What to Bring
Current Students Recommend
- A portable CD or MP3 player and headphones. Leave the big honkin' stereo at home. A personal device can also help drown out unwanted distractions.
- A camera. There's going to be a lot of people and moments you'll want to remember.
- Lots and lots of pictures of friends and family. Perfect for when you're feeling a little homesick.
- Flip flops for the shower. Let's hear it for foot health!
- Rolls of quarters for the washer/dryer and vending machines.
- Closet organizers. So you can fit even more into your closet.
- A starter stash of snacks. Throw in a microwave and small fridge and open up a whole new world of dorm room cooking.
- An area rug. Adds a layer of personality and comfort.
- Your favorite lounging clothes. Great for those late nights in the dorm.
- A TV? Nah. Who needs it!
- A computer. That's more like it. Laptops with wireless cards are perfect.
Forgot something?
Don't worry; there are many stores on campus and in Berrien Springs that are within walking distance, including:
On-campus:
- Andrews Bookstore
- Cardinal's Nest (snack shop)
- Cardinal's Nest (snack shop)
Add a touch of home Click here for tips for making your room the envy of the hall
- Gazebo (fast food)
- Post Office
- Univeristy Barber Shop
- True Color Hair Studio
Within walking distance (10 min):
- A Traveler's Choice (travel agent)
- ABC Christian Book Center
- Apple Valley Market (grocery & deli)
- Auto Zone (auto parts)
- Berrien Teacher's Credit Union (bank)
- de Cafe 31 (deli)
- Dollar Store (economy goods)
- University Medical Specialties (medical/dental)
- United Federal Credit Union (bank)
- Victoria's Cottage (stationery/flowers)
Have a car? These are a short drive away (5 min):
FAST FOOD/RESTAURANTS:
- Baguette de France
campus Computer access Click here to check your digital compatability
- Beijing Palace
- Roma Pizzeria
- Dairy Queen
- Daybreak Cafe
- Hoppers
- McDonalds
- Nikki's Cafe
- Pizza Hut
- Rio's Mexican Restaurant
- Roma Pizzeria
- Subway
- Taco Bell
- TJ's Grill
SERVICES:
- Brit Style Hair Salon
- Chemical Bank
- Fifth Third Bank
- Harding's Market
- Melissa's Hair Studio
- Movie Time
- Rite Aid Pharmacy
- Village Hardware
There are also a lot of department stores only 15 minutes away in Benton Harbor (BH), along with many other stores only 30 minutes away in South Bend (SB). We recommend:
- Bed Bath & Beyond (SB)
- Best Buy (BH, SB)
- Goodwill (BH, SB)
- Hobby Lobby (SB)
- Kohls (BH, SB)
- Lowe's (BH, SB)
- Meijer (BH, SB)
- Old Navy (BH, SB)
- Pier 1 (BH, SB)
- Target (BH, SB)
- TJ Maxx (BH, SB)
- Walmart (BH, SB)
Pack for the Weather
Michigan is a four-season state. You should plan your wardrobe accordingly. The chart below gives 20-year averages for the Berrien Springs area.
| Berrien Springs | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Avg High F | 33 | 35 | 44 | 59 | 68 | 80 | 84 | 83 | 75 | 64 | 47 | 35 |
| Avg Low F | 17 | 19 | 26 | 38 | 48 | 58 | 62 | 61 | 52 | 42 | 31 | 21 |
| Avg Snow (in.) | 14 | 12 | 8 | 1 | .1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .1 | .4 | 7 | 14 |
| Avg Rain Days | 5 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |


