What to Bring

Veterans 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:

• AU Bookstore
• Cardinal's Nest (snack shop)
• Cardinal's Nest (snack shop)

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• 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

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• 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.