Oberlin Blogs

My packing list

August 15, 2009

Zoe McLaughlin ’11

Analytical chemistry book¹
Biochemistry book²
Books³
Torchlight
AP physics notes
Toothbrush⁴
Soap
Toothpaste
Tape/thumbtacks
Staples⁵
Hairbrush
Bread recipe
Eating utensils
Blank CDs
Umbrella
OCMR combination⁶
Clip-on light
Scissors
Dance music
Dance clothes, shoes, hair stuff, makeup, etc.⁷
Hair spray!
Creative writing books⁸
Assorted notebooks⁹
Room knickknacks
Christmas lights for violin case
Sheet music
Masterminds t-shirt
Phone charger
Concert dress¹⁰

This is, of course, not a complete packing list. For example, clothes haven't really been mentioned. I have the tendency to live out of boxes over the summer, though, so a lot of things are already (basically) packed. These are the things that are in danger of being left behind.

¹ To be lent to a friend.
² Purchased ahead of time, off of Amazon. I actually planned ahead!
³ Limit six Animorphs books. For real.
⁴ Possibly the thing that I forget most, no matter where I'm going.
⁵ I ran out last semester.
⁶ You keep the same mailbox with the same combination for all four years, unless you go abroad. I've made it a tradition to forget my combination over the summer.
⁷ Nutcracker!
⁸ In the (possibly vain) hope that I'll be able to reuse books from one class to the next.
⁹ I've found that taking notes on my computer doesn't work for me--I like to draw too many diagrams, I think.
¹⁰ Funny story: One time, I forgot to bring my concert pants and didn't realize until I was trying to get dressed for a concert. I ended up wearing a pair of black sweatpants, and no one could actually tell the difference, but I don't plan on ever repeating that.

Responses to this Entry

I'm interested in the "christmas lights for violin case." Care to post a picture of the finished product? I assume these are plug-in lights?

Posted by: krisanto pranata, oc'89 on August 15, 2009 8:42 PM

I will! They're actually have a little battery pack, and I've had them for a few years now, and always forget to get them out in time for the holidays. This year, I resolve to be prepared.

Posted by: Zoë on August 15, 2009 9:33 PM

Lists like this really give one the sense of what is most important to you - what is closest to your heart. I'm just curious - why pack a bread recipe?

Posted by: easy recipes baker on December 26, 2009 8:05 PM

Well, I joined a coop for this semester, so I knew I'd have access to some baking supplies, which meant I could make bread, just about one of the only things I enjoy doing in the kitchen.

Posted by: Zoë on December 26, 2009 11:27 PM

Where do you dance the Nutcracker? I was under the impression that Oberlin does not have many ballerinas.

Posted by: Dancer on June 24, 2011 12:19 PM

It's true that there isn't a huge ballet community at Oberlin, but there are places to take classes in town and a small but dedicated group of students has also put together informal ballet classes.

You can read a little bit more about the ballet/Nutcracker thing here.

Posted by: Zoë on June 24, 2011 12:22 PM

A Letter to Pre-Oberlin Me

January 13, 2023

Charlize Villasenor

There will be countless days and nights that you’ll hold in your heart, maybe too many to fully remember, but I promise you’ll love the experience and you’ll grow exactly into who you need to be.