The Art students dorm

[lavendarMist]

Since this is called the students dorm I have a guestion...
What should I bring for my dorm room. I am going to study to be a computer graphics artist though my freshman year is all fundimentals classes. So what sort of things would you recomend me brining with me?

[Axl]

The last university with dorms I visted had such tiny dorms that I couldnt even imagine having to live there for an entire year. I couldn't exactly fathom how anyone managed to fit all of their clothes and living supplies, and then their school stuff, computer and what-not in the room ontop of that!

And it wasnt even a university with art students! There is a lot of stuff an artist can collect - easils and paints, pastels, papers - all of that stuff takes up so much room. Do you know if you'll have some personal studio space to work in outside of your dorm? I don't know how your institution works, but the one I'm going to give studio space to its students (shared studio space miind you - maybe 4 people per studio room, that has a lock and personal key- but studio space none-the-less).

The one thing I was told to take with me for art college was a good french easil - something that you can pack up and take with you from place to place, and doesnt take up a lot of room.

[Ivyleaf]

If you are going to have a roommate, make sure to coordinate who is bringing what...you really are limited on space in a dorm room, so it's important not to try and fit too much in that tiny space...

Are you allowed a refrigerator there? If so, make sure to check out if there are size restrictions. It's nice to be able to have a place for cold sodas/water and leftover pizza ;) .

Are you allowed a microwave/hotplate or is one provided in your dorm? This is an essential item...cafeteria food isn't all that great...lol...and it isn't usually open when you have midnight munchies. Microwave popcorn and Ramen noodles are staples I think for dorm room food ;) . Make sure to take along a set of silverware and a bowl/plate or two.

Is someone bringing a TV/DVD/VCR?? Take along a handfull of movies that you enjoy if so.

Will you have a private bathroom or a shared one? If shared, make sure to get a shower caddy to carry all your necessities back and forth.

Try to find out ahead of time what floor your room will be on, and if you have stairs to climb or not. Pack accordingly...lol.

Is it a big campus? Will you have time to walk to all your classes or do you need to figure out another method (car/bicycle?).

Take your computer with you if you have one. A lot of colleges now have internet access right in your room.

If you stay in touch with a lot of people, consider finding out if you will need an answering machine for the phone in your room if there is one.

Make sure to take a laundry basket for dirty clothes...lol...and of course detergent too. Find out where the laundry facilities will be.

Don't pack every single item of clothing that you own. If you aren't wearing it often now, chances are good you won't be wearing it often while you are away either. Know what you can live without...closet space is limited!

Learn that milkcrates/plastic boxes make some of the best accessories for a room...you can stack 'em up either direction, they are portable, and you can put a lot of stuff in/on them! LOL.

Take along a deck of cards/your favorite game/if you have a TV take along your PS2 or xbox if you have it and a handfull of games. You can't study constantly while away at school, and these items may give you a welcome break when you need it.

Don't take cherished family heirlooms with you. A handmade quilt at home is one thing, in a dorm room it's a disaster waiting to happen IMHO and you can't replace it.

Do take along a good backpack...you will definitely need it!

Between now and then, save all the quarters you can. Change will come in handy: vending machines, laundry facilities, pay phones...

Make sure to have either a calling card, or parents who will accept collect calls...lol...calling cards are cheaper usually than collect calls. If you are planning on a cell phone, make sure you get one with unlimited long distance/no roaming if you are far from home, or check into getting one after you arrive on campus. Don't forget the battery charger for the phone!

If you have one, take along a camera. Pictures in years to come will be worth a thousand words.

That's all I can think of at the moment. I spent 5 years in college, so I did the packing/re-packing thing a few times ;) . It gets easier after the first year too! By the time you graduate, you'll wonder why on earth you have all that stuff left at home when you lived all those years without it ;) .

:D :D :D
Ivy

[lavendarMist]

Thank you so much Ivy, that was such a great help! I am hoarding up a bunch of milk crates from the icecream shop where I work. I never thought about brining board games.

My dorm is allready equiped with a fridge, microwave and drafting table.

Does anyone know what to look for in a good french esil? I have just a wire aluminum frame one... cause I have a tendency of working big.

Though I do have the same fear... my art suplies take up soo much space! Is there anything you recomend me leaving behind art suplie wise?