Supplies to bring to campus

Stony Brook can be a harsh place for the unprepared, in particular for those coming from outside the U.S. Some useful things to consider while packing up are:

Clothes

By the time you arrive, the weather at Stony Brook should be mild (not too warm or too cold), so bring light clothes and something a bit warmer, like a hoodie. During this time of the year, the weather can be unpredictable, so expect rain and hot weather (around 86°F/30°C or even more). It will also be below freezing by the end of the semester, so you might want to prepare for that (you can also buy cold-weather clothes here).

Electronics

We all love our laptops, tablets, and cellphones. For those coming from abroad, the U.S. electric sockets can be problematic, so make sure your chargers have the right type of contacts or buy the corresponding adapters before coming to the U.S. An extra cellphone battery can come in handy after the flight.

Other Stuff

Whether you are staying on-campus or not, you should make sure that you have:

• Bedding: On-campus housing provides only a twin-XL bed, no sheets. Off-campus housing might provide even less, as it is common for apartments to be completely unfurnished (the landlord should specify this before you sign the lease). Make sure to bring at least a light bedding set and a pillow.

• Toiletries: Make sure to bring with you a toothbrush, toothpaste, and shower essentials. This might prove a bit problematic for those traveling by plane, so be creative or find someone to give you a ride to a store on the first day (email sbupgsa@gmail.com if you would like to ask for a ride to a store when you arrive).

• Medicine: If you don't have previous insurance, it's important to know that the one provided by Stony Brook University may take some time processing. So, if there are some essential medications you need to take, make sure to bring a basic supply.

• Food: Grocery stores are not very convenient, so it's a good idea to bring some food, at least for the first night and morning.

Packing

When packing, keep in mind that stores at Stony Brook are quite far away, so make sure to bring everything you need for at least a couple of days.