"Stuff" to take to vet school

[athane960]

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Hey all!

I am trying to prepare a list of things I should buy before packing off and heading off to school.

A pair or 2 of scrubs
New pair of barn boots
Frozen Homemade dinners
Highlighters/Notepads

Anything anybody else is buying or making sure they are taking with them?

 

[sumstorm]

tablet pc
printer
tennis shoes
running shoes
dansko's
bike
german shepherd + cocker spaniel + their stuff
tea kettle (great for quickly heating water for instant meals too)
laundry bag/kit
comfortable back pack/computer bag
basic kitchen set (dishes, pots)
iphone
live herbs in containers/salad station
cleaning kit
stereo
desk/chair
reference texts
fan
bed
couch

 

[athane960]

Oh yeah, definite check on all of the above. I am hoping to do the majority of my commute by bike! The live herbs are interesting too, I think I might start that up.

I was wondering more specifically, about stuff I would need for school itself and not necessarily living stuff. I know the tour guide mentioned getting scrubs . . . but I did not know about anything else like gloves, etc.

 

[sumstorm]

You might need to check on standards for scrubs. I believe some of the schools are specific.

I am a bit of a naturopathic so herbs are always around.

for school:
calendar (I like the ones that are notebook size monthly/weekly w/to do list)
traveling scanner (I am very computer oriented)
digital voice recorder (I have ADD and use this a lot for to do lists and reviews)
note cards
sticky notes
highlighters/pens/colored pencils
3 ring binder
lunch cooler bag
thermos (hot and cold)
dry erase insert (I use this for reviews when I want to determine how much I have committed to memory) and markers
hand lotion (gloves dehydrate my hands)
bandana (great if working in heat to cool back of neck, prevent overheating.)

 

[jasps]

About the scrubs. Some schools require you only order scrubs through them once you get to school because they have a scrub color coding system in the teaching hospitals (different colours for junior year students, students on rotation, interns, residents, specialist...) as well as specific labeling requirements.

I think you're safe since the tour guided mentioned to pick them up before you get there, but just in case people are reading this for other schools. 🙂

(Edited: Sumstorm beat me to it 😉 )

 

[Caninerepro]

Specifically for CSU, a laptop, a GOOD bike (most people's commuter bikes here cost as much as their cars), a warm coat, sunglasses (300 days of sun a year) and hiking shoes. Scrubs are a good idea for your anatomy class, gloves you can buy at the chemistry store on campus. Also anything comfort-wise you can't live without (pet, CDs, you get the idea).

Kai

 

[No Imagination]

traveling scanner (I am very computer oriented)

wow - I think i'm smitten


About the tablet, here is my delema

Like Sumstorm, I love my gadgets. Now, i have a pretty hoss (trying to relearn my souther colloquialisms) laptop - Its basically a desktop replacement - 17", Blueray, I love it, but its too loud for the classroom, So I am fixin (see, did it again) on getting a tablet.

I know tablets are not meant to do everything a laptop can do (I think my IPhone has more juice then some), but was wondering 2 things:

Right now I am thinking about getting my first IBM - The Lenovo Thinkpad looks awful sweet, but I am debating about how much I would miss 'multi touch' (basically, as I understand it, the same mechanics as a I-Phone)

Any thoughts? Models vs. price.

I am not getting anything till August, maybe September, but always fun to start looking sooner 🙂

Alright, better finish up my rat killin for the day
EDIT: Trust me, "I have to go about my Rat Killing for the day" is a souther euphemism- I just realized some people may take it literally.

(alright, I get +1 for that one)

 

[sumstorm]

Right now I am thinking about getting my first IBM - The Lenovo Thinkpad looks awful sweet, but I am debating about how much I would miss 'multi touch' (basically, as I understand it, the same mechanics as a I-Phone)

Any thoughts? Models vs. price.

I am not getting anything till August, maybe September, but always fun to start looking sooner 🙂

Alright, better finish up my rat killin for the day

(alright, I get +1 for that one)

I have a lenovo x61 tablet and an iphone. The lenova's are pricier, but in my experience, worth it in the tablet field. Much better than my toshiba and dell tablets were. So, not sure what you mean by 'multi touch' since the lenova tablet uses both touch and a digitizer pen. You can customize your 'pen flicks' (which works with touch as well) to do whatever you want.

The thing is that while my tablet is very nice, it isn't a media station replacement. I can do anything I need/want to, but I am not a gamer. I do run a website and a blog, I do photo and HD video editing, run some heavy software (imindmap, visio, access, adobe photoshop, etc)

Hubby is a gamer/HD TV type person, and he is satisfied with watching basic TV on my machine (yay sling box!), but he couldn't do his flight simulator on mine.

I change between typing and writing. The keyboard is quiet, but a 'bit' small. I wear medium gloves, and do fine typing.

If your going to get a lenova, get a DOCKING STATION. Do not consider it optional. I don't use mine a lot, but it is the only way to have an optical drive. We also purchased the extra long life batter (9 hrs +) which has been well worth it. Also, if your getting windows, go with vista (good desing for tablet use) and get the best version of vista you can. It is worth it to avoid the headaches.

Invest in screen wipes. writing on the screen all the time means you get hand oils on it a lot more.

I also have a wireless split keyboard on my docking station and a large screen monitor (I prefer it for wrist ergonomics.)

I do not have any issues operating my computer on my lap...it gets warmer in tablet mode than in laptop mode, but not unbearably so. It is light enough to carry around like a notebook.

The ink system has improved extensively. Much tidier, and writing recognition is so much better.

I take mine everywhere and it is holding up. I have had this one for a year or so. Had my toshiba for 4 and dell for 2.

If you have specific technical questions, I can ask hubby (his profession involves computers.)

I won't go back to a laptop after hte tablet.

 

[Shanomong]

lmao @ this entire post, but especially

Sumstorm

😀

 

[No Imagination]

Thanks Sumstorm,

The Lenovo I was looking at didn't support touch, only digitized pen. I wasn't sure how i felt about that.

The truth is, I consider myself very computer knowledgeable. Owned my own (computer repair) business while in HS/Undergrad, built every desktop I've owned over the last 12+ years, have no problem taking my laptop apart...

Thats why, being so ignorant about tablets is driving me crazy.

Do you know what stores offer a decent selection? (BestBuy doesn't seem to offer much) - I would love to sit down with a few models for a while, see what i like and why. See what 'feels' right.

Thanks for the feedback

 

[sumstorm]

Unfortunatly, I have never found a store that offers a selection. apparently they are aimed more at the professionals than at students (really bad move in my opinion.)

You might call and ask. I didn't know mine was touch till I got it. Seriously. I don't get why they couldn't give you that feature. What model were you looking at?

 

[No Imagination]

From Tablet Reviews:

The X200 I am reviewing has a 12.1" WXGA (1280x800) display. It has an active digitizer, but no touchscreen. The digitizer is accurate and the pen works great. I took notes like I was writing on paper. The hinge is solid, so the display looks great from all viewing angles. I didn't notice any signs of color bleed, the display was really nice and bright.

Maybe I am reading it wrong? Perhaps by touchscreen they mean "touch pad"? Which some IBM's lack, I know

BTW, I need an avatar - and I have no imagination, any idea's?

 

[sumstorm]

the X200 is awesome. I want it, but mine is new enough and still under warranty.

It has multi touch...all the X series machines do (at least they have for the last year.) Lenovo says it does on the website.

I don't know if they mean the mouse pad thing or not (I don't like those, I use the track eraser head mouse.)

From Lenovo:
X Series Tablets. Fully Functional.
Lenovo designed the ThinkPad X Series Tablet with display options that are easy to use, easy to view and with all the unique functionality demanded of a tablet notebook.

The MultiView/MultiTouch screen lets you take handwritten notes with the digitizer pen, or use your finger or the pen to interact with the notebook, open applications, etc.

For those whose work is conducted anywhere and everywhere, our new X200 tablets feature display options like MultiView SuperBright LED backlit panels for improved outdoor viewing.

 

[No Imagination]

SUMSTORM?!

How did i miss the good news? You messing w/ me?!

Congrats! I just noticed your "Class Of 2013"

So happy for ya 🙂

 

[sumstorm]

LOL! apparently one school thought I was worth a chance! I have only had about 5 hours of sleep since Saturday night when I found out. too excited to sleep at night, then during the day I won't take a nap because I need to sleep at night. Plus we have had the 3 most lovely days here!

I am kind of in a panic, though. I don't have doubts about my ability to handle school, more worried aobut hubby/marriage/pets/family/future children/economy/etc.

 

[eatpinkpenguins]

you may need gloves and a lab coat for anatomy lab or to rent a microscope.

Also, not to hijack, but am I the only one NOT planning on using a computer/tablet in class?

 

[sumstorm]

No idea. I type a lot faster than I write...and I love being digital, killing fewer trees, etc.

 

[No Imagination]

Also, not to hijack, but am I the only one NOT planning on using a computer/tablet in class?

Since when do we worry about hijacking?

uhh, class as in vet school?

I've always been, erghh, about laptops in class. Love the pen and paper so much more, but a lot of schools are now teaching more and more from PP. Personally, when I teach I specifically don't use PP. Even old school professors are loosing their edge due to teaching from a slide.

Anyway, if your school uses PP's as the main content in class, it is SO MUCH easier to have the slides in front of you during the lecture, so you can make notes right on the slide, circle what is important, ect.

Otherwise you have to print out hundreds of slides a week, save them, store them. Think of the trees!

Obviously there are lots of other fun things you can do with a laptop/tablet then just PP, but it is probably the most relevant use for me

 

[eatpinkpenguins]

Thanks! You're definitely right about printing the slides. Although I read somewhere that credit cards for example take so long to degrade and release toxins that they're way less environmentally friendly than cash. Could be the same w computers, but it would also be really convenient not to print out slides and to have them all there from previous classes and not have to carry them around. And not having to shrink ppt slides to fit them on a page... I hate that. I asked a Penn tourguide though, and they said only about 10-15% use computers or tablets. I think I'm going to have to do some research.... ehg. I hate powerpoint!

 

[sumstorm]

Part of the reason I love a tablet is that I can WRITE on it. It does take some adjustment....I intentionally have reduced my use of paper over the last year to adjust to computing. The most amazing thing for me is the ability to back up everything. I have a remote HD and a thumb drive HD that I back up to several times a day when I am doing important work.

If you have ever lost a 3 ring binder (I did in a car wreck) it is devastating. Even if I lose my tablet, all I have to do is replace it (relatively easy) and I am back up and running.

 

[IvyLynx]

Right now I am thinking about getting my first IBM - The Lenovo Thinkpad looks awful sweet, but I am debating about how much I would miss 'multi touch' (basically, as I understand it, the same mechanics as a I-Phone)

Any thoughts? Models vs. price.

Aha! My boyfriend works at IBM, I will ask him for you. He loves it when I ask computer questions 🙄 I'm an apple addict myself

 

[VeganChick]

I am so glad to read this "hijacked" thread about tablets! My computer is kind of old and not working very well and I didn't even think of replacing it with a tablet. Does anyone know where I can get some basic info about them since I am TOTAL beginner?

 

[DocDVMD]

You know what's extremely lame is that I just bought a brand new Macbook Pro a few months ago, and if I go to UIUC in the fall I probably need to get a tablet (they're recommended, but not required explicitly)... smart one. 🙄 I'm pretty annoyed because I'm a complete Mac person and refuse to buy a PC!!

 

[bovinus]

So, I'm really ignorant about the whole tablet thing. I don't even know how it works. How do I get the slides into my computer? Am I assuming that the prof. has downloaded them to the intranet before class? Do I scan them in after I get them in class? Either? I would need to have the slides in the computer before class in order to take notes on them in class, right?

Anyhow, I was really hoping my next computer would be a Mac but now I'm thinking maybe I should get a tablet instead. I guess I should call the school and see what they recommend...

So, just to make it easy for me...what is the tablet that is MOST recommended by you folks out there?? I would like to wait as long as I can to get a new computer, but I also want to have time to get use to it. I'm decently computer savvy (I thought). Is there a big learning curve with the tablet? Would you recommend getting one a month or more in advance or is a week plenty?

Thanks in advance.

 

[sumstorm]

I wanted a Mac tablet, and would have obtained one if they made one. there is a pirated version of a mac tablet, but it isn't covered by apple.

 

[sumstorm]

Anyhow, I was really hoping my next computer would be a Mac but now I'm thinking maybe I should get a tablet instead. I guess I should call the school and see what they recommend...

So, just to make it easy for me. What is the tablet that is MOST recommended by you folks out there?? I would like to wait as long as I can to get a new computer, but I also want to have time to get use to it. I'm decently computer savvy (I thought). Is there a big learning curvy with the tablet? Would you recommend getting one a month or more in advance or is a week plenty?

Talk to your school first. They may also have some deals worked out with some providers.

The learning curve is not any steeper with a tablet than with a pc and/or a smart phone/iphone.

I would recommend getting one a month early if possible if you plan to use the writing feature in class right off the bat (and to learn the little tricks that take it from a 'nice' idea to 'oh, wow, if I had known that.....'

if you google tablet pc review, you will find a variety of information.

 

[bovinus]

Do you know of any plans for the release of a legit. Mac tablet?

 

[athane960]

Yes, definitely check with the school. I know CSU has a deal going with DELL and Iowa has one usually they recommend every year, although the manufacturer usually changes.

 

[DocDVMD]

At the UIUC info session they said definitely NOT to get the pirated Mac tablet because you can't get any warranty coverage. They also said you MUST get an extended warranty on your tablet.

 

[bunnyslippers]

Am I the only crazy one not excited about getting a tablet? If I end up attending a school that gives me the opinion of only getting a tablet or a mac, I'm kind of leaning towards getting a mac just because tablets seem sooo sooo fragile. I'm not a mac person, but even with a really good warranty the bother of a tablet breaking is just not something I'm too stoked to deal with.

Also I can't imagine the thought of studying my notes off of a computer screen. I love having hard copy notes to drag around with me so I can just pick up and study anywhere and everywhere without the bother of bringing my laptop along.

 

[sumstorm]

Do you know of any plans for the release of a legit. Mac tablet?

Google mac tablet laptop.

I know that 1 year ago everyone was hoping that would be the show off at the next MacWorld, but it was far enough away that I wasn't willing to wait for development/release/rollout.

The sad thing is that the strengths of a tablet are so amazingly suited to the Mac platform/strengths.

I haven't really kept an eye out since then, except for thinking of buying a mini machine for travel/email.

We have a total of 6 towers, 4 laptops, and 2 tablets in our household. If my husband's work would let him use a tablet, he would (he is in critical network security in the banking industry, so they are EXTREMLY limited in what they will use.)

The vista tablet platform is pretty intuitive...not so far off from Mac as other windows platforms.

There are also some nice software options like snipping tools, education/experience packs, plan plus from franklin covey, etc.

 

[3dogsand2cats]

Sumstorm... glad to know that you will be at NC state... I have a mac laptop but I am not at all a computer person. I maybe be looking you up LOL
You definitely sound like you have lots of cool gadgets ...

digital voice recorder (I have ADD and use this a lot for to do lists and reviews)

I have used regular tape recorders but one that I could hook up to my computer and store the files would be great (I know the issues a person with ADD faces all to well and understand the greatness of having things on tape)

 

[sumstorm]

Am I the only crazy one not excited about getting a tablet? If I end up attending a school that gives me the opinion of only getting a tablet or a mac, I'm kind of leaning towards getting a mac just because tablets seem sooo sooo fragile. I'm not a mac person, but even with a really good warranty the bother of a tablet breaking is just not something I'm too stoked to deal with.

Also I can't imagine the thought of studying my notes off of a computer screen. I love having hard copy notes to drag around with me so I can just pick up and study anywhere and everywhere without the bother of bringing my laptop along.

It does take some adjustment to read off the screen, but I would argue that my tablet isn't very fragile. I have dropped it, had dogs run/jump on top of it, and taken it in the field (ie on boats in stormy north atlantic, doing research in blue ridge, etc) and used it at the clinic. Now, admittedly, my toshiba's clasp cracked (the piece that holds it shut) but it was still functional...I could just see the crack...I used it for 2 more years with the crack (I could have had it replaced) and it is still in use another year after that. And my mothers bulldog puppy bit the corner and left toothmarks on the screen (didn't affect the use of the screen at all.)

I have had to take it in for a few repairs, but mostly things that would do some major damage to a notebook computers and paper notebooks as well (I spilled soda on it,) With the warranty that I purchased, I had it back and functioning in 24 hours. Considering how much I use my tablet (daily for several hours) and the conditions I have it in, it isn't fragile. Hubbies regular laptops are far more fragile.

 

[dyachei]

Just a note back on the original topic. Sometimes companies will give you free things like calendars, so I would wait on planners, etc unless you go electronic.

Along with scrubs, you may want (or need, depending on the school) coveralls.

If you use paper notes, I suggest large binders.

And I think Hill's is still giving first years backpacks with a laptop section (padded) built in, but I can't be sure.

 

[CBRGrl]

I love this thread. I'm thinking of getting a tablet PC myself. My school has a deal worked out with Dell but I really don't want to buy a Dell. All the computers we have in the lab (dell), even the new ones that are less than 6 months old, constantly crash; the hard drives break, batteries fry...etc. I just haven't had good luck with Dells holding up with lots of use (which is what happens in the lab and will definitely happen in vet school). Our school makes people get the extended warranty which is good, but it takes forever for the parts to come in and usually takes the computer guys a solid week to fix things because they're so busy.

Anyway, Im intregued by the IBM because I know that they are one of the few companies that still puts quality parts in their computers. Im confused tho, one poster said to definately get the docking station because the tablet doesnt have an optical drive. Does anyone know if it has a USB? I would think so...

 

[aspiringDVM]

A little off topic, but I have the feeling you all will have the answer: do classes have a dress code in vet school? I've heard varying reports from different people (none of them actually in vet school), ranging from "no" to "if you're a girl you have to wear a skirt. Every day." 😱 I'm sure it varies by school, but does anyone have a general idea?

 

[DVMorBust]

A little off topic, but I have the feeling you all will have the answer: do classes have a dress code in vet school? I've heard varying reports from different people (none of them actually in vet school), ranging from "no" to "if you're a girl you have to wear a skirt. Every day." 😱 I'm sure it varies by school, but does anyone have a general idea?

...I just got a great image of a bunch of girls in poodle skirts palpating horses...there were teacups balanced all lady-like on the top of the rumps.

I think daylight savings time has eaten my brain.

 

[sumstorm]

No way on earth is any school or business going to require me to where a skirt every day. Well, not unless they require all the males to do so as well.

 

[dyachei]

We have a dress code at UT but its not really followed. On the first day they told us we shouldn't wear jeans to class, etc. Most people show up in jeans and a t-shirt/hoodie most days. For clinics, however, there is a strict dress code.

 

[BlistexWorks]

You know what's extremely lame is that I just bought a brand new Macbook Pro a few months ago, and if I go to UIUC in the fall I probably need to get a tablet (they're recommended, but not required explicitly)... smart one. 🙄 I'm pretty annoyed because I'm a complete Mac person and refuse to buy a PC!!

I REFUSE to buy a PC as well...

 

[rachroo]

On the first day they told us we shouldn't wear jeans to class, etc.

Um, for real?? 😱 Unless there is a significant reason why, I am pretty much in jeans everyday (or scrubs when I'm at work).

I do understand the need for looking professional when it comes time for clincis though.

 

[david594]

Um, for real?? 😱 Unless there is a significant reason why, I am pretty much in jeans everyday (or scrubs when I'm at work).

I do understand the need for looking professional when it comes time for clincis though.

Lets remember that Ohio isnt quite tennessee in many ways, so I am really hoping we have no issues wearing jeans and a hoodie to class every day.

Also is it too early to call the second seat over from the middle isle and 3 rows back?

 

[BR549]

A little off topic, but I have the feeling you all will have the answer: do classes have a dress code in vet school? I've heard varying reports from different people (none of them actually in vet school), ranging from "no" to "if you're a girl you have to wear a skirt. Every day." 😱 I'm sure it varies by school, but does anyone have a general idea?

Mississippi has a dress code. It is integrated in their honor code. Tuskegee also has one. I am not sure about any others.

Anybody considering buying a house? I figured I might as well pay a mortgage, if I could get one about the same as rent. Here's ya (No Imagintation) southern euphemism: "I'ma get on that like a duck on a Junebug!" Funny side note, I teach in the city, but I am from the country. I had to learn to leave my euphemisms at home, because the kids didn't understand what I was saying!😛 It was like puttin perfume on a hog, it just don't work!

 

[rachroo]

Lets remember that Ohio isnt quite tennessee in many ways, so I am really hoping we have no issues wearing jeans and a hoodie to class every day.

For real!! I already bought an OSU CVM t-shirt and hoodie and I plan on getting my $65 worth. 🙂

Also is it too early to call the second seat over from the middle isle and 3 rows back?

Haha, we're already calling seats? I'd like to sit in the first few front rows too, I get distracted waaay to easily.

 

[DocDVMD]

Haha, I absolutely must be on an aisle seat. 😛

 

[CatVet2Be]

I am really hoping we have no issues wearing jeans and a hoodie to class every day.

Also is it too early to call the second seat over from the middle isle and 3 rows back?

Ditto to both but I prefer an aisle seat. 😀

 

[CatVet2Be]

If we work together I bet we can trample the rest of the students and claim the good seats first 😛

 

[karmapple]

For real!! I already bought an OSU CVM t-shirt and hoodie and I plan on getting my $65 worth.

Oooh! Can we buy such things online? I've only found OSU stuff, does yours actually say OSU CVM? Wanna show my pride already.

And btw, if we're calling seats, I like the second row right in the middle. 😀

 

[sumstorm]

Anybody considering buying a house? I figured I might as well pay a mortgage, if I could get one about the same as rent. Here's ya (No Imagintation) southern euphemism: "I'ma get on that like a duck on a Junebug!" Funny side note, I teach in the city, but I am from the country. I had to learn to leave my euphemisms at home, because the kids didn't understand what I was saying!😛 It was like puttin perfume on a hog, it just don't work!

Current plan is to buy a house, preferably a foreclosure in need of work, with sweat equity investment. I think we are headed up there this weekend to check out the options.

As we like to say about paying rent in an economy like this: 'that there dog don't hunt.'

 

[dyachei]

Um, for real?? 😱 Unless there is a significant reason why, I am pretty much in jeans everyday (or scrubs when I'm at work).

I do understand the need for looking professional when it comes time for clincis though.

Well, like i said, people wear jeans and t-shirts/hoodies most days and the admin doesn't say anything. But the reasoning on the first day was professionalism. It lasted maybe 1 week before everyone disregarded the dress code.