<p>I start at Brown at the end of this month (still feels like a long time away) and wanted to know if anybody has tips on moving in during the winter, or on living in the dorms in general.
I got some good info from the parents’ thread that was posted a while back and tried to look for information from various other threads as well. But I could use some information specifically about arriving at Brown in the winter as a transfer. I am someone who has never lived in a dorm or lived where it snows before. :p</p>
<p>What advice in particular are you looking for? What’s it like to move-in during the winter? How to be social in a dorm? Winter at Brown?</p>
<p>Move-in in general is a pain–summer or winter. Do you know where you’ll be moving into (will you have a room/suite-mate(s)?)? Some dorms are not designed for efficient moving so you may need help (if you’re coming without); people always help those moving in, so you really shouldn’t have any problems if you do need help. With that said, some dorms are more social than others, but if you make an effort to talk to people in the halls, prop your door open, etc. it really shouldn’t be difficult meeting new people in the dorm. You’ll probably make more friends with people outside of the dorm anyway…</p>
<p>I’m looking mostly for move-in information. As far as making friends goes, I am not sure anyone has anything other to say than “join clubs” and “be friendly”. </p>
<p>Do they have it set up so that things shipped by UPS are in one large pick-up area, like they do during the Fall?
I guess it would help people give me advice if I knew my housing assignment, maybe I should revisit this thread only after I get that.
I plan on having two suitcases and a medium sized box of stuff, is that a normal amount?
In general, though, any move-in advice would be helpful. Also, does anyone have any recommendation on whether to take a taxi or rental car? </p>
<p>Sorry my questions are rather vague, I suppose that just demonstrates how clueless I am about how to move-in.</p>
<p>Well, if you have your things shipped to you using your box #, it’ll go to J. Walter Wilson for pick-up. I don’t know anything about central locations for move-in pick up though.</p>
<p>I don’t really think there is a such thing as a normal amount of move-in material. When I moved in, I had about 8 boxes, three suitcases, and a ton of other things (that might have been excessive, but it was normal to me!).</p>
<p>If you’re arriving from the airport, there’s a shuttle you can take for $11. A taxi might be more convenient since you’ll be dropped off right in front of your dorm. (I’d recommend this if you’re going to have quite a bit of stuff to carry.) Typically, the taxi will cost around $28 - $30.</p>
<p>Oh and you’ll need to be dropped off at ResLife to pick up your room key before you go to your dorm. I suppose this is another reason why a cab would be helpful–just have him/her wait for you while you pick it up then head over to your room.</p>
<p>That’s one of the problems with the Taxi; if he has to wait for me to do things like pick up the package, the meter will go up. From the information given to us, it sounds like picking up the package could take a while, but given that there are only 50 or so of us new students, how long could it take? What does picking up the package even involve, is it just a matter of presenting some ID and signing for it?</p>
<p>Congrats on your transfer! I just wanted to offer my help as a current Brown freshman with anything you could need to settle in. I’m from California as well, so I’ll advise at least one down/wool coat, along with hats, scarves, and good shoes for walking in snow. As for the ID question, you’ll probably get that and your key when you register somewhere.</p>
<p>Thanks!
All I need by way of snow clothes now are pants and an extra pair of gloves, maybe an extra hat.</p>
<p>I meant if we have to show our ID to pick up our package, but I guess they probably look at the Brown ID to see if the person picking up is who they say they are.</p>
<p>Yes, go to ResLife (Wayland Arch) to get your room key and ID. It should take about five seconds, but if you’re worried about the meter, you could go for a rental car. On the other hand, parking can be limited in Providence, especially if you’re moving in when everyone else is and/or there’s a lot of snow. If your dorm is on Wriston (right next to Wayland), then you won’t need the taxi again. If you’re on Pembroke, though, you might want help with transport. You may also be able to leave your stuff at ResLife and come back for it, or someone (ResLife, facilities, or students) might be willing to help you move stuff over. Good luck!</p>
<p>Do keep in mind that late January and early February are colder and likely snowier than what you’ve experienced so far. This is generally when I switch from a lighter to a heavier jacket, and I’m from New England</p>
<p>Yes, you need your ID to pick up any packages waiting for you. Just give them your box number and ID. Sometimes you may have a blue slip (instead of an email message) in your box prompting you to go to the front dest to pick up a package; both cases require ID.</p>
<p>You don’t get your ID from ResLife. You get it on (I believe) 3rd floor of J Walter Wilson, which is where you pick up your packages as well. I think packages are a hassle and you will have a hefty bill from the cab if you need to stand in line. Can’t ay it’s the fastest process in the world…</p>
<p>Unless they did things differently this year, I would think that you’d get your ID when you move in if you’re a new student. If you lose your ID, then you would need to go to JWW.</p>
<p>On the other hand, Brown will probably send you something telling you what to do/where to go upon arrival with your housing assignment.</p>
<p>Well, I am to live in Gregorian A!
It looks close enough to the street, so moving in shouldn’t be an issue.
Any advice on the pluses and minuses of this location, what to look out for, etc?</p>
<p>Most Brown students call it “New Dorm”. The big advantage is that it’s right above Jo’s, one of the late-night eateries, so it’ll be easy to grab food if you’re hungry in the evening.</p>
<p>Oh, New Dorm is nice. Consider yourself lucky! If you have a single, even better. Two of my friends had a double there last semester; I was jealous.</p>
<p>Basically, big rooms (unless you’re in a suite, but then you’ve got a nice common room), control your own heating/AC (no one else gets AC, anyway), Jo’s, elevator, nice lounges/hallways, etc. Enjoy!</p>
<p>Ooh lucky! New Dorm’s nearly all upperclassmen and very nice. If you need any help moving in or finding stuff, feel free to PM me as I’ll be arriving early Sunday morning.</p>
<p>Well I’m looking forward to it. Btw, does anyone know if the suites have bathrooms? Reslife doesn’t say anything about them, on their site or in the e-mail they sent about the housing assignment. </p>
<p>And thanks Bruno14, that’s very kind of you, but I am moving in Saturday. ^__^</p>
<p>No, New Dorm suites do not have bathrooms. The hallway bathrooms, though, are very nice (better than any other bathrooms I’ve seen on campus, anyway).</p>
<p>I’m really bored, so I think I’ll do a rundown on Brown’s housing if people would like to see that. It might be helpful as the housing lottery approaches :)</p>