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There are 11 comments on 10 Dorm Room Essentials

  1. Nice to see U-locks in lauded but the bike pictured is locked incorrectly! Front wheels with levers are easily removable and should be locked with the bike

    1. Good eye! Unfortunately, with that type of rack it’s difficult to snag the rack, the frame, AND a wheel, even with a big u-lock. The locking job pictured is likely the best one could do and is far better than the all-too-common practice of locking just the front wheel to the rack.

      Meanwhile, rest assured that BU is working on improving our bike racks and will eventually replace racks like this one.

      1. That kind of bike rack is perfectly fine for using a U-lock, but you have to set the U-lock to go through the wheel and then onto the frame of the bike.

        With that technique the rack is locked into place with the wheel and frame.

  2. I had the only set of tools in the old Charlesgate dormitory. Bring a small tool box – hammer, pliers, screwdriver, tape measure at least. You’ll make a lot of friends.

  3. Two more items:
    -a bed bug protector
    -Red Devil vacuum ($17)

    Both are available on Amazon. Would 100% recommend because the dorms are dusty and who knows what is on those mattresses!

  4. sunglasses — to protect your eyes from early glaucoma and cataracts
    locking cable and lock — to secure your coat, if you’re hanging it on a rack in the gym
    cable lock for your laptop if you are inclined to leave your electronics in public places
    lock for your backpack
    lock(s) for your suitcase(s)
    swimsuit — so you can swim at the FitRec
    bathrobe — to dry yourself fast and to be able to walk around in the dorm hallways
    Waterpik or a water flosser — to keep your teeth and gums healthy and prevent huge dental bills and implants

    1. It is possible, I commuted for about a year from Salem to BU Med Campus. Took about an hour to drive each way, and it got old after a while because I felt like I was never really spending time on campus, but I was able to make it on time to classes. It was generally more miserable in the winter (after snowstorms), since the traffic would increase the commute time.
      Overall, I saved a ton of money. I wouldn’t really suggest it for undergrad, since being on or near campus is a pretty big part of the “college” growth experience, but if you have no other options you can do it.

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