I consider myself a seasoned Evanston weather expert.I have only completed one year of college, but in that time I have witnessed Mother Nature’s Chicago area antics enough times to feel qualified to dispense the following advice:The two most important, and probably most easily overlooked, items to bring to college are a fan and a pair of “wellies.”Prior to freshman year, when I would tell people I was heading to Northwestern, the common reaction would be a blank stare or some comment about the weather and how I “better get a warm coat!” Sure, winter is often frigid (I still maintain it’s not that bad), but few people prepare you for the scorching walks you’ll take to class during the beginning and ending months of the year. A fan is a necessity. Let me put it this way: My roommate and I both had those cute little Honeywell fans. I never turned mine off for more than ten minutes the entire year. Moving in is sweaty, moving out is sweaty, and the University does a pretty good job of pumping the heat in the winter.The “wellies” address the issue of rain, snow and all other forms of precipitation that I’m pretty sure are enrolled as part-time students at Northwestern. “Wellies,” as they refer to them across the pond, are thick-soled rubber rain boots that come up high on your shin.They’re quite a practical fashion statement. You’ll see scores of students stomping in puddles and traipsing through snow with brightly-colored boots without fear of wet socks and ruined pants. And if you’re a guy and brown wellies with pink soles and polka dots doesn’t do it, well, figure something out.A few more items that might not be included on that handy packing list include bed raisers (because no one really cares that they’re really “not allowed”), an alarm clock for classes that would’ve never seemed early in high school but will in college, shower shoes, a desk lamp and speakers for watching DVDs and having spontaneous dance parties, of course.Also, if you love your teddy bear, bring it. Mine was so cute that some guys on my floor fell in love with him and dubbed him “Boo Boo.” Plus, you don’t have to be entirely mature yet – it’s just college.Now for the “do not bring” items. Some of these are merely suggestions, while others are blatant pleas.You really don’t need a sock full of quarters. NU has these nifty machines that add cash right to your student ID card, and you can use it for laundry and even vending machines.If you live far from school, don’t bother packing a vacuum. Become friends with someone on your floor who has one, or better yet, befriend the custodial staff where you live.With cell phones today, a dorm phone is unnecessary. The only calls that came through to my room phone were from people trying to extort money from us, or this girl who always asked for “Tyler.” My name is Karina, my roommate’s name was Karena. No one was named Tyler, and yes, us being paired as roommates was probably some Residential Life staffer’s tomfoolery. Definitely bring posters, pictures or decorations to give your room character. However, refrain from wallpapering your entire room with pictures of your friends from home. It might send the message to people that you’re closed off to making new friends, which you will do. You will end up taking down most of the pictures anyway.Lastly, get an ExtraCare Card at CVS. You’ll make many a trips to that Sherman Avenue convenience Mecca. Whatever you pack, start early, especially if you are shipping stuff out. I started two weeks before departure day last year and was still jumping out of bed the night before leaving to throw things in my bags.Reach Karina Martinez-Carter at [email protected].