THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, August 9, 1996 TAG: 9608090078
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY WENDY GROSSMAN, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: 60 lines
SINCE MOST PEOPLE don't get around to packing for college until the night before, here's a list of the stuff you really need.
A fan. Every college says to bring one. If your dorm has air conditioning, or you're going to the University of Alaska, don't bother. If your dorm doesn't have AC - take 10 fans and an extra fridge. (Leave the fridge door open, and put the fan inside and it'll blow cool air out.)
A lap desk. This is key. Your real desk will be buried underneath piles of fliers and clothes.
A husband. A brother. Whatever you call it, one of those backrests with arms. This is neat because by plopping it on your bed you instantly have another chair. And, it works great with your lap desk.
A bathrobe. Unless your parents filled out your housing application, most likely you'll be living in a co-ed dorm. A robe can cover up your boxers or undies you're wearing when the pizza guy, your RA or your lab partner pounds on your door at midnight.
Flip-flops. If you don't have these for the shower, you can get athlete's foot. Or feet.
Computer. It is possible to live without a computer at school. Some people prefer to go to the computer lab because they're inspired by other people pounding away at their keyboards. But, there are often long lines, and your parents might not like you walking home from the library at 4 a.m.
Stuffed animals. It's OK. I put my snuggle bear out on my bed and my roommate immediately pulled her talking Elmo from her closet. She was afraid I would think that she was a baby.
Guys at college have stuffed animals, too. One guy I know sleeps with his teddy ``Captain Joshua.'' But we do make fun of him.
A dry-erase message board. Put it on the outside of your door.
Cordless phone. You can leave your room and wander down the hall, instead of having to sit in the closet if your roommate wants to sleep.
An answering machine. It makes you feel like you have friends.
Lamps. Dorm rooms are dark. You're going to need a desk lamp for all the tons of studying you'll do.
Pictures. Pictures of your friends from high school, your family and especially pictures of your dog, cat - whatever.
A fridge. Some bring two. But, seriously, this is a good thing for your milk, lemonade and fruit.
A walkman. Your roommate may need to study when you want the stereo on.
A little shower bucket to schlep your shampoo, soap, toothpaste and other stuff down the hall to the bathroom.
A key-hook. Mount it on the wall, or you'll never find your keys.
A journal. Your life's going to change drastically. It's a good place to put your thoughts when there's no one around to talk to. It'll be good to laugh over later.
Sweatpants. They're comfy. And, they make you look like an upperclassman.
Running shoes/hiking boots. You're going to do a LOT of walking.
One formal/dressy outfit. Girls usually trade clothes for semi-formals and mixers. And guys swap shirts, ties and blazers.
If you are a girl, and you want to look like a freshman, carry your purse. If you don't, lose it.
You're good to go. MEMO: Wendy Grossman is a 1996 graduate of Duke University and a summer
intern at The Virginian-Pilot. by CNB