Freshman year dorm shopping checklist

My mom wasted money on some of this stuff. Only things you’ll use: bed sheets, mattress topper (maybe — I didn’t use mine, many students do), some sort of set of plastic drawers, hangers, batteries, shower caddy, towels, ethernet cable (maybe — every few months the wifi gets spotty or slow, ethernet is always fast), power board/power strip, laundry basket + detergent (though you can just use a large bag, too).

Things that are not used by most students:

• cleaning supplies (other than maybe tissues, a thing of clorox wipes, and some laundry pods)
• knives/forks/etc
• tupperware for food storage
• anything more than 2 sets of sheets (you just need bottom sheet, pillow cover, and a comforter — the box sets are pretty good)
• desk lamp (probably)
• ziploc bags
• umbrella
• shoe storage (for most guys)
• mirror
• too many storage boxes (just get those stacking plastic drawers)
• flashlight
• tool kit
• lock box/safe
• wastebasket
• iron — maybe worth it. someone in your dorm will have one, though
• towel rack

Alternatively, sign up for Amazon Prime, get the free student trial, and order everything there. Use this address format:

Student First and Last Name — SUNet ID [sunet ID is the username you picked for your Stanford email]

459 Lagunita Drive (Address 1)

FedEx Office Tresidder — P.O. Box # (Address 2)

Stanford, CA 94305 (City, State, & ZIP)

Example:

Jane Stanford — jstanford

459 Lagunita Drive

FedEx Office Tresidder — P.O. Box #1234

Stanford, CA 94305

Where should I buy a bike?

Consider ordering one on Amazon.

The campus bike store is pretty expensive, though that said it’s also really convenient and they set you up with anti-theft stuff which is useful. You can buy a bike on Amazon and have them add the anti-theft stuff, I believe.

They will try and upsell you on the $80 support package. It’s not worth it.

TravelCollegeStanford