Compass: Useful when venturing into the stacks. GPS signal cannot permeate the many layers of books and dust, and you will almost definitely lose your way once you enter.
Trail mix: Sustenance for your first walk to Science Hill. Be sure to ration your supplies— if you can still smell the Commons stir fry, you have hardly even begun.
Headlamp: Should you find yourself in the basement of a fraternity, this will help illuminate both the clean floor and all of your new classmates’ smiling faces!
Rain poncho: Necessary for weathering the deluge of tears from your suitemate that left a significant other at home.
Emergency mylar space blanket: Though not immediately essential in the month of August, a godsend after your first 3 a.m.fire alarm in February.
Whistle: Keep this on a string around your neck at the Activity Bazaar, to be blown only if you are trapped in the a capella section or some other, similarly dire state of danger.
Swiss Army knife: To whittle a small flute with which to lead the squirrels of Old Campus, cementing your position as Yale’s next great Pied Piper.
Binoculars: A necessity for spotting your new friends as they walk across campus. Once the targets have been acquired, try sprinting towards them and saying their names at varying volumes—I’ve yet to confirm that this works, but it feels like the only correct move.
Throat-Coat Tea, a kettle, and a mug: A capella rush, duh.
Comprehensive First Aid Kit: For the potential sprained ankle and inevitable bruised ego.
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