<p>Hey guys! </p>
<p>Just thought I’d start a thread for people to post where they’re living next year and potentially get in contact with other people living in the same halls! </p>
<p>(P.S. I lived in Smith for two years and Martin for one year. So if anyone has any questions about those halls, let me know! Living on campus is the best - you can’t beat it!)</p>
<p>Hi - My son will live in Smith. Any tips for what to bring other than the usual bedding, towels, …? He is thinking of lofting his bed to bring in more stuff for gaming, etc… My son heard during AARO there you can have 10 nail holes, but online it says nothing but blue tape or the tacky/sticky stuff for the walls.
Also, do any of the kids leave plates/supplies in the kitchen? Same for the laundry rooms. Thought this might be a possiblilty given the small size of Smith.
Finally, do any of the bakeries deliver? I would love to have a great resource for cookies and birthday cakes ( I am aware the food service does cakes). Thanks!</p>
<p>Smith is an awesome place to live. The doors can be left open, making it so much easier to make friends and get to know your hallmates. Also, the dorms are a little older which means the rooms are a bit bigger - always a plus!</p>
<p>The lists they have at places like Container Store and Bed, Bath and Beyond are pretty comprehensive in terms of what to bring to college. I would definitely get a shower caddy, a dry erase board for the door (so people can leave you messages), and a towel with velcro (you have to walk down the halls to the bathrooms in Smith, so it’s not a bad idea to get a towel for the shower that you know will definitely stay on! That also leaves your hands free to carry your shower stuff and unlock your door.</p>
<p>Your best bet for hanging things with the greatest amount of support and least amount of damage is command hooks. I would get a range of sizes - small ones to hang photos and posters and large ones to hang backpacks, hoodies and towels. Another good idea is to hang a command hook right by the door for your keys. Since the doors lock automatically, it’s a good idea to get into the habit of hanging them up right as you walk in - that way you always see them before you walk out and hoepfully will avoid a lock-out.</p>
<p>Most kids do not leave supplies in the kitchen or laundry, unless you’re open to sharing. I kept my detergent and spot treatment in my hamper, so that it was always with me when I went up to do laundry. I kept a set of three plates (from Target, not fancy china!), napkins, a set of plastic cups, utensils and a pot in a tub that I kept in my closet. That way, if I decided to cook or eat in my dorm, I had stuff but I didn’t have to worry about it wandering off from the kitchen. </p>
<p>Another thing that might be worth investing in is an electric kettle. They’re good for boiling water quickly and don’t take up a lot of space. They can be used for making tea, hot chocolate, ramen, easy mac, oatmeal - a lot of quick, convenience snacks. </p>
<p>Check out Tiff’s Treats and Pokey O’s - I think they both have delivery services. Creme de la Cookie and JD’s Chippery are also nearby bakeries that are wonderful, although I’m not sure whether they deliver or not.</p>
<p>I hope your son is excited to move in! Living on campus is the best!</p>
<p>Here’s a really good resource on residence hall living - including decorating do’s and don’ts for each dorm. No dorms allow command hooks or adhesive hooks of any kind. Blue painters tape and poster putty are all that’s allowed in Smith - see page 6.</p>
<p><a href=“http://smu.edu/housing/Resources/NewStudentMoveInNews13.pdf[/url]”>http://smu.edu/housing/Resources/NewStudentMoveInNews13.pdf</a></p>
<p>I was an RA, and I lived in the dorms for three years. I used command hooks all three years. Poster putty and painter’s tape are almost always ineffective at holding anything with any amount of weight. You are only responsible for the damage you leave behind. Used properly, command hooks should not damage your walls.</p>
<p>Thanks Claire! I wasn’t sure about the hooks issue despite my son saying he could put 10 new holes in the wall at Smith. My son also did the 1st Expedition & said it was the best decision he ever made. I appreciate the tips on what to really bring and buy!!! I know my son is thrilled to be a part of HSP and live in these special dorms.</p>
<p>I lived in Smith last year. Great place to live. There is definitely a “no nails” rule, but it’s largely unenforceable. Roommate and I nailed an excessive number of posters and whatnot into the wall without issue.</p>