Buying Locally
There are a number of items that can make your time at Middlebury more comfortable. The business community of Addison County, in which Middlebury College resides, works hard to meet the needs of college students by providing many of those items locally, and by special-ordering those products that are not sold locally when possible. By purchasing products from Addison County businesses, you contribute to a thriving local economy, support the strong relationship between the College and the community, and reduce the need to pack, ship and transport excess items.
Room and Furnishings
Double rooms are typically 20' x 12'. Your room will have one bed, closet, desk, desk chair, and a dresser for each person. All of our mattresses are extra-long twin mattresses. They fit 80" or extra-long sheets. Here is a list of other items you may want to bring to furnish your room:
HangersBlanketsA study lamp and/or floor lamp and light bulbsPillowSmall throw rug or carpet remnant up to 16' x 10' in sizeTowelsSheets (extra-long twin sheets)Safe, heavy extension cord with surge protection stripMattress padPosters and other decorations which can be affixed to the wall without using nails
Some of these items are available locally; all can be purchased in the Burlington or Rutland areas, both of which are approximately 45 minutes from Middlebury by car. Please do not bring candles of any kind, Christmas-style string lights, or halogen lamps. These are against the College's fire safety policies and will be confiscated when found in rooms. "Rope" lights with bulbs encased in plastic tubing are permitted. Only irons with automatic shutoff mechanisms are allowed in rooms.
Energy Star 
Due to the large amount of energy used in the dorms, students are encouraged to be thoughtful in purchasing appliances for their rooms. Sharing items such as stereos with roommates is a great way to cut down on general energy use. The EPA's Energy Star rating system is also a good guide for purchasing efficient appliances. Most major appliance manufacturers make products rated by Energy Star. Look for the Energy Star label (shown above), or ask the salesperson about efficiency standards when shopping for dorm-related items such as irons, refrigerators, light bulbs, lamps, and other appliances. To learn more about Middlebury's commitment to environmental responsibility, visit our Environmental Affairs Office.
Laundry
The College operates a large central laundry facility in Forest Hall and small satellite facilities in Hadley, Coffrin, and Stewart. Most students do their laundry in the College laundry rooms, but some do opt for the student-run laundry services; more information about this service will be available upon your arrival.
Kitchenettes
All residences have kitchenettes where you may cook. Each kitchenette has a public refrigerator, but many students choose to rent or own their own small refrigerator. The 24x24x24 size are permitted in rooms. Appliances with exposed heating elements, such as toasters, hot pots, and electric burners, are fire hazards and are absolutely not permitted in rooms. Some students do bring small microwave ovens and are allowed to keep them in rooms. Refrigerator/microwave rental information will be mailed to students in the months prior to your arrival.
Telephones and Cell Phones
Each student has individual telephone service in his or her room, where a live telephone jack and desk set are provided. You may use your own telephone, but you must reinstall the College telephone when you vacate your room. When your phone line is busy or unanswered, the caller is automatically diverted to your voice mailbox. There is no monthly charge for telephone service, and local calls are free. For long-distance calls, you may pre-pay for direct-dial service through the College telephone services Web page (go.middlebury.edu/telecom). You will receive more information about Middlebury's telephone services and your phone extension upon arrival.
Many students choose to bring cellular telephones to campus. At present we find that Verizon Wireless and Unicel offer the best reception and service plans for the Middlebury area. Sprint PCS/Nextel cellular service also have reception in Middlebury and competitive plans. For details on any company's coverage, please visit their Web sites. Students should also understand that reception may be poor in a few campus locations due to College building construction and off-campus due to Vermont's terrain and lack of cell towers.
Computers
You may connect a single computer of your own to the campus network in your residence hall room. Residence halls use hard-wired network systems. Our expanding wireless network is available in the library and many other campus locations. Both Windows and Macintosh computers are supported on campus. You may bring your own computer to campus, but you are strongly encouraged to purchase one of the systems recommended by Middlebury. By purchasing a designated model, you may avoid problems with compatibility and receive better support, since the purchase includes configuration with the network, file servers, and installation of standard software in use at Middlebury. Middlebury has over 300 PCs and Macs for general use in public computer laboratories, classrooms, and the library. Laser printers are available in the public labs and the library. Please consult with the Helpdesk staff at 802-443-2200 to discuss the recommended configurations for student computer systems, and review the information on our Web site: http://www.middlebury.edu/administration/helpdesk/.
Dress
Dress is mostly informal, but you will need to "dress up" on occasion. Generally, students wear jeans, T-shirts, sweatshirts, sweaters and casual pants or skirts. The winter months (December through February) bring some cold days and sometimes subzero temperatures. You will need a very warm winter coat, a hat, scarf, mittens, socks, boots and sweaters. At Middlebury, students often sacrifice style for warmth and comfort.
Cars
Parking on campus is limited, so we discourage students from bringing cars unless absolutely necessary. Cars are permitted, but they must be registered with the Department of Public Safety. To begin the registration process before you arrive, click here. You can also register your car upon arrival at the Welcome Center; please bring your license and registration. Students with vehicles will receive a copy of the parking regulations and parking permit at the Welcome Center.
Pets
Only sanctioned support animals for people with disabilities, such as "seeing eye" dogs, and small animals (e.g., fish and hamsters) kept in appropriate aquariums or small cages at all times are permitted in the residence halls. Snakes and ferrets, even if caged, are not allowed in residence halls at any time.
For more information about first-year housing at Middlebury, follow this link to the Housing Web page: http://www.middlebury.edu/campuslife/commons/