You may be wondering whether you’ll need snowshoes and a team of sled dogs to live in Minnesota! Or maybe you’re planning to rent a moving van for your pool table and plasma screen TV! But before you do that, here are some tips to help you out as you begin to write up your packing list!
• Bring clothing that can be worn for physical labor in case you’re placed in a practical training position or outreach practicum that requires it (or be prepared to purchase appropriate clothing, shoes, etc. when you arrive). This might include work gloves, work boots or good sturdy shoes, hats, sunglasses, comfortable jeans and shirts that you don’t mind getting dirty etc.
• Minnesota has a climate that is known for its extremes. We have hot, humid stretches in the summer, and bitterly cold stretches in the winter. However, most of the year is fairly moderate in temperature (not too hot or cold). We have all 4 seasons here in all of their glory! So, you will need a variety of clothing (from modest shorts and t-shirts to hats, gloves, and winter coats). We recommend bringing clothing that can easily be layered, to adapt to changing temperatures throughout the year.
• Keep in mind that although our buildings are close together and our campus is small, you may spend considerable time outdoors during your practical training, outreach practicum, or just getting around town. We would recommend that you bring, or plan to purchase, the following:
- Warm, water-resistant winter boots (think practical!)
- A down-filled or other WARM winter coat
- At least one other lighter weight jacket
- Hats, gloves, and scarves
• The dormitories and classroom buildings are comfortably warm in the winter, so standard bedding and classroom clothing are fine (no need for ultra-heavy wool sweaters and down comforters unless you are really sensitive to the cold).
• Other things to bring (just for fun and to make you feel like an honorary Minnesotan!) might include ice skates, hockey equipment, roller blades, skateboards, hiking, camping and fishing equipment, sleds, snowboards, etc.
• Many students ask if they should have a lap top computer when they come to Bethany. Those who have them would tell you “yes”! They are handy to have in class and portable for taking overseas. Most of the campus is equipped with wireless internet access and the Minneapolis area is known for being a “wired” city, so you can work from your laptop in many public places. That said, it is definitely NOT necessity to have a laptop computer. A desktop computer would be fine and you can access the internet via phone lines in the dorms (with a paid subscription to a
provider). There are also computers available on campus for working on papers and doing internet research. Some classes might require on-line coursework, so access is necessary in those cases.
• You are welcome to bring a vehicle if you’d like; it’s not a necessity, but is very convenient for getting around to your outreach practicum, churches etc.
• Parking is all outdoors and there is a $100 per term parking fee.
• You can reserve a parking space and register your vehicle during orientation week.
• Feel free to bring along a bike! There is no charge and you’ll stay in shape while getting around.
You may remember reading these next things in your acceptance materials, but as a reminder:
No linens are provided so you will need to bring your own sheets, mattress pad, bedspread, blankets, pillows, and towels. You may also benefit from bringing some kitchen linens (dishtowels, hot pads, oven mitts etc), to share with your roommates.
Overhead lights are in most of the rooms, but desk and floor lamps are sometimes nice for reading etc. You may also want to think about bringing along appliances like a coffee/espresso maker, rice cooker, waffle iron etc. if you enjoy cooking particular items.
Another option is to bring along extra money for purchasing some of those things once you arrive at school and compare what you’ve brought with what your roommates have to furnish your apartment.
• Your drivers license or another photo i.d., such as a passport
• Your social security card
• A medical insurance card, if you have existing insurance
• Any documents related to your car, if you are brining one, such as your vehicle registration
• Internationals and Canadians – see the information sent with your I-20 form for a reminder of which documents to bring with you
• Movies that are rated PG-13 for sexual/sensual content or any R (or X) rated movies. They will not be allowed on campus at any time for your entire time at Bethany.
• Clothing that does meet moderate dress guidelines
• “Electricity-hogs” like mini refrigerators and chest freezers
• Personal microwaves
• Televisions/dvd players/vcrs (these are permitted only for families)
• Pets (fish in a solid small fishbowl are fine – no aquariums or any other pets)
Your time at Bethany is the opportunity of a lifetime to prepare for overseas ministry! Since you have likely been keeping house for some time, you may find it difficult to decide how MUCH to bring to Bethany. Your apartment will be furnished, your kitchen stocked with the basics, and all necessary cleaning supplies provided. Please give care & consideration to your choices of what to bring (decorations, heavy items, furnishings, etc). If you have questions about this, please contact Admissions. We’re happy to help you prepare!
