list of things to bring? - Page 2

chinablue · 08-04-2009, 08:05 AM

We are trying to decide whether to buy a printer for my daughter? I assume it is really convenient to have one in the room. Should it be color? I was also thinking it might be good to coordinate with the room mate. What do you think?

Toclafane · 08-04-2009, 08:57 AM

I never had a printer the two years I've been at ND. I've also never used up my entire print quota (you get $100 for the school year - it's $0.10/page black and white and $0.75/page color). Supposedly, they will be installing a printer in every dorm for this school year. I've never needed to print anything in color, unless it was for a large project for which it was more economical to have Kinkos print it anyway.

If you do decide to get a printer, you may want to coordinate with the roommate as, so long as there is an agreement on how to share ink/paper costs, there is no reason to have two printers in a room.

hawkswim09 · 08-04-2009, 06:23 PM

i got one for free when i bought my computer, so i am just bringing one. it is very convenient for late night homework assignments that you don't feel like going far to print (i saw this when i slept over a night)

kevdude · 08-04-2009, 06:44 PM

Here's the skinny from a dude who's done it. I had a printer for 2 years. Freshman year, I lugged it out, bought paper and ink, and used it all the time. Sophomore year, I lugged it out, spent more money on paper and ink, fully realized that almost every academic building and dorm have a printer, that I had already paid $100 for my print quota, and used that without a single problem, ever.

Basically, what it boils down to - if you have one, bring it, sure. If not, I would recommend against it. You will save money in the long run. If you are concerned about not having enough print quota, I can assure you most people have no problem getting by with $100 - that's 1,000 pages BW. Also, on the less official end, anyone you know at OIT can get you free print quota under the table, or if you ask a professor, they can submit a request for more print quota for you. A printer is a big, bulky, needy contraption that is not necessary.

Mombot · 08-05-2009, 01:06 AM

A futon is nice if your room has the space. ND students are really social and if you have a futon and a TV/DVD movie night can be at your place.

Mini-fridge is a necessary item. You will need lots of hangers. Make a Target run when you get there and stock up on things like laundry detergent, dryer sheets, toiletries, razors, a few basic cleaning supplies (I bought D. a can of those clean wipes and a box of swiffer dusters). There are stores around but the campus is quite isolated--it is a couple of miles to the nearest big box store and as a freshman you can't have a car. She also appreciated a large box of energy bars and some other snacks that had a long shelf life--again, it's a trek to a store, and the meal hours don't always line up with your schedule.

Also, I don't know how to put this delicately and it is not the kind of thing you go in on as a group, but if your views on sexual activity do not line up with the Catholic church you are On Your Own contraception-wise, so if you plan on ignoring the rules be sure you line up your protection early and off campus and always have your own supplies on hand. It's not like there will be a basket of condoms in the bathrooms there.

Lucidfighter · 08-06-2009, 10:43 PM

Hmm, I'm flying in from Southern California, so what things would be more convenient to buy and bring with me, and what should I just get in South Bend?

Sportfire · 08-07-2009, 08:03 AM

I'm planning on bringing a bike. Do I have to steal the family air pump or are they easy to find in the dorms?

hawkswim09 · 08-07-2009, 09:27 AM

Lucidfighter, Bed, Bath, and Beyond have a program where you can buy online or select things at a store and it will be waiting for you at South Bend. This is great for towels, bed sheets, etc. Buy the tv, refrig, futon, rug when you get to ND. I am just bring clothes, my computer, and printer (only b/c i got it for free w/ my laptop)

red06 · 08-07-2009, 03:22 PM

I saw a post earlier about bringing a printer... every dorm now has a communal printer. Of course, it's not completely free because every student pays a printing fee as part of tuition.

chauffeur · 08-20-2009, 04:09 PM

A small tube of neosporin in a zip lock with a few bandaids and some motrin would be a good idea and some antacids or whatever over the counter meds you might require. It is easy to get burned on the pannini maker and the waffle iron if you aren't used to cooking and too much trouble to look for some to buy when you don't feel 100%.

One more comment about printers. I don't think that they are necessary but keep in mind that English majors may write more papers than math majors, etc. I would say that it is best to try not having one first as they take up precious space.

notre dame AL · 08-20-2009, 06:23 PM

Small tool kit--esp comes in handy during move-in!

Mombot · 08-22-2009, 12:11 AM

Lucid--if you are flying in bring as little as possible. Order online at Bed Bath & Beyond and either cab it (cabs are insanely cheap in SB) or if your parents are there have them rent a car and haul the stuff from the BByB in Mishawaka, about five miles, to campus.

There are a lot of local kids--my west coast daughter did not have to bring anything other than when the original mini fridge died in October she bought the replacement and now is the proud owner of a mini fridge which she stores there every summer.

SouthJerseyChessMom · 08-22-2009, 10:30 AM

Last Monday son called from South Bend, saying he had a fever.

Son- "Mom, I really don't feel well, I have a fever"
Mother- (first thought swine flu)
"So what is your temperature?"

Son, " No idea"
Mother- " Do you have a thermometer?"
Son, " Uhhhh, nope"

(He was fine and playing golf the next day, while I worried back here in South Jersey)

I would encourage a thermometer- given the upcoming flu season.