Going to faraway college with a db?

Souper Bass · #1 12-01-2008, 05:48 PM

Ok, so I'm having issues and need help.
In January, I'll be attending the University of North Texas as a jazz studies major (hooray!) and, at this point in time, I have no idea how I'm going to get all of my stuff down there for a reasonable price (I live in Northern Virginia, about 15 minutes outside of DC). I have to bring a double bass, an electric bass, a guitar, my computer, all of my clothes (I'm a girl...there's a ton...not to mention all of my shoes), a tv and everything else I'll need.
One of the main problems is that I cannot drive my car down there as it is old, has over 180,000 miles and probably will not make it (I still have to bring it...meaning it will have to be towed or transported in some other way).
Please respond with any helpful advice, especially if you've traveled to a faraway land to attend school as a jazz studies/bass performance major.
THANKS IN ADVANCE!

frichter · #2 12-01-2008, 06:06 PM

I can kinda relate: I was going back and forth from Colorado to Missouri at one point for school with basses, amps etc. BUT, I am a guy (fewer clothes), didn't have a guitar or tv, and have a jeep in which I could strategically pack stuff. Maybe I can't relate.

One option I can think of is getting one of those Budget or Uhaul vans and tow the car on back -- two issues: expensive and tough to drive. Best of luck.

On the bright side -- you're going to UNT.

txstatebass · #3 12-01-2008, 06:30 PM

Do you really need a car? Honestly, it being your first semester and all, there will be enough to do without the added distraction of being able to leave the premises.

isolated · #4 12-01-2008, 07:12 PM

Well, this brings back memories....

I, too, spent my first year of college at NT (why it was only a year is a painfully long other story). Here's how it relates to your scene:

I was living in Kentucky then. My folks managed to borrow a mini-van, and we packed up all my s***, including my double bass, electric bass guitar, stereo (weren't no iPods then) and other miscellany (including a portable typewriter - that's right, no computers either!), and schlepped out to Denton. Uphill. Both ways.

I decided to make do without a car, and for the most part was OK with it, but by the middle of the second semester wished I had one (Denton occasionally got boring.) Other than that, it was no big deal - plenty of other people will give you a lift if you need it. I would reconsider the amount of clothes you take with you. Seriously. Unless things have changed drastically in the last 20 years (and I know they have, but bear with me here), neither you nor your friends are going to care how you're dressed. Bring a couple of nice outfits should you be doing any performing or dating (of which I did neither, but again, long story....) And really think about what and how much you need of your other stuff. Between practicing/studying/whatever else it is you kids do nowadays, I think you'll be able to get by on much less than you think.

Thanks for letting grandpa say his piece. Now where's my medicine?

Marcus Johnson · #5 12-01-2008, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by txstatebass

Do you really need a car? Honestly, it being your first semester and all, there will be enough to do without the added distraction of being able to leave the premises.

That's what I was thinking. Gotta be some ways of getting around at NT, and a car that's dying can really be a PITA. Maybe you don't need that.

Souper Bass · #6 12-03-2008, 01:13 AM

Well, as of now the car isn't an issue really (to the guy who drove a Jeep, I actually drive a Cherokee, but it just won't make it and even if it could, the wear and tear would be too much for it to take). I'm either not going to bring it or figure something else out. We may be taking a small Uhaul one way, towing my car behind it.
Blah...thanks for the advice. More is still welcome fo sho as we're not completely sure what we're doing yet.

P.S. The clothes thing was a slight exaggeration. I'm not going to forego having space for other stuff just to bring another shirt. Yeah. Hehe.
P.P.S. I just realized that frichter threw out the Uhaul idea...yes, that's what we're considering...thanks.