Freshers Handbook 2021 24-09

3.2 What to bring (and what not to) 41
• Computer Accessories: If you like working with an external monitor or
keyboard make sure to bring it. As WiFi isn’t very good in some places in
College, particularly in the older buildings, it’s probably worth bringing an
Ethernet adapter if your computer doesn’t have an Ethernet port. In previous
years the College provided Ethernet cables free of charge and this should be
the case this year too.
• Clothes horse or radiator drying rack: The Trinity tumble dryers aren’t
terrific, so if you’re serious about your washing you might want to leave your
clothes out to dry in the laundry room. Just make sure it’s portable as you
don’t want to be lugging a monster down lots of stairs.
• Laundry bag (or big reusable shopping bag): You’ll need some vessel to
take your laundry back and forth from the laundry room. This will also help
to keep your room tidy and organised.
• Extension leads: Often sockets are not conveniently placed in your bedroom;
i.e., there may be loads near the desk and none close to your bed. Investing
in one four-way extension lead will make life more convenient, but you can
also buy one in Sainsbury’s once you get here.
• Hangers: Trinity wardrobes tend to have limited drawer space and plenty of
hanging space.
What not to bring:
• Gown: You will buy your gown when you get here.
• Bedding: Unless not having certain bedding will affect your quality of sleep
significantly, the Trinity-provided stuff is fine. Limit it to bringing your
favourite pillow or cushion.
• Lots of books: Cambridge has excellent libraries, which will more than
provide for your literary needs. The University Library Catalogue (iDiscover)
lets you know where to find a book you might want through its search
function, and many of these are available online. Any books that you do want
to purchase can be done so with your book allowance (£75 per student per
year), which can be claimed after you fill in a form and hand in the receipts.
• Excessive kitchen equipment: Storage space in gyp rooms isn’t exactly
abundant, so bring enough that means you can survive on not having to wash
up constantly, but also not taking up all of the space for everyone else. If
you’re living in a block without hobs, you’re not going to need pots and pans.
• Giant food shop: With Sainsbury’s right next door, Trinity students are very
lucky. Don’t waste your precious car/luggage space with a huge food shop.
Use it for other essentials like that extra coat (it gets really cold here in
winter). However, make sure to bring the 3 days worth of non-perishable
food that College requires.
• Things you’re not allowed: Refer to the Accommodation Handbook.