College Packing List

**Epaphras** · 06-29-2009, 01:11 PM

OpenOffice.org is an open-source, free application that is compatible with Office (in that, you can save OpenOffice documents as .doc).

Here-am-I · 06-29-2009, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billgamesh

I type really quick, though its more of a funky method than any proper typing. Naturally Speaking by dragon was one of the pioneers for dictation, but it might be redundant if you need microsoft office. Practice really makes perfect with typing though. And desperation is the mother of invention with it.

I wouldn't say I need microsoft office. I already have a program I use for writing papers and such.

Quote:

definitely bring some kind of comfy desk chair. I went as far as bringing my office chair, and it has been so worth it.

Oh, trust me! I'm so taking my chair. Long story short, my family just moved and I got a new desk chair. Sooo cushy-comfy AND it's zebra-print! I love it. It is coming with me.

Quote:

Don't count on your room or the dorm being secure. One of the ongoing problems when I was living in the dorm is that people would either just prop open the outside doors, or let anyone in who happened to want in. You would find people in the lounge, laundry room, hallways etc at all hours of the day or night who didn't belong there, and weren't rally with anyone who lived there. One friend of mine was raped as she slept in her own room because someone had been let in who didn't belong there.

Being a Christian college isn't going to change human nature. A lot of kids are going there because that's what mom and dad want, not because they have any real commitment to Jesus. It was well known that the Christian campus that was a couple of blocks from my college was the place to go if you were looking for alcohol, drugs or sex. The kids there were way wilder than even the frats and sororities.

Yeah, I definitely wasn't trying to say that everything will be dandy since I'm going to a Christian college - I know "christian" colleges have problems. My heart breaks for your friend... that is just terrible.

***BillSPrestonEsq*** · 06-29-2009, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Here-am-I

I wouldn't say I need microsoft office. I already have a program I use for writing papers and such.

Okay, some programs require it. (IE, down to specific versions. I am officially required by my department to use Office 2003, for prof compatibility, though I use 2007, and save docs in backwards compatible formats) Macs have their requirements in office as well at some schools. Check your local requirements. Thats all I was meaning.

Just FWIW, if you do buy office, wait until you can get the academic version discount. So much cheaper.

I have used open office, but since I do grading a lot and have to do powerpoints, I just prefer the industry standard. I never like open office's presentation software or their spreadsheet software, but that is just me.

1/2-Fast Player · 06-29-2009, 02:18 PM

No TV? No frisbee? No rollerblades? Gosh, girl, what do you expect to do with all your time? Study?!

To avoid annoying your roomate, be sure to have headphones for your stereo, laptop, electric guitar, whatever. Also a small clip-on booklight will let you read when your roomie is sleeping.

If your professors allow it, you may want to record some lectures, so a small recorder is a good idea.

BTW - it's not only laptops that disappear. When I was in college, computers filled large rooms, not laps, but I had cash and tools stolen from my room, and my camera once went AWOL for a few days. Don't leave valuables in plain sight. You won't lock your room, or even shut the door, every time you walk across the hall for a moment. If someone walks by and sees something tempting just sitting on your desk, you could be a victim. Get in the habit of putting things away in a drawer or closet.

And then there were the times my car was broken into. I lost stereo speakers, a battery, and a set of tools.

Have you considered a pit bull?

Here-am-I · 06-29-2009, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1/2-Fast Player

No TV? No frisbee? No rollerblades? Gosh, girl, what do you expect to do with all your time? Study?!

To avoid annoying your roomate, be sure to have headphones for your stereo, laptop, electric guitar, whatever. Also a small clip-on booklight will let you read when your roomie is sleeping.

If your professors allow it, you may want to record some lectures, so a small recorder is a good idea.

BTW - it's not only laptops that disappear. When I was in college, computers filled large rooms, not laps, but I had cash and tools stolen from my room, and my camera once went AWOL for a few days. Don't leave valuables in plain sight. You won't lock your room, or even shut the door, every time you walk across the hall for a moment. If someone walks by and sees something tempting just sitting on your desk, you could be a victim. Get in the habit of putting things away in a drawer or closet.

And then there were the times my car was broken into. I lost stereo speakers, a battery, and a set of tools.

Have you considered a pit bull?

haha, yeah... something like that! I'm hoping to get through college with SOME education, you know.

Definitely planning on taking headphones, and I am liking the recorder suggestion. I may need to look into that...

haha... hmm... how about a doberman instead?

***BillSPrestonEsq*** · 06-29-2009, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Here-am-I

haha, yeah... something like that! I'm hoping to get through college with SOME education, you know.

Definitely planning on taking headphones, and I am liking the recorder suggestion. I may need to look into that...

haha... hmm... how about a doberman instead?

your mac likely would work okay as a recorder. I see people using audacity on macs all the time.

1/2-Fast Player · 06-29-2009, 03:02 PM

Actually, a dobe would be better. I have a male dobe, age 4, about 80 lbs. He's the best dog I've ever had. Sweet and loving to the family, and protective like you wouldn't believe. If you drive onto our property, he won't let you out of the car until one of us shows up to tell him it's okay.

Only problem is that he chases our horses.

What are you planning to study?

Here-am-I · 06-29-2009, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1/2-Fast Player

Actually, a dobe would be better. I have a male dobe, age 4, about 80 lbs. He's the best dog I've ever had. Sweet and loving to the family, and protective like you wouldn't believe. If you drive onto our property, he won't let you out of the car until one of us shows up to tell him it's okay.

Only problem is that he chases our horses.

What are you planning to study?

wow, that's cool! I would like to own a great dane someday.

I'm going to major in photography, minor in business administration.