Hey First Years-Here's What You Don't Learn at Orientation...

Now that you're here and an official Brandeis student we want to give you the scoop on campus life- the real deal! We want to help you with your list of "Must Haves" and "Have Not's" for the semester. Think of Savvy Student as your "Dorm Life For Dummies" Guide, things we wish we had known entering Brandeis, but only recently discovered.



First and foremost, since we are a financial forum we found a really great article in Time Moneyland which features 9 awesome tips for students wanting to open their first credit card! You can't miss this editorial, so check it out here.



As a new student decorating your dorm room or at least adding a little "charm" to the painted brick is quite an undertaking. So, we have gathered a top ten list of the most important items that you will need to take along with you, as well as a list of the one's most students found unnecessary. And, what you might find topping the charts is probably not the first thing you would think to grab for, but landing at #1 is a First Aid kit, for obvious reasons. #2 Sewing Kit, not the "Project Runway" sewing machine, but the "I just lost a button- help" kit. #3 Fan, for those dorm rooms that get "hot, hot, hot". #4 Mini Vac, for those that like to keep it clean. #5 Quarters, quarters and more quarters for laundry, vending machines and the like. #6 Umbrella and Rain Boots because sometimes you just feel like "Singing in the rain"and not getting wet. #7 Flip Flops for the shower- it is a necessary evil. #8 Shower Caddy because you can't hold soap, shower gel, bath poof, shampoo and towel all at the same time- you just can't! #9 Desk Lamp or Book Light, for late night cram sessions when your roomie is fast asleep. #10 Extension cord, just because the outlets are not always in the most convenient of places.



Items on our not too hot list include over the door hangers-mostly because they don't fit and you will find yourself shoving the door closed. There is no need for door mats, decorative string lights or excessively pricey bedding and pillows. Remember you want it to feel like home, but you are moving into the dorms, not Shangri La. Save the nice stuff for your first place! Also less is more. The rooms may be too tight and cramped for lots of additional furniture. It is best to organize what to bring with your roomie(s) and to shop once you know your space limitations.



Once you have arrived and settled in you may want to explore campus and it's surroundings- greater Waltham, Boston or even The Cape. And, without a car what is the best way to get around? Well, Zipcar of course! Other options include the new bike share program in Boston, Hubway or DeisBikes right here on campus. With each of these programs students can inexpensively run errands or explore new areas. Check out the Brandeis Transportation Overview here. Zip Car requires a membership and driver's must be 18 or older. The cars are located in the Stoneman/Public Safety parking lot. Brandeis also offers shuttle service in and around Waltham, Cambridge and Boston.



In Rome, do as the Romans do, so at Brandeis, do as the Brandeisians do. Join a local bank and make it easy on yourself to get your Federal Work-Study funds or refund check fast. Bank of America, Citizens Bank and Sovereign Bank ATM's are located on campus in Gosman Sports Complex, Shapiro Campus Center and Usdan Student Center, respectively.



You probably don't know that Brandeis has a Classifieds section for students, faculty and staff. If you are looking to buy or sell your random trinkets, used books, etc. then you must check out what your fellow classmates have advertised. This is also a great place to search for off-campus summer housing and more.



Lost and Found- did you get distracted in class and leave behind your keys? ID card? IPod? Well, hopefully a good samaritan turned it in to Public Safety or the Shapiro Campus Center. If you left items behind at the Office of Student Financial and Academic Services then please come back to claim them. We have a lost and found drawer specifically for those days when students haven't recovered from their late night study sess.



Whether it comes in the form of new essentials for dorm room living, a Zipcar membership, or a new bank account, Savvy Student is there to guide you through your first steps at Brandeis and beyond. Check back throughout your time at Brandeis, you just might learn a thing or two.



~Savvy Student