<p>OK, for those who asked. This is based upon my experience as an int’l student. It is geared primarily to those going to school in New England (from the weather perspective), but most tidbits apply to all schools.</p>
<p>As many people have said, less is more in terms of clothes. You will not need one suitcase full of shoes.</p>
<p>This is a very extensive list of what to bring. You should edit as needed.</p>
<p><a href=“A to Z: What To Bring To College - College Life - College Confidential Forums”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-life/82285-a-to-z-what-to-bring-to-college-p1.html</a></p>
<p>Every boarding school will tell you what is included in the room - bed, desk, chair, etc. They may have their own suggested “what to bring list.” They will also tell you what items are prohibited in the rooms. All beds will have a mattress, so you do not have to bring that on the plane; I actually took that for granted. I highly recommend buying a memory foam mattress topper for comfort.</p>
<p>Most beds are twin-xl, which are not standard size in America, and which are certainly not standard European size. So buy sheets here. Most xl-twin sheets are packed as sets (bottom sheet, top sheet, pillow cases). I, like most Europeans, do not use a top sheet, and I am too lazy to use hospital corners to make the top sheet into a bottom sheet. If you only want separate sheets, my suggestion is to buy from <a href=“http://www.thecompanystore.com/company-store/”>http://www.thecompanystore.com/company-store/</a> </p>
<p>Unless you are coming from Moscow, Vladivostok, Montreal, or a place of a similar latitude, do not bring winter clothes; buy them here. Your stores will have nothing to prepare you for what you need. Wait and buy from LL Bean/Land’s End, after you arrive. Some fleece tops will get you through in the interim.</p>
<p>Shipping from overseas is very expensive. You are better off packing what you can into your suitcases, and buying everything else here. Usually schools will accept deliveries in advance of your arrival. So if you get stuff from Amazon, etc, you can have it waiting for you. Be aware that most mailrooms can get slammed at the beginning of the year. For this reason, some have suggested having stuff shipped to your hotel. Personally, I think that’s more of a pain, but ymmv. Check with the airlines for what their baggage allowances are. If you are travelling with parent(s), fill up their suitcases with your stuff, and they can bring most of the empty suitcases home. Stores like Target, Bed Bath and Beyond, allow you to buy on-line and pick up in a nearby store.</p>
<p>Key things you will need: a lockbox/safe (passport/important papers,medicine), power strip, shower shoes (You don’t want toe fungus from the shared showers), fan (most dorms don’t have A/C and it can be warm late summer).</p>
<p>Things not to bring. Unless you taking music classes/performing in the symphony/busking on the corner for change, leave the musical instruments at home. You will not be playing them. Unless you are a varsity athlete, leave the big athletic equipment at home; you will not use it. A baseball mitt is fine. Skis, golf clubs, ice skates, etc.are not. If needed, you can rent. Unless the campus is spread out, leave the bike at home. Even if the campus is spread out, it may be better to buy a cheap bike there; it will get stolen anyway. Do not bring ironing supplies; you will not use them. If you need an iron, you can borrow one. </p>
<p>Do not buy anything major for the dorm (bookshelves, fridge, etc.) until you actually see the space that you have. Do not bring the souped-up audio system; MP3 player is fine. </p>
<p>Some schools will have student-run or charity-run yard sales at the beginning of the year. This is a cheaper alternative for furnishing the room.</p>
<p>Do look into summer storage options. If the school does not provide (most don’t), they will have preferred vendors, many of which will pick up in May and redeliver in September. It may be more economical to store winter clothes, bedding, etc., than shipping back and forth. You can group together with friends to save money.</p>
<p>If you do not know how to do laundry, learn. More laundry detergent is not better. Red tees and white undies together won’t end well. </p>
<p>If you are traveling internationally, or from the opposite coast, I highly recommend that you arrive a day or two beforehand to adjust to jetlag, get acclimated, do last minute shopping. Your parents should arrange for car rental now as SUV’s and minivans are limited.</p>
<p>If your school tells you the name of your roommate beforehand, coordinate with him on things you can potentially share, like printers. Many dorm rooms are set-up in an unusual configuration. If you can find out how they room is configured beforehand, coordinate beforehand who gets which bed. If you don’t have that information in advance, and there is clearly a better bed (e.g. bottom bunk), don’t claim it just because you were the first to arrive. Similarly, don’t make decorating decisions for your room in advance of communicating with your roommate. You will be the one living with him for the next nine months. Don’t start off on the wrong foot. Let’s say you get sick and need someone to bring food, medicine or Gatorade. Your printer runs out of ink or paper late night before major project due. Your roommate may not be inclined to be generous/cooperative/helpful down the road.</p>
<p>Sorry for the long post, but I hope this helps. In the meantime, relax and enjoy the rest of your school year.</p>