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"College Essentials"

May 16, 2006

Greetings from New Orleans! Rollins Relief is back in St. Bernard Parish—and we’re getting ready to help out again. However, I want to save that story for next week. Instead, let’s talk about a more pressing issue, one that profoundly affects the lives of millions of young people each year (well, maybe not so much). Namely, let’s talk about college supplies. Last August, I know that I was a bit perplexed over what, exactly, I needed to bring to my new abode on the shores of Lake Virginia. So, let me suggest a few things. Keep in mind that you can confer with your roommate as to who brings which items. Also keep in mind that sharing underwear is just not cool. It’s just gross and awkward.

TO BRING:

• Mini-fridge: Yes, yes, yes on the mini-refrigerator. While not an absolute essential (really nothing on my list is absolutely essential), the mini-fridge is a staple of college life. With a nice mini-fridge, ice cold refreshments await you any time of day or night. You won’t have to run to the vending machine for your Coca-Cola. There’s no dealing with the lines at The Grill or C-Store for your bottled water (we have lots of brands on campus—but that’s a totally different story for a totally different time). And, to make matters even better, you can have milk on hand 24/7. Cereal is important—and what is cereal without milk?

• Kickin’ sound system (the emphasis is squarely on kickin’): A television is nice. But who knows that you have one? With a kickin’ bass-beating, decibel-pounding sound system, everyone in your residence hall knows how cool you truly are. Now, my neighbors get frustrated with some of my music choices (no one believes me when I tell them that Hilary Duff and Vanessa Carlton are extremely cool in Ohio), but at the end of the day, they’re at my room when they want to hear some cool tunes. Remember that your music volume can be limited by quiet hours—exam time is 24-hour quiet time—so I am in withdrawal.

• Printer: I was shocked how many students simply do not have a printer at Rollins. Granted, you do not need one—you get a million free pages (well, maybe a few less than a million) free at the library. However, the sheer convenience of being able to get out of bed, hit the print button and magically have your paper ready for your 9 a.m. deadline is pure ecstasy! Go cheap if you need to—just being able to print is amazing. In my opinion, though, go with the multi-function. It’s so nice being able to copy, scan and print through one machine.

• Pictures from home: Everyone likes to see your family. Particularly if your family is as good looking as mine (I’ve included a photo for your viewing pleasure).

• Posters: Get some stuff to decorate your walls. I recommend buying some unique items and mixing them in with some personal items—notes, cards, etc, etc.

• Seating: This is crucial. If you have a kickin’ sound system, you need a place to seat all of the people who come to visit. While any sort of seat works (bucket chair, bean bag, pillow, etc.), you’ll get extra points if you buy a futon. Trust me—people will be visiting you in Florida. The option of having an extra bed is an extremely nice convenience.

• A fish: Girls love animals. And, since you aren’t allowed to have a dog (or really any animal for that matter other than a non-carnivorous fish), the fish is a great alternative. My roommate and I have a fish named Buzz. He’s a beta fish.

• Ironing board/Iron: Again, ladies love a well-pressed man. The iron is key to looking suave. Also—think about buying some Downy Wrinkle Releaser for those times when you might not have a minute to warm up the ol’ iron. My roommate uses the stuff religiously.

• Digital camera: This is essential. You’ll need this for your facebook pictures (you’ll find out what facebook is soon if you haven’t already): the more photos you have on facebook (unless you are alone in all of them), the cooler you are.

• Some dress clothes: There are quite a few “dress-up” events throughout the year at Rollins. Bring a suit, bring a blazer, bring a couple of dress shirts and ties. Ladies, bring those old prom dresses. Trust me, there are definite formal occasions on campus.

NOT TO BRING:

• Microwave: Unless you really plan on eating a lot of popcorn or warming up lots of leftover pizza, a microwave is pretty unnecessary. My roommate and I have used the microwave less than ten times this entire year. There are always microwaves available in the campus center, too.

• Potted plants: My roommate has one. I think it’s lame.

• Winter clothes: Totally unnecessary. Bring a couple of sweaters, maybe a light jacket. But don’t bring your gloves. Don’t bring your scarves. Don’t bring your earmuffs. You’ll be living in Florida.

• Fourteen pairs of jeans: Who, me? =o)

I think that does it for my recommendations. I’m out to sleep for a bit—feel free to drop me a line with any questions!

Steve


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