Ticonderoga wood pencil leads kept breaking so regularly that I almost had a stroke during my diff eq final! I wrote their customer service a letter about my experience much like my late grandpa used to do for everything he was unhappy about. I finally decided to follow suit and try providing feedback the old fashioned way. A month later, an unexpected, hefty box of pencils arrived on my doorstep. They sent me enough free pencils to last me at least ten years. I'm still using them. Perfect, no. Free, yes. :-)
Everyone has given good advice. I can only say what I've done and I have travelled and lived overseas several times in my adult life, so I can offer this from experience: I packed light by most standards and I always took too much. Most of what I brought didn't get used, or worn. But I had to deal with it for a year or two, killing space in the corners of my room because I was attached to it. I often choose not to wear clothes I haul across the globe simply because it makes me stand out too much in a new culture. I pack things I "might" need so I feel safe and ready for anything, but might almost always becomes didn't. Perhaps that is the boy scout in me. These days, I am the guy who checks in at the airport with a small carry on. I find what I need after I arrive and do just fine. Plus it adds to the adventure, which is what you really want, right? Adventure!
In the US, you can find anything you need by visiting a few quality thrift shops. However, the thrift shops here are incredible and usually over looked by many people. Seriously, the thrift shops in the US are awesome! Definitely the best option for grad students on a budget. People toss out everything you need to get through grad school in style. Wait till you arrive and see what I mean... :-) Day old bread at the grocery store, thrift store clothes of current trends, pots and pans, reading lights, chairs, bicycles, the list goes on... Is it from Macy's, no. Is it functional enough to get through school, absolutely.
Although, I understand everyone has a different standard of living. I definitely downgrade mine whenever I travel or attend school. But that's just me! What ever you choose to bring is just fine. :-)
Good luck!
Ticonderoga wood pencil leads kept breaking so regularly that I almost had a stroke during my diff eq final! I wrote their customer service a letter about my experience much like my late grandpa used to do for everything he was unhappy about. I finally decided to follow suit and try providing feedback the old fashioned way. A month later, an unexpected, hefty box of pencils arrived on my doorstep. They sent me enough free pencils to last me at least ten years. I'm still using them. Perfect, no. Free, yes. :-)
Green Machine got a reaction from madamoiselle in Pens/Pencils which brands do you prefer?
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