Surprising Things Every Freshman Needs: SRU Edition

By Megan Bush on July 21, 2016

It’s July, and that means back-to-school sales are everywhere, even for college freshmen. Now, almost everyone knows the basics of the things freshmen need for their first year away at school: extra-long twin sheets, pens and pencils, binders, mini-fridges and microwaves, etc.

However, freshmen who will be attending Slippery Rock University (or “Snow-and-Rain University,” for those well-versed with the seasons of the area) may need to think about some different things to make sure they have with them for that initial year away from home. Here are some things freshmen need for SRU.

SRU Waterfall (https://www.flickr.com/)

An umbrella.
SRU is not called “Snow-and-Rain University” for nothing; when it rains, it pours, and not just straight to the ground. A typical rainstorm is usually accompanied by winds strong enough to break a cheap umbrella no matter which way it’s blowing, so a hoodie just won’t cut it. Splurging on a nice, stable umbrella is suggested for those attending SRU.

Layers.
Sweaters, hoodies, pullovers, jackets, coats, and windbreakers, to name a few, all fit under this category. Yes, SRU has its fair share of warm, sunny days, but unless it’s August, early September, or May, those days are few and far between. Your weather app may say it’s 56 degrees out, but it’s sure going to feel like 30. Layers like light sweaters or zip-up hoodies also come in handy for those weird spring days when it’s freezing walking to your first class, but humid hot walking to lunch.

Lotion/in-shower moisturizer.
One thing SRU is absolutely known for is what students, and some faculty, like to refer to as “Rock water.” The water on tap that comes out of the sinks, water fountains, and shower heads is very hard water, and can leave your skin drier than the Sahara. To keep your skin feeling soft and smooth and not gross or ashy, make sure to pick up some lotion or in-shower moisturizer to beat the “Rock water” showers.

Comfortable shoes.
Remember when your parents would exaggerate about how bad their lives were when they were in school? “I had to walk up-hill both ways!”

Well, at SRU, you really do have to walk up-hill both ways. None of the dorm buildings are located very close to the classroom buildings or the main dining hall, and the campus is less flat than one would expect. A purchase of comfortable shoes, whether they be running sneakers, Crocs, supported sandals, or anything else, will be one of the best purchases a freshman can make.

Portable charger.
If you are involved, which everyone should be in some aspect, there will be days when you leave your room at 8:30 a.m. and don’t return until 9 or 10 p.m. While your phone won’t be the most important thing during those days, the battery will still drain faster than you think, and when you most need it, it will have died and you won’t know what to do.

With a portable charger, you can leave your phone in your bag during a meeting and when you pick it up, you’ll have a full life left, and you won’t have to run all the way back to your room in the middle of a busy day.

Don’t forget to add these things to your school shopping list, and you’re sure to have a great freshman year at SRU.

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