Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Do I need to bring...?

We try our best to accommodate those staying at the workshop, but we get a lot of emails regarding what things might want to be brought in addition. This is meant to be a starting point, but by no means an exclusive list. I will not talk about the common sense things, like ‘clothes,’ my assumption is that you will bring these things.
Techie Stuff:Laptop – becoming more incorporated into debate through both research and flowing, it’s good to bring along. If you don’t have one, there’s no reason to fret as there are tons of computers free to use around Miami’s campus.
Ethernet cord – another thing that is good to bring, as the wireless network can sometimes be spotty. Since this is the first year that we are staying at Wells (sidebar: HUGE upgrade) I don’t know how the wireless is in this building. Bringing a cord along is a good, safe way to stay connected to the cloud.
TV/DVD – you will have some down time, so it doesn’t hurt to kick back and watch a movie now and then. There is a TV in the common room, but it is up to you if you want to bring your own. There will now be $1 DVD rentals again this year, available in the dorm office, so be ready to take advantage of the offer.
Techie stuff you don’t need: Timers (you’ll get one), USB drive (you’ll get one),
General Dorm Stuff:
Bedding – You’ll need to get a set of extra-long, single sheets. This is the standard size for any dorm room, so if you have a sibling that went to college you might have this size around your house already. Also bring a pillow or two. And towels.
Foodstuffs—You can bring any/all snacks that you like. It is advised, though, that upon arrival you stop by Kroeger or Wal-Mart to stock up, instead of hauling all of that with you. More car space = good. In the dorm there are vending machines, as well as a kitchenette area to facilitate snacking.
Cleaning agents – Of all kinds, toiletries (deodorant, shampoo, soap, toothpaste, etc) as well as laundry detergent. If you forget something or run out, the dorm staff will make weekly runs to Walmart/Kroeger to fill need that you might have.
Other things: Shower Shoes; just get them, it’s a worthy $5 investment. Alarm clock to make sure you are at lab.
Room stuff you don’t need: Fans (dorm is air conditioned), any type of furniture.
Debate Stuff:
It is important to note that ALL of the MDI evidence produced will be produced and available electronically. That means cutting cards is only a copy/paste process, and does not involve scissors and tape. So you don’t need those things. Aside from the laptop previously mentioned, the more conventional list of things applies – pens of various colors, highlighters, paper for blocking (well, you might want your scissors and tape for blocking…) and flowing. Plus a tub and file folders. It should be mentioned, though, that if you are flying, you might want to think about only taking your evidence back electronically due to escalating costs for checked bags. We will have all of these things available for purchase in the office, and we will make an inventory of requests within the first few days of camp.
This is a good place to start, at least, if you have specific questions about some “X” you can email me at mgayetsky@gmail.com for my opinion of something else.