What to Bring to Residence on Move-In Day
- Alarm clock - Because sleeping through your first class is not a good way to start the year.
- Closet Hangers - The closets don't always come fully equipped.
- Twin-sized* bed linens, comforter, and pillow(s) - A pillow is usually provided, but it may also be pretty beat up. A few extra pillows or even a body pillow may be useful if you like to lounge. *Note that twin-size is standard, but you should definitely double-check this on the information your specific school sent you.
- Towels, face cloths and a bath robe - Yes, an actual robe. You may think you'll be okay wearing only a towel to the bathroom and back, but your opinion may change when your roommate locks you out mid-shower. Not that I would know.
- Shower shoes, a shower caddy and a soap container - Think cheap plastic and flip flops. The shoes are to wear both to the shower and right inside, and of course the shower caddy is to get your stuff there and back.
- Soap, toothpaste and toothbrush, mouth wash, floss, shampoo/conditioner, deodorant, razors, shaving cream, after shave, skin cream, etc - You'd be surprised how often this kind of stuff is forgotten.
- Drugs - No, not that kind. But if you're ever going to get a headache, upset stomach, or other ailment you'd usually raid your parents' medicine cabinet for, it's going to be during Frosh Week.
- Feminine hygiene products - Ladies, it doesn't matter where you're at in your cycle. You do not want to take the chance of losing track of time and being caught without supplies.
- "Public" Pajamas - Remember that your roommate may have people over when you're just rolling out of bed. It doesn't mean you can't sleep in your underwear, but you might want to have a pair of pajama pants you keep in easy reach.
- Clothes for more than just class - Sure you need your daily wear, but also remember outfits suitable for working out, job interviews and for night clubs with a dress code. Also look at your Frosh Week social schedule to see if there are theme events you want to dress up for. Later you'll want to bring winter gear and something really fancy for formal.
- Laundry soap and whatever fabric softener/laundry sheets you're used to - Most residences in Toronto have laundry machines that work with a card you load up with cash and then swipe, but if yours doesn't you'll also need quarters.
- An umbrella and sunscreen - It is September, after all.
- Power bar with surge protector, your computer, printer, extra ink cartridge and printer paper - Paper is the big one that people forget. Get in the habit of always having a back up ink cartridge so you don't run dry mid 3am essay printing.
- Cheap Digital Camera - If you've got one, you'll want to capture the shenanigans! If you have a more expensive camera though, do give some thought to the possibility of damage or theft (an unfortunate reality) before you bring it along on day one.
- Food - Yes, you're probably on a meal plan, but that won't help you with late night meals or quick snacks. Don't bring a big grocery run with you on move in day, but do bring portable snacks like granola bars and quick microwavable or can-to-one-pot meals. Of course, junk food, candy or a case of pop may help you make friends, if you're willing to share.
- A plate, bowl, cup, mug and eating utensils - At least one of each, more depending on your kitchen set-up and how often you plan to cook. If you have a camping set, that's a great way to get started.
- A frying pan, pot, baking sheet, ladle, spatula, tongs and a can opener - Kitchen access is one of the greatest variables from one rez to another, so read this part of your school-supplied info carefully to figure out if you need more or less.
- Dish soap, cloth, towel and a dish bin - Because fuzzy dishes are nobody's friend.
- Course-related books - Do you already have books about the major you've chosen? Try to make room for them, because nothing is as frustrating as knowing a fact you could use in an essay but not having the book on hand to provide the reference.
What You Should Go Easy On
- Decor - Yes you want to make the room your own, but a lot of that will grow easily out of things you do and collect at school. An unframed poster or two and some sticky tack should be about all you bring right at the start, keeping in mind that nearly every school has an Imaginus poster sale in the fall. That said, do bring photos of family, friends and pets. Even if you never had photos up in your room at home, once you're away you'll likely wish you had them.
- DVDs, CDs, and non-course related books - Obviously you want to be able to entertain yourself, but if possible bring only your very favorites until you've had time to assess your shelf space.
Things You May Decide to Bring Later
- An extra desk lamp or reading lamp
- CD Racks or other media storage
- Small appliances (electric kettle, toaster) and more dishware
- Bar-sized freezer (I had one of these given to me, and it turned out to be an awesome addition to the room. It fit under the bar fridge we'd rented, and really widened our ability to cook at home. But check out the power capacity of your room first)
1. How to Plan
2. What to Pack
