What to Bring to the CP

[Dizznay]

Hey everyone!

I was wondering what everyone brought to the CP or are planning on bringing. I will be flying so I will be limited to suitcases. I know when I get there I will have to buy things that I cannot bring (fan, extra dishes, bedding, etc.)

I am a girl, so I tend to over pack. How many clothes did you bring? What personal items did you pack? My goal is to only pack a large suitcase and a carry-on suitcase. However, I don't want to get stuck there without things I need.

Is there anything that you didn't bring that you wish you did?

 

[jlg263]

If you're going to do the fall program, definitely bring some winter clothes. It gets really cold. Even if you're not doing the fall program, bring some too.

Of course bring a few professional outfits for traditions, networking, etc.

Basically you just need a good mixture of clothes. If you pack mostly warm weather clothes, a few long sleeves and sweaters, and some jackets you'll be ok. If you're trying to pack light then bringing clothes that you could layer. Shoes always take up a ton of room so bring some that can match most outfits. I always packed too many heels, but I've learned that one black pair can go a long way.

Toiletries are of course important, but remember you can always get things like that once you get there too. So mainly things like medicine, retainers, etc would be what you need to pack.

They usually have some sort of swap shop for incoming CPs where you can go and get (for free) stuff that I guess people left behind in their apartments from the last program, haha. So you might want to check that out. It's not open all the time though, it's just usually only one day and you might want to get there early to get anything good (I've never personally been to one).

So yeah, my suggestion is a good mix of layerable clothes (don't forget the swim suit!), shoes that match lots of things (tennis shoes, flip flops, heels), professional clothes, necessary toiletries that you can't buy in FL, camera, chargers, laptop if needed, and any kind of mementos from home that you might need Depending on what roommates you get, they may bring a lot of things that can be used apartment-wide (dishes, tv, etc) so it's best to wait on those kinds of items until you get there.

Hope that helps a bit!

 

[Dreamstuff]

I second the above post, basically all you need to bring is sheets, clothes, (some formal, most casual, a few professional, a few warm, sleepstuff, swimsuit) Shoes/sneakers/flips and then any necessary electronics stuff like a laptop, cellphone, chargers and the like.
The apartments are fully furnished so there will be dishes and all that stuff there for you and anything else you could need (toiletries, decorations, laundry detergent) are a quick bus/car ride away at Walmart or Publix.

 

[FluffedMojo]

If I get into the Fall Program, I'll be bringing my Xbox. But that's because I really can't live without it.

 

[SportsChick]

I brought WAY too many clothes. Lucky for me, I live close (3 hours away) so I brought some home.

things I ended up needing - coffee pot, rug for bathroom and an extra comforter (my roommate kept the apartment arctic)

 

[Frizzbird]

I definitely support the statement about not bringing to many shoes. I definitely brought more than I needed. Also I would recommend looking at a website like the Farmers almanac or weather.com to see what the weather is predicted to be like when you are there. If your going for Spring and Jan/Feb is expected to be unusually cold (like last spring) then pack accordingly.

Also don't worry about packing a whole lot of "dress" clothes. If you are in a class you will need enough to last you through your class but even still you don't need a whole lot. I packed WAY more than I needed. Maybe 4 outfits that can be interchanged would probably be enough.

 

[Beelisa]

Are the beds regular twin or the XL twin size? Is the mattress OK or would it be good to bring an extra thick mattress pad?

 

[Dreamstuff]

Are the beds regular twin or the XL twin size? Is the mattress OK or would it be good to bring an extra thick mattress pad?

They're regular.

 

[Frizzbird]

I bought a memory foam mattress pad when I got down and I never regretted it. I use on my bed at home now. I have heard that they can be uncomfortable with out some extra padding.

 

[ishbit92]

Oh, bother! I'm dreading packing because if I get into the CP I'd be coming ALL the way over from Alaska, and I'm an over packer.

I will be squeezing everything so tightly in my suitcases that they'll be about to burst, I can already picture it

 

[Wishes Count]

I brought way too much stuff. The thing is you will be spending a lot of time wearing your costume, and when you aren't you will most likely be wearing pajamas. I didn't wear most of the clothes I brought. Also remember that you will buy stuff once you get down there, not only souvenirs but clothes and stuff too. There are two malls and two outlet stores nearby. I ended up having to ship 2 big boxes of stuff home at the end of my program.

 

[Partofyourworld9]

I'm not attending until spring 2012 but just had a curious question.. what about extra storage? like plastic drawer units or something like that, are they necessary? I'll be driving from ATL, GA so packing will be no issue for me.

 

[piratechick]

I'm not attending until spring 2012 but just had a curious question.. what about extra storage? like plastic drawer units or something like that, are they necessary? I'll be driving from ATL, GA so packing will be no issue for me.

In my last program, I brought bed risers, so I could have more room underneath my bed for storage. I brought storage bins and decided to use it to store all of my souveniers and any extra stuff I had lying around like extra purses, etc. It was a life saver. Between you and your roommate, you will be sharing one dresser (three drawers each), a nightstand, and a closet. If you feel like you are bringing a lot of stuff and tend to buy a lot of souveniers, bring the extra storage. Trust me, the space you have fills up quick, or at least it did for me!

 

[Partofyourworld9]

thanks for your help! I was assuming so. I like to stay organized if I'm sharing with someone else so I'll bring those storage bins with the drawers & bed risers sound like a great idea too, thanks!