rez packing list

Before coming to Queen's I must have spent countless hours listing and re-listing all of the things I was going to need. In retrospect, while exciting, it was a huge waste of time.

Below we've compiled a fairly exhaustive things of the must have items to bring with you to residence. What you don't pack you can easily buy at the big move-in sale during Frosh week, and Costco and Walmart are only a taxi ride away.

SHOWER STUFF:

Shower shoes or thongs: the showers get disgusting
Bucket or bath tote: to lug your shower stuff around
Towels: pack lots as you will not be doing your laundry as often as you think
Bathrobe: for the mad dash back and forth to the shower
Toiletries: don't buy them in bulk containers, as you have to lug them around a lot, but buy a good supply before arriving at Queen's, as it's annoying to come without the basics.

DORM ROOM:

Sheets, a pillow, and warm comforter: your bed will double as your couch.
A fan: it's hot and humid in Kingston.
Mirror: your room doesn't come with a full length one.
A huge laundry bag or basket: trust me, you'll do your laundry less than you think.
Loonies and quarters: for the washers and dryers.
Laundry soap / Dryer sheets
Coat hangers
A surge protector: or a powerbar with extra outlets
An alarm clock: a loud one, preferably with a small snooze button
Storage containers: get ones that fit under the bed

CLOTHES:

Winter boots: Make sure they are waterproof
Warm Coat: I had a decent one, but it's worth investing in a great one
Normal set of clothes for a year: if you want to look like a traditional Queen's girl and fit in like a sheep, go buy Sevens jeans, lululemon sweat pants, Uggs and dye your hair blonde. Guys, just avoid wearing eye makeup.
Formal clothes: there are lots of opportunities to dress up big at Queen's
Bathing suit: when summer hits it's great to tan by the beach, or play beach volleyball outide of Gord Brock
Gym stuff: At the PEC they have a washing service and I highly suggest you bite the bullet and do it. It will make you more likely to go to the gym, and less likely to where the same smelly unwashed socks five gym days in a row.

MISCELLANEOUS:

Febreeze: I cannot stress this item enough. You will use it on your clothes, dirty dishes, roomate, everything.
Dishes: you don't need much, maybe just a bowl, spoon, fork, knife, and a cup.
Medicine: stock up before you come to Queen's, while the health services is awesome, it's still annoying to have to buy it when you can just steal it from home.
Food: trust me, the 2am munchies will hit. Beg your parents for a Costco run and stock up on ready made food, the kitchens in rez are fairly small and gross, so avoid cooking at all costs.
Kettle: for late night hot cocoa, soups, oatmeal etc.
Thermal Mug: to fill up with coffee at the CoGro
Nalgene bottle: to fill up with juice or water in the caf and lug it around all day
Condoms: don't assume everyone is sexually active at Queen's, but those who are better get it on with a rubber. As 'clean' as everyone seems at Queen's, stds are all over the place. So buy them big, in bulk, whatever, just have them on hand.

DESK SUPPLIES:

Computer: I'd suggest a laptop, as you can take notes in class, bring it to the library, and it's easy to move in upper years. Also, theft is VERY low at Queen's. I'd like to say it's because it's such a safe campus, and it is, but in reality, everyone is just too rich to steal.
Printer: don't buy a piece of crap , they end up costing more than they are worth when you have to buy $100 ink refills. Invest in a decent one or simply email your assignments to yourself and print them off at the PC&C. It's cheaper and more social. (ps: the guys working there are notoriously cute)
Ethernet cord
Pens, notepads, stapler
A big bulletin board: or get a dry erase board & markers

BANKING

It best to set up an account with TD Canada Trust. There are TD Green machines all over campus as well as a major banking location downtown on Princess Street. If you bank with another company, now's the time to switch - it's worth it to save the debit fees.

OTHER THINGS WE ASSUME YOU CAN LIVE WITHOUT BUT MIGHT WANT:

Coffee maker / Bodum
Iron
Wall tacks or masking tape
Slippers: for wandering around the rez halls at night
Plants and decorations
A fridge: I had one and never used it. They rent them at the beginning of the year and are disgusting and crappy. For like 20 bucks more you can buy a decent one and then sell it in second year.
Stereo, mini tv, dvd player: you'll be the most popular kid on the floor
Brita filter: to keep in your fridge

THINGS THAT YOU DON'T NEED:

A phone phone: your phone, voicemail, answering machine etc. is included in your room. You'll likely just use your cell any way.
A lamp: you are provided with an overhead light and one lamp, bring more if you need it or are easily depressed
Your hamster: they aren't allowed.
Hot plates or toasters: again, not allowed. I did know a guy on my floor who had a deep fryer and no one found out, but I figure that's probably banned too.
Garbage can: one is in your room
Candles: romance does not involve your curtains going up in flames

Last but not least, just remember, you aren't moving to the total boonies. If you forget something you can get it in Kingston, and if you are coming from out of province or country, it's worth it to arrive a day early, head out to the burbs, do some shopping there and then take a taxi back to rez.