What to Bring (and Not Bring) When you Move In to Tropicana Del Norte
Ready for your big move to UCSB? Well, think smaller. One of the most common mistakes new residents make when moving to a residence hall is packing way too much stuff!
Before I moved to UCSB, I was stoked to finally be out on my own. Since this was my first time on my own, I wanted to be prepared. I was an Eagle Scout, after all! I went and bought the usual necessities, like Twin XL (extra long) sheets, some towels and toiletries, and a few school supplies. I already had a laptop, and my friend got me a full length mirror. Those things were great items to bring, along with clothes and a couple of posters.It was all the other stuff that made me feel like I was on the TV show, “Hoarders.” I quickly sent many items back with my Mom, and I quietly took more items home when I went home for break.
One of the great things about Tropicana is that all the bedroom and living room furniture is already there when you move in, and you don’t really need to bring a whole lot of extra stuff. Trop provides every resident with a bed, dresser, and use of a desk and desk chair. In the living room, there is also a couch, two chairs, a coffee table, end table, and media table. A small refrigerator and microwave are provided for late-night snacking. Plungers are provided in the restrooms, and there is light housekeeping twice a month, so you don’t have to bring much in terms of cleaning supplies. (Helpful Hint: You have to pick up all your clothes and junk up off the floors and bathroom counters before the housekeepers come. They don’t want to touch your dirty underwear!)
I would say that bringing my entire collection of Blu Ray and DVD movies was not really worth it (does anyone even watch films on disc anymore?). Extra end tables and a papas an chair are nice… but not really necessary. Other things that I recommend you leave behind are excessively large pieces of furniture, large speakers or sound systems, and excessive amounts of knick knacks (aka, dust collectors). Irreplaceable items such as heirlooms, expensive jewelry, or anything you’d miss if it was lost forever should definitely be left at home. You should also avoid bringing anything not in keeping with Tropicana’s policies, such as cookware, pets, candles, paraphernalia, and weapons.
Essentials
Bedding
- Twin XL Sheets
- Blankets
- Pillows
- Bedspread
Bathroom Necessities
- Bath towels
- Toilet Paper
- Toiletries
Study Tools
- Computer
- Printer
- Study Lamp
Other
- Beach Towel
- Bicycle (with a “U” lock!)
- Surfboard, Skateboard, etc.
- Alarm clock
- Laundry Soap
Things you and your roommates can coordinate bringing:
- TV
- Personal Mini-Fridge (there is one provided in the living room for the entire suite)
To make moving easier, you can take advantage of Bed Bath & Beyond’s “Shop Here. Pick Up There” service. You can go to your local Bed Bath & Beyond, shop for and select items for your Trop suite, then pick them up at the Goleta store after you arrive. Easy!
Once you’ve made your list, go back over it and pare it down. You’d be surprised by how little you actually use day to day if you stop and think about it. For more ideas on what to bring, check out the Tropicana Del Norte Pinterest Page.
