, there are many cell phone stores located in the city.
Jolt Picks
• Verizon
RAZR - If you don't have a phone or are thinking of swithcing, the
Verizon RAZR is the one to get! Plus Verizon has the best service nationwide.
• eForcity
Cell Phone Accessories - Great selection of cell phone accessories.
Digital Camera
Bring a digital camera. Camera's are great for documentation, remembering good times, and showing family all the sites around Brown and Providence. Avoid the very expensive ones because there is a decent chance of you losing it or having it stolen. Digital cameras have come way down in price lately, and a perfectly good 2 megapixel camera is dirt cheap.
Jolt Picks
• Canon
Powershot A520 4MP - Great bang for your buck here so start capturing
those memories. These are the golden years!
• Kodak
EasyShare 4MP - For a compact digital at $85 you can't beat this one!
Stereos or MP3 Players
Stereos are not totally necessary because you’ll have a computer, and probably an MP3 player. It’s a good idea to invest in some adequate speakers or good headphones for your computer, not only for music, but also to drown out the terrible sounds of your RC on his acoustic guitar attempting to impress girls nearby. Stereos just take up space. The same goes for CDs. If you can download music, you don't have to pack or store CDs, or worry about them getting stolen. Get iTunes and MyTunes Redux and share the wealth!
Jolt Picks
• iPod
Store - Plenty of great options to dock your iPod.
• Altec
Lansing iPod Docking Station - PA nice, affordable option for docking
your iPod.
• Phillips
Hi-Fi Thin CD Player - In case you're a CD person, this is a great
option.
Alarm Clock
You're going to need this sucker to wake your lazy ass up. Sure, you got up at the crack of dawn for four years in high school, but trust us kids, this is not high school. You might even consider a clock that hangs from the ceiling to further increase the difficulty of turning it off. Be wary of clocks that are super bright though, or you (or worse your roommate) will be kept up all night by its eerie LED glow.
Jolt Picks
• Timex Nature Sounds Auto Set CD Clock - Wake up to the radio or your favorite CD!
Lamps
A desk lamp is also a good idea for the times when you're pulling an all-nighter and your roommate wants to go to bed. Clamp lights are also nice to provide personal light anywhere you want it. Halogen lights are not allowed in dorms because they’re dangerous.
Jolt Picks
• Floor
Lamp - The classic 3 bulb floor lamp
• Lamps
Plus - A Great Selection of lamps at College Budgets
Christmas Lights
Some say these lights are an absolute necessity to dorm and that is up to you. If you string them underneath a loft or bunk, watch your head! Also make sure you have plenty of paperclips or staples for hanging them from the ceiling. A couple packages will do the trick -- unless you and your roommate go completely overboard and want to cover your entire ceiling in lights...in which case seek professional help. Remember not to hang them from the fire sprinklers on the ceiling or you’ll get in trouble!
Jolt Picks
• LED
Christmas Multi-Colored 36 Light String Set - Christmas just got cooler!
• White
Bulb Christmas Lights - The classic Christmas choice.
Extension Cords & Surge Protectors
Sometimes the genius room layouts you conjure up will leave your appliances far from the electrical outlets, so get at least two nice long extension cords. The surge protector adds a little security for that fool who decides to cook popcorn at 2AM. If you have a lot of things to plug in, bring two.
Jolt Picks
• Belkin
SurgeMaster Surge Prptector - Don't loose that paper!
• 12
Foot Extension Chord - You never know when you'll need one!
Small Fan
The odd timing and extremes of cold and heat in the dorms can only be explained by how they prepare you for a life in your crappy cubicle offices with similar issues. A fan is your best friend for controlling your own cooling.
Jolt Picks
• Honeywell
High Performance Fan - Blows harder than - well, ya know...
• Honeywell
Window Fan - A great substitute for an AC Unit
Iron
Now that you’ll be doing your own laundry, you’ll be surprised to find out how much your clothes wrinkle. Sorry, it’s true. If you have the patience, an iron and small ironing board will make you more impressive to your peers (Ha ha ha!).
Jolt Picks
• Black & Decker AS150 Steam Advantage Iron - For the occasional wrinkle in your life.
Coffee Maker
If you’re a coffee snob, and Ratty coffee just won’t do it for you, stop by the Blue Room on the Main Green and pick up a steaming cup of hot coffee in a variety of flavors. They use Free Trade coffee so you know you’re paying for a good cause.
Jolt Picks
• Black & Decker Brew 'n Go with Travel Mug - Wake up for early classes with a hot cup of joe.
Dorm Amenities
Bed Sheets
Beds
in the dorms are all twins and you might want to buy extra-long sheets to
ensure they fit. Make sure to bring a few sets, because if you’re like most
students you'll err on the side of laziness/business when it comes to laundry.
Jolt Picks
• Cotton
Twin XL Sheets - We recommend you stick to the lighter colors.
• Flannel
Twin XL Sheets - If your school is up North, make sure you have a pair!
Towels
The
need for towels is not to be underestimated. What you lack in clean laundry,
you will want to make up for with good hygiene. Two to five towels should
do it.
Jolt Picks
• Collegiate Towels - Truthfully that's the name - need we say more?
Blankets
Bringing
your childhood “Binky” is your call, but a warm blanket for sleep is essential.
You'll want a comforter for cold winter nights, but it's also a good idea
to bring a fleece blanket or throw for warmer evenings or to use while sitting
out on the Main Green.
Jolt Picks
• Twin Microfiber Blanket - Microfiber is the new suede - and it resists spills.
Pillows (& Extras)
Bring
your regular pillows and a couple extra to prop yourself up on while watching
TV or movies, because it’s unlikely you’ll have a couch in your room. One
of those "husband/wife" pillows might not be a bad idea, but they
take up space and it's annoying to continually move them on and off your
bed every night.
Jolt Picks
• Wamsutta Magic Gel Pillow - Here's wishing you some magic.
Mattress Pads and Egg Crates
If you get stuck with a mattress that’s been around since Brown opened in 1764, an egg crate or mattress pad may be the only thing separating you, an aching back, and ancient mystery stains.
Jolt Picks
• Sleep Innovations Eggcrate Foam Topper - For $10, get a good nights sleep!
Storage Crates
Either plastic or metal, these will give you some extra storage space underneath your bed or in the closet. They are mostly handy for storing stuff that you don't use too often, like books. Bring rackraisers or find some cinderblocks to hoist up your bed for more storage space.
Jolt Picks
• Bubble Crates - For $5, you can't go wrong.
Clothes Hangers
Even if you aren't planning to bring a lot of clothes that require hanging, hangers come in handy and have a way of disappearing. Buy some at Bed, Bath and Beyond if you’re cramped for packing space. You can hang drying items on them, heavier items on them, and they cause less wrinkles.
Jolt Picks
• Pack of 72 Tube Hangers - A basic neccessity.
Wall Decorations
Your walls are a great place to tell something about yourself and reflect a little bit of personality. Don’t feel shy about hanging some stuff up and adding some life to the room. A very tiny bit of the world will be "yours" while at school. People also often put up pictures of their best friends, pets and family at home, which is a great way to kick your homesickness. Be wary of following the cliché college poster route with such gems like John Belushi in Animal House, Bob Marley smoking weed, and girls in thong bikinis drinking beer (word to the wise, this will not get you more girls).
Jolt Picks
• AllPosters.com - Widest selection of posters we found on the web.
Laundry Hamper
Expandable hampers are ideal for dorm rooms because they can hold a lot of clothes and fold neatly to fit anywhere. Some have removable bags. A standard laundry or long duffle bag will do too, but remember that the larger it is the less often you will feel compelled to do laundry, which depending on your disposition can be a curse, a blessing, or both.
Jolt Picks
• Mesh Laundry Hamper - On the off chance that your clothes actually make it into the hamper, this is the one to use!
Laundry Detergent & Dryer Sheets
A
big jug or tub keeps most first years relatively presentable for much of
the school year. Dryer sheets are good for combating the dusty smell your
drawers might create in your clothes.
Jolt Picks
• Tide
High Efficiency Laundry Detergent - More bang for your buck with this
powerful stuff.
• Bounce
Dryer Sheets - At least your clothes will be soft when classes start getting
hard.
Garbage Can
It's
better to get a cheap garbage can that you can replace after one year of
filling it with gross leftovers, questionable liquids and the off-chance
bodily fluids. Don’t get some perforated one, because it will leak stuff.
And save up plastic bags from the store – it makes disposal a much neater
activity. The flip tops are nice for hiding overflowing garbage can situations.
Jolt Picks
• Simple Human Garbage Can - Simple, stylish but still affordable.
Random 'Kitcheny' Stuff
There’s some kitchen supplies you never knew you needed until they’re gone. The time will come when your food collection resembles that of a depleted bomb shelter. However, most students find that by the end of the school year, they can feed a small country. Some other items to go in the miscellaneous drawer: bottle opener, corkscrew, can opener, measuring spoons, and Tupperware for leftovers.
Jolt Picks
• Measuring
Tools - Great assortment of choices here - who knows, you may even
end up keeping some of these for a while.
• Bar
& Wine Tools - For the occasional dorm room party - hey, we're realistic.
We've been there!
• Tupperware -
In case you have a cooking area in your dorm, these are essential.
Brita Pitcher
A
water filtering pitcher may be a helpful way to enhance the taste, if not
health, of your tap water. Be sure to change the filters as often as required.
If your family has a bulk buying superstore membership, pick some filters
up to take with you; they tend to be expensive.
Jolt Picks
• Brita Slim Pitcher with Filter - A nice space saving option for your dorm room fridge.
• Replacement Filter 3-Pack - Great to stock up on. Filters should really be changed every 2-3 months.
Double Sided Tape or Sticky Putty
Sticky Tac product to put up your posters, message board, band flyers, etc. Walls are usually concrete, so nails and tacks are out of the question. Just make sure you get a product that has removal instructions, or you could wind up paying a fee when you move out.
Jolt Picks
• Grizzly Double Sided Tape - Powerful stuff. Recommended more for concrete walls.
• Poster Putty - Another alternative for mounting posters - comes right off those lovely cinder block walls.
Mini-Fridge
All dorms have kitchens. None, however come with a mini-fridge. Lots of freshmen split one with their roommate(s) or bring one from home. It’s a definite necessity (for yogurt and other perishables from Jo’s or the Gate.)
Clothing
Clothing
If
you haven't touched it in over a year, don't bring it. Bring the clothes
you like and will wear regularly. Err on the side of being minimal. You'll
likely find out what you want to be wearing better after you're there no
matter what.
Jolt Picks
• KarmaLoop -
Great clothes with that urban atittude.
• Gap
Online - A staple amongst most college crowds.
• Old
Navy - Gap's less expensive cousin.
• Shoes -
Zappos has some great deals online.
Undergarments
Self-explanatory.
Jolt Picks
• Gap
Online - They have some great patterns on boxers here!
• Old
Navy - A cheap way to stock up on your unmentionables.
Winter Stuff
Depending how you look at it, you’ll either enjoy or barley tolerate the Rhode Island’s winter. Luckily there are 3 other seasons you’re sure to enjoy, so be patient. In the meantime pack to freeze because it does get chilly. That means hat, scarf, gloves or mittens if you’re a mitten person. If home is an airplane ride away and you are planning on going home for Winter/Spring Break, just rotate your summer stuff when you go home. (And a word of advice...bring a lot home at Spring Break and leave it there, it will make packing at the end of school much, much easier.) Don't forget a solid winter jacket too. The Daily Jolt provides weather updates that will help you in deciding if the trek to class is worth your while.
Comfy PJ's
Make sure they're not only comfortable to sleep in, but also in decent shape (no major holes) and not too embarrassing, because chances are that you will wear them to classes more than once or twice.
Bathing Suit
You never know when you’re going to need one. While we do admire your confidence, for most people it is absolutely forbidden to wear a Speedo in public. Check out Smith Swim Center hours here.
Jolt Picks
• Swimsuits for All - Everyone can find something here.
Formal Clothing
It's good to have some nice formal outfits (suit, ties, dress, whatever floats your boat) in case you get invited to some cool event, lecture, dance or party that requires formal wear. A tuxedo t-shirt will do just fine for most things, but you might want to look more spiff to land that sweet internship.
Jolt Picks
• Jos A Bank - Classy, but it won't break your bank.
Umbrella
Because
of the dire effects of global warming and constant temperature changes, you
never what kind of weather to expect! So when packing, remember that there
is rain in Providence. So pack an umbrella that will not fold inside out and
fly into nearby students.
Jolt Picks
• London Fog Automatic Open Umbrella.
Bathroom Stuff
First Aid
You
should always bring a variety of common medicines (head, stomach, sinuses,
throat, etc.). You'll need them at some point and you'll be able to come
to the rescue of your hot neighbor. Also be prepared for cuts and bruises.
Jolt Picks
• First Aid - A nice compact package with all the basic necessities.
Toiletries
Shampoo,
conditioner, soap/body wash, razors,
shaving cream, deodorant, tissues, toothpaste and toothbrushes, a comb/brush,
Q-tips, dental floss, nail clippers, spare contacts, glasses and contact
solution if you need them, and a hair
dryer if you use one. Also, whatever "product" (read: gunk)
you use to make your hair purdy.
Shower Caddy & Flip Flops
If
you have a shared bathroom, you'll need to contain your toiletries in manageable
and portable containers. Shower caddies have holes in the bottom to let the
water drain out. They just need to be big enough to carry your shower and
bathroom essentials. Keep it small. And do not forget the flip flops. The
shower might be clean, but your hall mate might have some gross fungus.
Jolt Picks
• Bathroom Caddy - An easy way to take all your goodies to and from the shower.
• Flip Flops - These will keep that nasty fungus off your feet.
Medications
Be
sure to talk with your parents about how to keep your prescriptions up to
date in Providence well ahead of leaving.
Jolt Picks
• Pain Killers - Chances are you'll have a few migranes before Freshman year is through.
Contraceptives
You’ll need more than your first aid supplies to play doctor. If you want to have sex, you want to have some protection. Go to Health Services on campus to get condoms and other safe sex materials. Also, freshman RCs will have condoms available on their doors for 5 cents a pop--best deal you’ll ever get in your lives.
Jolt Picks
• Trojan Condom - Variety 36 Pack - Variety is a good thing.
College Necessities
Plastic Silverware
Why wash dishes when you can just throw it in the recycling bin?
Water Bottle
So they've become a college cliché, but they're still super useful for sports, outdoors activity, class, and studying. You can also express your Brown pride and get one at the bookstore with the logo on it. Nalgenes are nearly indestructible and won't give you that plastic taste that regular water bottles will. Just don't put milk in them. Trust us. Remember to recycle your plastic products in the dormitories and throughout campus.
Jolt Picks
• CamelBak .75 Liter Water Bottle - Pretty sleek design.
Cleaning Wipes
Pledge or Clorox (or even the CVS-equivalent) are an absolute Godsend, and the benefit will be two-fold: disguising the nasty dorm-room smell (either the one that was there when you arrived or the one you made in the process of living there) and combating the inevitable dust build-up.
Jolt Picks
• Clorox Cleaning Wipes - Who knows - maybe you can avoid a few colds by using these in common areas you share with your roommate.
Organizer
Whether it’s a PDA, personal secretary, or desk calendar, you will want something to keep track of due dates, upcoming days off of school and important Birthdays. The Daily Jolt also offers an easy to use online scheduler.
Jolt Picks
• Palm Z22 Handheld PDA - At about $90, this is the one to get if you're on a budget.
• Dell Axim X51v PDA - If you need all the bells and whistles, this is your best bet.
Febreeze
Stinky roommate? Too much old laundry? Dried, moldy milk in your cereal bowl? Febreeze it away! Double check if you've got an asthmatic roommate.…
Jolt Picks
• 27.4 oz Febreeze Spray - You never know when you'll need this in the room! A real problem solver.
Message Board
The
dry erase boards are a throw back to the college days of yore before IM and
Away messages removed their functionality. It can still be a fun thing, but
beware that your markers will be stolen within the first few weeks of school.
Get a five-pack at the dollar store.
Jolt Picks
• Dry Erase Board - Great for friends to leave messages and funny cartoons on.
School Supplies
This
is not elementary school, so do not go overboard on school supplies. Most
of your money will go towards book, so use sparingly here: One box of pens,
one notebook for each class, one or two highlighters, a stapler, some pencils
and a graphing calculator ought to do it. Scissors, 3-hole puncher and a
small package of post-its are a good touch too.
Jolt Picks
• Staples Back To School Specials - A complete collection of cheap Back to School supplies.
Food!
You will want to stock up on snacks and junk food at Jo’s and the Gate for late night cravings when the dining hall seems just too far away. Take advantage of your parents moving you in, and get them to buy you loads of stuff. As optimistic as you are, you won’t make it to the grocery store as often as you plan.
Jolt Picks
• Snack Food - You won't have to sneak these out of the dining hall.
Duct Tape
If the gods created a tape, it would be Duct Tape. This stuff is essential for repairs, but is a bad idea for using on the walls or furniture (goodbye paint, goodbye wood finish), so be careful what you fix. Don’t be fooled by its name; duct tape is useless when it comes to actually repairing ducts. Another great use for this product is trapping your roommate in his/her bed as well as blocking doorways.
Jolt Picks
• Heavy Duty 3M Duct Tape - This should have its own element on the periodic table named after it.
Optional
CDs, DVDs & Books
Bring
your favorite CDs and DVDs, but remember that everything has to go someplace.
If you have an awesome VHS collection (why do you have an awesome VHS collection?),
bring some of it, because you will probably be able to find someone with
a VHS player. As for books, bring a few of your favorites, but not your whole
library. No one will be impressed by your collection of books. And you’re
in college, why the hell do you need books? And burnable DVDs and CDs are
great if you want to “borrow” your neighbor’s DVD collection while he/she
is out.
Jolt Picks
• DVDs
from Amazon - Amazon is pretty much the king of selling DVDs - plus
you can bought previously viewed DVDs from other Amazon users for less
dough.
• Music
from Amazon - Great selection. To save at least 1/3 of the price, buy
from other users who are trying to sell their CDs - most are unscratched.
• Books
from Amazon - Pretty much the major category from Amazon's humble beginnings
in the 90's - remember that decade?
Social Security Card
Nearly everyone experiences an identity crisis of some kind their first year of college. It may come after reading Nietzsche in the park, but it may also come from losing your student ID. So, you will want to have your Social Security number memorized. You’ll be writing that sucker down a lot from now on. If you want to get a job, you’re going to need the actual card.
Earplugs
These
become essential if you have a rude roommate or a loud floor. If worse comes
to worse, you might have to resort to the hand in warm water technique to
teach that roommate a lesson.
Jolt Picks
• Disposable Ear Plugs - You never know when your roommate might start singing Phil Collins in their sleep.
Hooks
Use
sticky hooks because the more floor space the better. Try to find ones that
won’t leave a residue to avoid nasty cleanup.
Jolt Picks
• 3M Hooks - Go ahead and mount something!
Tools
You
will be surprised how useful some tools can be in a dorm room. Specifically
screwdrivers! Get one with different heads (flat and Phillips) of different
sizes. Other tools may come in handy as well.
Jolt Picks
• Apollo 39 piece compact tool kit - Ladies love a handyman.
Sewing Kit
A
small package with a few needles, a few different colored threads and a button
or two is all you need. You will only need it for emergencies and if you're
lucky you’ll be able to bring the items home on breaks to allow another family
member to mend them for you.
Jolt Picks
• Lewis & Clark Sewing Kit - Be prepared if you lose a button on your favorite outfit.
Light Bulbs
Bring
them or buy them there, whatever is most convenient. Standard 60 watt bulbs
will usually do the trick, but check your desk lamp and overhead light for
their specifications. Energy saver bulbs will last your whole year and, yup,
save energy.
Jolt Picks
• GE Soft White 60 Watt Long Life Bulbs - These bulbs may end up staying in your dorm room longer than you.
Stamps
If you are unable to make it home for certain family celebrations, send cards and reduce your guilt. Getting real mail is so unusual lately that it quite shocking when you find an envelope with your name on it. Consider mailing some memorabilia to your friends at other schools.
Plants
You
might not want the responsibility, but plants will brighten a dull room.
Take a look at department stores or supermarkets for something cheap that
can survive without much maintenance or direct sun. We recommend lucky bamboo or cacti.
Jolt Picks
• Money Tree - Cause these days, college is so expensive!
Rechargeable Batteries
Batteries
are expensive, so you will want some that will recharge themselves with no
cost. They may not have as long of a lifespan but they will save you money!
Just don’t lose them.
Jolt Picks
• Sony Rechargeable Batteries - Much easier and less expensive to go with 1 or 2 sets of these batteries - especially with the markup at most campus stores.
Personal Memory Items and Hobbies
Both will help you get through some homesickness spells. Bring some photos or an old stuffed animal that you will miss (but never a photo of an old stuffed animal, you weirdo). Somebody may make fun of you but they are secretly hiding a similar item. Also bring your hobbies (Frisbee, snowboards, computer games, etc.) because you will definitely be meeting people with similar interests.
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