STUFF TO BRING | jonesoweek2014

What to Bring

Packing for college can be stressful, so here are some ideas to get you started. Just remember that your advisors can take you to Target and other stores during O-Week for anything you don't bring!

Stuff You Should Bring:

Pillows, blankets, and extra long twin bed sheets (normal twin sheets WILL NOT fit).
Socks and underwear. The more of these you have, the less you have to do laundry. Clothes can be recycled, but underwear is a one-time use item.
Warm-weather clothing. You will not need a lot of sweaters, just a few and a light coat. Houston has a mild winter but a very hot and humid spring/summer/fall.
A nice outfit or two for special events and the occasional President's Dinner. You will need to wear one on the first day of O-Week for the Matriculation ceremony.
Raingear. Seriously, it monsoons here sometimes. At least an umbrella, but maybe rainboots and a raincoat too.
Toiletries. You know what you need.
A couple of towels, washcloths, and hand towels.
Alarm clock. Wouldn't want to miss anything now, would we?
Credit card for emergencies.
Shower shoes. Unless you are in a suite, you will be sharing a bathroom with everyone on your floor.
1 or 2 bizarre costumes. Anything from that 80s headband you forgot to throw away to that complete Devo or Legolas costume you sewed yourself. Trust us, there will be occasions for them.

You can also check out the Jones Rooms and Facilities page to see if you should bring anything specific for your type of room.

What Not to Bring

Too much stuff—remember that your advisors can take you to get a lot of things when you get here. You don't need a U-Haul Truck.
Microwaves. Every floor has one, and Housing & Dining will fine you if you have one in your room.
Non-Rice friends. They can come with your parents to drop you off, but after that they are not permitted. You will be so busy during O-Week meeting new people that you will probably want to sleep rather than hang out with old friends when you have some free time.
Lightbulbs or trash cans. They're already provided.

What You Could Bring

A mini-refrigerator. This can be very useful for storing snacks for weekends and when the servery isn't open.
Computer/laptop and printer. You can get by without them, and tThere are several computer labs across campus with Macs, PCs, and Unix systems, so you can get by without them. There is also a computer lab with a printer in the South Lobby of Jones (printing is 6¢ per page). If you can bring one though, it will make your life much easier, as you will become addicted to checking your e-mail, and there is nothing worse than having to go out at 3 a.m. to finish your paper.
TV, VCR/DVD player, stereo, couch. Talk to your roommate about these items so you don't have two of anything. Every Jones room is equipped for basic cable, so don't forget a coaxial cable.
Landline phone with Caller ID. Rice provides the Caller ID service, you provide the phone. Not many people use these, but it's completely free (thanks to part of your tuition).
Microwave-safe bowls, cups, and plates (there are microwaves in the kitchens located on every floor). Also forks, knives, and spoons.
Camera. As you can see by all the pretty pictures in this book, you will have ample opportunity to use it.
Sports gear. We have several fields and facilities nearby where you can play sports. Stay in shape and help us win all of our intramural sports to return the President's Cup to its rightful home.
Laundry supplies such as HE (high efficiency) detergent, fabric softener, dryer sheets, and a laundry basket. (But you could also buy these after you arrive).
Desk lamp. For all those late nights when your roommate is sleeping and you've still got work to do.
First aid kit and everyday medicines.