<p>I remember this time last year getting lots and lots of information so I thought I’d pass on some things we learned:</p>
<li><p>Linens
The school will send you information on vendors for your linens. You don’t need to buy from them. In fact its much less expensive to go to Bed Bath & Beyond or Linens & Things. They both carry an extensive selection of the Extra-Long Twin bedding during the summer for college kids. If you save the coupons they send in the mail you can get further savings (they usually accept them even after the expiration date). I’d been collecting those coupons for awhile and we were able to get 20% off on every item S bought.</p></li>
<li><p>Mini-Fridge
You can rent a mini-refrigerator from the vendors recommended by the school. Even better, Home Depot has them for about the same cost as a year of rental and that way you’ll have it for all four years. Just check the size requirements to make sure the one you buy is allowed in the dorms. </p></li>
<li><p>Microwave
The only microwaves allowed in the dorm are those you rent as part of a mini-fridge/microwave combination. Save your money. You won’t need a microwave in your dorm room. All dorms have microwaves available on every floor.</p></li>
<li><p>Safe
You will also get information about renting a safe for your dorm room. Not necessary just remember to keep your dorm room locked when you are out.</p></li>
<li><p>Carpet
If your dorm room isn’t carpeted you can get an approximately 7’x6’ carpet for under $25 at Home Depot that will work very well. </p></li>
<li><p>Clothes
You are not going to need a lot of very nice or expensive clothes, unless that is your preference. T-shirts, sweats, jeans etc. for the most part are perfectly fine. You will be invited to things that require dressing up from time to time but you probably already have items in your wardrobe that you can bring with you. For those occasions, guys should have at least two pairs of nice pants (dark and Khaki), one dark sports jacket, a dress shirt, tie and one pair nice shoes. Girls should have a few dresses or skirts and blouses and a pair of dress shoes. The only thing I would suggest is buying is some Lafayette gear. If you want to save money try to visit the bookstore over the summer when they put stuff on sale (call ahead to make sure its open). </p></li>
<li><p>Microsoft Office Professional
You can purchase this suite - 2007 for $99.98; 2004 for $79.98 and Mac 2004 for $78.98 at <a href=“http://www.journeyed.com/select[/url]”>www.journeyed.com/select</a> </p></li>
<li><p>Computers
Dell: You will get by far the best deal if you purchase one of the packages offered to Lafayette students. They come with 4 years on-site service included in the price. Go to: <a href=“http://www.dell.com/lafayette[/url]”>www.dell.com/lafayette</a></p></li>
</ol>
<p>I’m going to have to get on those IT dept pages soon. My son has a laptop, it has Windows XP Home edition, and Microsoft Office Student edition. They’ve both been fine for him so far, but I’m wondering how they’ll work at LafCol.</p>
<p>Lafayette highly recommends Microsoft Windows XP Professional over Home Edition. According to the ITS website:</p>
<p><<< Windows XP Home Edition can be used but is not intended for the kind of networking environment found on campus. >>></p>
<p>With that said, I don’t know anyone with Home Edition who has ever reported having problems on the college network. I really would not recommend shelling out $200 to upgrade to Professional.</p>
<p>As for your second concern, any version of Office from 2000 on is fine. The Student and Teacher Edition, which includes Word 2003/PowerPoint 2003/Excel 2003, is all that is needed.</p>
<p>Justin,
What am I still doing on these boards?
We’re starting the college thing all over again for DD, remember her? So I still drop by from time to time. I’m getting started on a list of schools to visit for a first look over the summer.</p>
<p>Another IT item: You don’t need to purchase an anti-virus software program. Lafayette provides Norton Anti-Virus and regular updates for all students. The directions on how to download the program are on the ITS website. They also list the recommended anti-spyware programs (the freeware versions are all you will need).</p>
<p>Oh, how could I forget your DD? We had such a memorable time together that one evening walking around campus. I was just kidding with that remark…your posts are always very insightful, and I hope you never leave these boards!</p>
<p>I think it’s great that you’re already thinking of schools to visit over the summer, because you know how difficult it can be to fit those college visits in during the school year. What schools are you and your DD considering? Shoot me a PM if you don’t mind…I’m curious to know!</p>
<p>About that IT item: The Norton Anti-Virus which the college provides (and swears by) is NOT enough protection on the campus network, which can become riddled with viruses, spyware, malware, trojans, worms, etc. While the program does a decent job of removing viruses once they are on your computer, it does NOT provide a firewall to prevent infection.</p>
<p>I highly recommend purchasing Norton Internet Security Suite 2007 or the recently-released Norton 360 (anti-virus, firewall, anti-spam, anti-spyware). Norton programs practically run themselves, and I would disagree with critics who say Norton hogs precious system resources. Make the investment…it’s worth it!</p>
<p>Norton can be a bit pricey so for anyone with a Comcast account, you can download the McAffee suite for free. In addition, Spyware Blaster, Spybot Search & Destroy and Ad-Aware SE are all freeware that help keep Trojans and other spyware off your computer. They work very well as long as you remember to regularly download the updates and run scans. You can find those programs through the MajorGeeks.com site plus other recommended freeware. </p>
<p>Better yet get a Macbook. They now have very good software that enables you to run most Windows programs and are much less prone to viruses and spyware. I’ve finally gotten tired of constantly having to keep everyone’s computer in the family running smoothly and have gone out and purchased two Apples. In the past 3 months I’ve had to spend zero maintenance time on those machines versus an average of over 30 minutes a week on each Windows based machine.</p>
<p>Yes, Macs are a good way to go. Lafayette’s network applications are entirely compatible with Macs, making them viable alternates to Windows-based PCs.</p>
<p>In addition to containing a link to the heretofore mentioned “New Student FAQ”, it hits on everything from ethernet cables to Novell network storage.</p>
<p>Check it out! If a point requires clarification, just let me know.</p>
<p>Justin, FYI the IT department sent everyone an info disk with their registration packet. I’m leaving that part up to my son… too confusing for an old fogey like me!</p>
<p>Unfortunately, there is no opportunity for incoming students to “try before they buy” on campus. You should arrive on campus in August with a computer in hand and ready to go.</p>