De Rerum Natura

Be prepared for the time of your life! This is an experience like none other. I can't recall all the specific things that made GLA amazing, but I can say with certainty that those three weeks (which will also be your future three weeks) is like going on a fantastical whirlwind adventure that leaves you breathless and excited with every memory and every friend made.
 
I know the following comment will be absolute sacrilege, however, I hope that you will be receptive in what I wish to share: leave your cell phone and devices at home. I know, I know, I went through the exact same thought process as you are going through right now. As true as that may be, I challenge you take a step back and look at the here and now: where you are at, who you are with, what you are doing. Devote your time to creating bonds with the people who will be around you, including your roommate, your peers, your RAs (us!), and your teachers. You have this AMAZING opportunity to immerse yourself into a community that all shares a common bond: a love of Classics. Three weeks will surprisingly be gone like the wind, so...
 
Experience these moments.
Forage life-long friendships.
Learn beyond.
 
With that said, you will have the opportunity to do things the old-fashioned way: SNAILMAIL and CAMERA. That’s right! Some things to consider:

• Postage stamps and envelops – letter writing times were a super fun part of the GLA experience. *Getting* letters and care packages were even better. Arrange for friends and family to get in touch with you this way.
• Address book
• A few good pens – I wrote home in pencil once... worst decision ever. Bring pens.
• Durable camera

 
Some other things to consider bringing to make your experience at GLA amazing and comfortable:

• An instrument – whether it be for recreation or in the Roman play production, musical instruments are *instrumental* to the GLA experience.
• A good water bottle – summer in the heart of Virginia gets hot and humid, so hydrate hydrate hydrate!
• A good pillow and blankets – the dorms are cold at night.
• Sweater
• Umbrella
• QUARTERS for laundry. I do not know the current rates, but usually a load is $1.50 for wash, $1.50 for dryer. If one does laundry once a week, that will total +$9 throughout the GLA experience, depending on how many loads. Dryer sheets and detergent pods are recommended for ease.
• A Roman costume. A must here at GLA. Put some thought into your design! https://www.pinterest.com/corvinadea/roman-garb/
• A journal – document your thoughts and experiences, giving you time to digest everything that has happened every day.
• [not necessary at all:] Something for fun if you are the artsie type: a jar and (colorful) post-it notes. For every good memory you make, you write onto a post-it note, fold it up, and leave it in the jar. When GLA is done, you will have a full jar of wonderful experiences.

Mox videbo,
Kelly Hart (RA)