Thread: Things I wish I brought with me.....

Since there is a thread on things I wish I did not bring, 'thought it would be nice to start something optimistic! Anyone who have forgotten bringing something down and wish they did because it was invaluable, post it here.... It would at least give the ones coming down for the first time an idea on what things might be necessary for them!

To start with... I wish I had brought down a bigger external hard drive, you can never have too much space (load up Kaplan videos, Pass, Goljan, Notes, study aides, back up all your files.....) Am bringing down at least a 500 GB...... Need to back up all the files just in case (crossing my fingers) something goes wrong with my pyuter... my notes and important stuff (my lifeline in medskool) does not get lost!

I compiled this list after going through ENDLESS threads. I hope that this will come in handy for incoming students. I'm not sure if I covered everything. Some may seem obvious...I tend to forget things if I don't write them down.

'Before you leave'
Arrange for your pick-up from the airport (the his/her phone #)
Call the hotels if you have someone accompanying you.
Recheck the 'important documents' checklist

'Before you leave' (Make sure that you have these in your hand carrier)
Traveler's check
Passport (w/ Visa)
Greencard
Immunization form
Acceptance letter
HIV test results
Other important documents
Driver's License

'On your way' (Emergency-in your handcarrier) (redundant? oh well)
small size toothpaste, toothbrush, lotion, hand sanitizer (these shouldn't exceed more than 3 ounces)
a small towel
snack bar/powerbar
something for entertainment's sake (books, games, etc.)
a pair of clothing
money (!!!!!) - singles and 20's; credit cards, and the like!
[Make sure that ALL the liquids and pastes are in a transparent container/bag if they are in your hand carrier]


To survive in the Island
Bug spray (to not get bitten-hopefully)
Neosporin or Hydrocortisone (after a bug bite)
Warm climate - suitable clothing
Flip flops
Sneakers
First Aid
Flashlight
Rain coat / umbrella
Over the counter medicine
Sun block

Dorm

"Kitchen" (Or whatever you call it- really not much of a kitchen )
Microwavable plates
Spoons and forks
Cups and a glasses
Coffee mug, may be
Dishwashing liquid
Dishwashing scrub
Knife
Something to make coffee in/with
Hot plate (if you don't have cooking stove in your residence)
1 or 2 small towels (for cleaning)
Paper towel (1 or 2 rolls JUST in case)
Water Filter
Electric water kettle
Bed
2 bedsheets w/ pillow cover

General
Something to clean the floor with (sweeper/vacuum cleaner (small ones))
Fan
Iron
Hangers
Battery operated alarm clock

Personal
Shampoo/conditioner
Soap
2 bath towels
Hair straightener/dryer
Nail clipper (can kiss those long nails good-bye )
Nail polish
Shaving cream/set
Bath tissue (1 or 2 rolls..JUST in case)
Personal Hygeine stuff
Bathroom slippers
Bathroom cleaner
Air Freshner
Trash can (IF needed)
Hair band/clips
Haribrush
Make up
Lip gloss/balm
Body spray
Deodorant
Face wash
Cottonballs
Hair gel
Lotion

Clothes
1 or 2 sweaters - if the classes or library are 'COLD'
Casuals
a couple of formal dresses
Enough undergarments (might as well be prepared for the laundry situation)

School Related

Books
Medical School related
Folders
Papers
Notebooks
Reviews

Random stuff
Tape
Calculator
Small scissors

Technology/electronic stuff
Laptop
Printer (laser, may be)
DVD's and CD's (blank ones - JUST in case)
External hardrive
Anti-virus software
USB thumb drive
Headset with microphone (if you're going to use the laptop to call home)
Uninterruptible power supply
Table lamp
Cordless phone

For Labs
Scrubs (may be 2)
Closed toe shoes (socks with them?) or You can get crocs (I prefer these)
Gloves (2 boxes)
Lab coat (1)

Add ons:

Ziplock bags! 3 boxes of medium, and 3 boxes of large extra duty freezer strength ziplocks (only this brand works). You pretty much have to ziplock food items, or ants or small meal bugs will get in stuff. Or, you keep everything in the fridge. Once you ziplock everything, the ants/mealbugs go away and you won't have the problem (ie not ziplocking and not cleaning up after yourself causes the problem). For example, we'll take cereal bags out of the box and ziplock the bag.

Food storage container. Find ones that are airtight at Walmart. These are hard to find, most of the cheap ones are not proven airtight and bugs may get in.

Brita filter - The island uses a lot of chlorine in the water. Chlorine evaporates if water is left to stand. Supposedly the island has lots of minerals in the water (calcium), and this can cause kidney stones. Ironically, kidney stones are prevented by drinking lots of water...haha conflict of interest. Get a brita filter. I also believe they are available (both filter and jug) at Ram's grocery in town (but don't count on it, things come and go here).

Shower filter - I would say this maybe the most critical item (even back home in North America the issue is ignored). Chlorine comes out of the water and increases in concentration rapidly when you're showering and is a respiratory irritant and eye irritant and toxic. Chlorine dries out your hair as well. Get a shower filter. They are about $30 for the slim-line screw on type at home depot.

Not sure if it's been mentioned yet, because I'm too lazy to do the search right now, but I'd recommend a spare power adapter for your laptop. An even better option is a universal model so that you can sell it when you leave if you never end up needing it. Dead power adapters are the number one issue we see on Saba, and it's usually caused by wrapping the cord too tightly and breaking the wires inside the cable.

I'd also recommend an APC brand SurgeArrest Notebook model inline surge suppressor for your laptop. (Be sure to get the correct model for your type of cord.) If you have a Mac you can use one of these models. This way you have some kind of protection no matter where you're plugged in. A typical power strip is NOT good enough to protect a computer.

-Travis

Hi,

I am not sure what the voltage is in the dorms but am curious to know if we need a transformer?

thnx

Hi,

I probably should have compiled a list of questions before I post a million posts.
I think this may be the last one for today, but do I need to bring Tide or some laundry detergent?

Thanks

personally I wouldn't. not worth the space/weight. if you are shipping stuff down and weight is not a concern, then sure. brand names like Tide are expensive. local brands are very reasonable in price. also some people use a laundry service so they don't need to buy anything.

Originally Posted by CDr

Hi,

I probably should have compiled a list of questions before I post a million posts.
I think this may be the last one for today, but do I need to bring Tide or some laundry detergent?

Thanks

nope same as back home. 120 volts and the outlets are the same. normally all the place you will rent (if you move out of the dorms) are also the same voltage.

the Hz are different. meaning, if you have a plug in alarm clock it won't keep time properly. meaning bring a battery powered alarm clock.

Originally Posted by CDr

Hi,

I am not sure what the voltage is in the dorms but am curious to know if we need a transformer?

thnx

One thing I highly suggest bringing (maybe someone else mentioned this) is a spare a/c adaptor for your notebook computer. if yours burns out or gets damaged bringing it to school everyday it can get expensive to replace here. worth having a spare.

also, if you have the space, it is worth bringing down a second notebook computer, perhaps an older used one to have as a spare. over the course of the year there are quite a few computers that have stopped working for whatever reason (like 5-10%).

thanks so much for the info.