dorm beds: to bunk or not to bunk?

Jul 15, 2007 11:34


opinions greatly appreciated.

also, refrigerators? microwaves? are they worth bringing? if you had to choose one to bring, which would it be?

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Comments 21

wolvenlightning July 15 2007, 16:24:11 UTC
jamie and I are bunking, but that's mostly because we need the wall space. Also, I'm used to sleeping in a loft bed so I'd actually be more comfortable that way.

In terms of fridge/micro, I think I'm going to spring for the microfridge (microwave + fridge/freezer). Microwave is essential for rice (I now have a microwaveable rice cooker), popcorn, and ramen. Also, if I do get the microfridge, the freezer will allow for hot pockets and tv dinners.

The fridge though is probably the most important out of the three components because of the need for sodas and energy drinks, etc etc.

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From someone who's been there. . . itsybitsyguitsy July 15 2007, 16:42:36 UTC
Bunking is an undisputed way to maximize the space in your dorm, so in general I recommend it. There are a few conditions that can make it a bad idea though:

1. Your room is hot. That makes it hell for the person on top.
2. You and your roommate don't totally agree about who will sleep where.
3. You and/or your roommate have a dynamic such that you find it more comfortable to just split the room down the middle and more or less ignore each other.

At Pitt it was definitely worth bringing your own microwave and fridge. Especially true for those of us who didn't buy huge meal plans. But having these things in your room means you don't have to leave every time you're hungry, which is a life-saver when your schedule is crammed with studying. Also you can keep tasty, healthy things like fruit and cheese in your fridge for snacks and avoid the temptation of whatever might be available on campus. Check with your roommate and see if she already has either the micro or the fridge though, she probably has at least one.

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Re: From someone who's been there. . . erraticflirty1 July 15 2007, 18:56:00 UTC
yeah, i have. she has a microwave and says she could get a fridge. but id feel bad having her bring both- shes already bringing a rug and a vacuum. so i feel like i should bring a fridge, but they wont come cheap...

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mukowz July 15 2007, 17:14:25 UTC
The question of bunking primarily depends on what you're going to do with the extra space. if you have a futon, for example, you'll need to bunk, but if you don't have or want to have a futon, there's really no point in bunking. It's also important to keep in mind that the three points above listed are all controllable:
1) Fans that attach to bed frames are surprisingly useful and effective.
2) You can split the year in terms of who sleeps where (I did this my sophomore year; we switched upon returning from winter break).
3)Well, yeah, and also you don't have a use for the extra space.

In terms of fridge/microwave, the fridge is by far and away the most important. Most dorms will have some kind of kitchen arrangement with a full size fridge and a stove and a microwave, but the fridge will always be full and your food will never be safe there. If you have to bring one, bring the fridge ( ... )

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wolvenlightning July 15 2007, 17:39:46 UTC
uva's policy doesn't let you have any other food preparatory equipment than a microwave. The alderman dorms at least lack a central kitchen area. They really want you to buy food from the dining halls, I guess

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mukowz July 15 2007, 18:00:03 UTC
Those bastards. It's a damn good thing I didn't go to UVA.

Also, what they don't know can't hurt them?

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leonastar July 15 2007, 17:20:30 UTC
depends on how big your room is--i liked having an unbunked bed because it doubled as a couch and, with risers, gave me lots of storage space underneath. however, you don't want your room to be crammed, in which case i think lofting beats bunking because it doesn't require any floorspace.

i found our fridge and microwave super useful--micro for tea, oatmeal, popcorn and such, fridge for keeping drinks cold. we didn't use the freezer much because it was about 3 square inches, but didn't really miss it.

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Jumping on the bandwagon... philosophyguy July 15 2007, 17:26:51 UTC
Speaking of which, did you and roommate bring your own, or did you rent?

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Re: Jumping on the bandwagon... leonastar July 15 2007, 17:59:38 UTC
we (or rather, i, since carolyn was coming from hong kong) brought our own. it costs almost as much to rent for a year as it does to buy them

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Re: Jumping on the bandwagon... mukowz July 15 2007, 18:02:40 UTC
I first read that as, "Speaking of which, did you bring your own roommate, or did you rent?"

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stuck July 15 2007, 18:35:01 UTC
I don't think bunking is necessary (I don't remember anyone doing it, actually).

It might be good to talk to your roomate ahead of time and see if she's OK with communal items like fridge, microwave, etc and split up who brings what. It's a good way to save space and it's fairly hard to fill up a mini-fridge when you're eating at the dining hall most of the time anyway (on that note, I'd recommend the plus-10 meal plan: the extra plus dollars are nice and there were only a few times where I found myself wanting to use more than 10 meals per week)

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erraticflirty1 July 15 2007, 18:59:40 UTC
we have talked and werent sure about the questions i posted, so i decided to consult the masses. i have a feeling bunking wont be necessary either...and it would suck to do it if theres not enough room underneath the top bunk to sit properly...

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