About O-Week

Rule #1: You're going to have the time of your life, but the moving in part may not be the "coolest" part of your adventure. I may suggest a few things that you may want to bring, but if you don't think you need it, don't bring it. Also, if there is something I fail to mention that is on your personal "necessity list", bring it!

Rule #2: Call or e-mail your future roommate. This will make things a whole lot more laid back by the time you swim to shore here at Brown. You may want to discuss what sort of appliances you're bringing so that you don't have two VCR's or DVD's and no phone between the two of you.

Rule #3: Read and understand the following list of items that past Brown surf gods have found crucial to their survival in college:

Clothes | Don't worry too much about the wardrobe; you will soon find out that it's less an issue as you might have expected. From collared shirts to a t-shirts, casual dress to jeans, surfer shorts to boxers or briefs, its all good! Keep in mind that Houston is a rather warm place, and it rains a LOT here. Remember: the more you bring, the more you wash, but at least it's less trips down to the (free) laundry room, eh?

Academic Items

Computer | A computer, as you will find, is great to have; who could survive without e-mail? However, in no way does it mean that you'll have difficulties completing your assignments or accessing the Internet if you don't have one. In fact, there are Mac, PC, and UNIX computer labs in buildings all over campus, including Brown! Each room has two Ethernet ports to connect you to the Internet, so you'll have to purchase an Ethernet card and cable. However, wait to buy them until you get here because only certain kinds can be used. We'll make sure you get to either the campus store or an off campus store if need be, so no worries! And don't forget those power strips!

Alarm Clock | It's music to your ears at 7am unless you choose your class times wisely. Let's face it - you need one. Otherwise you'll never know the people or professors of your "pre-noon" classes.

Desk lamp | Some people don't think the lamp provided is enough, but others think it's just fine. You decide, or wait till you see for yourself.

Survival Items

Phone | Without it, you can't call the person next door to return their scuba gear. Indeed, you might actually have to walk over there yourself and tell them! An answering machine is unnecessary because the new phone service has voice-mail. Oh, and bring a caller-ID display if you want to see who's bothering you at 3am.

Bed stuff | Bring whatever makes you sleep like a baby. Some sheets (twin extra long, or 80 inches in length) and a couple of pillows would be a great start. Bathing stuff and other essentials. Towels are useful. You may consider bringing some of your basic medications as well like Tylenol, Band-Aids, or Pepto Bismol, in case health services is closed. For our safety, and the safety of others, please don't forget the soap! You also may want to bring detergent and a laundry basket.

Cooking stuff | Utensils along with pots and pans, and maybe cups and bowls, are handy if you plan on cooking for yourself in the kitchen down the hall on your floor, or eating in your room on occasion.

Luxury Items

TV/VCR/stereo/8-track player (hey, you never know) | Your parents will be happy to know that some things at Rice are actually free, such as cable. You may want to watch movies or DVD's from Brown's private (free) collection.

Refrigerator | There's a large one in the kitchen of every floor, but if you don't want your food to become the property of a hungry fellow floor-buddy, you'll want your own mini-fridge.

Room Decor | Create a room that makes you feel at home. You know, the typical posters, pictures, palm trees, etc.

Car | The ultimate luxury, but in no means a necessity (although to some is might be). Do not fret if you need to get somewhere and you have no car. You can easily bum a ride from a friend whenever you need it.

Pets | Sorry dudes, a stuffed animal will have to do (preferably one that has never been alive!)

Rule #4: If you forget anything at all, not to worry! We will make sure that you have everything you need by introducing you to the wonderful world of Super Target which is really close by (and even has a Starbucks in it!). Enjoy yourself, have the time of your life, and look forward to your 0-Week, which will be nothing short of awesome. Oh, and most importantly don't forget the sunscreen.