Ten Essential Items that FIDM students need to survive and thrive, FIDM tips

For future apparel manufactures, who are studying at FIDM, here is a list that I made of 10 essential things that The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising students need to survive and thrive at FIDM. Great  FIDM tips for success.

Ten Essential Items that The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, FIDM, students need to survive and thrive

By Carla Buchanan, FIDM student, Apparel Manufacturing Management, Professional Designation

1. A Long Reach Stapler: A long reach stapler is a must. Buy a sturdy one. This is used to staple large projects. It is also used to staple fabric on presentation boards. Staples secure the fabric and prevents disappointment often associated with using glue on presentation boards. The stapler saves a lot of time as well.
2. FIDM bags: You will need all types and sizes of FIDM bags, available at the student store. A rolling bag is recommended, however, the FIDM rolling bag has a lot of issues. The hinges break and it does not roll very well.
3. ID holder: You are required to carry your ID at all times on campus. Your ID will get you on the elevator and into computer labs. Expect to lose your ID at least once while you are at FIDM, it seems like everyone does. There is a small charge for replacement. Your ID holder will help prevent loss. 
4. Hole Adjustable Punch, 1-25 sheets: This is a life saver. Make sure your hole punch can handle up to 25 pages. These are available in the library, but you will need one at home.
5. Lunch Cooler: This sounds nerdy, but FIDM does not have meal service. They only provide vending machines, and, sometimes a sandwich delivery service. You only have 15 minutes in between classes so you need to be prepared, or, you will find yourself eating expensive junk food from the machines. Microwaves are available, but there is always a line on some campuses.
6. Label Maker: You will have many projects that need labels. By using your label maker your projects will look like A projects. Label each of your notebooks, BEFORE your quarter starts, with your name, class, teacher and room number. You will not need to keep checking your schedule for the information if you label your notebooks. Also, very important, label your jump drives with your cell phone number. It seems like everyone lost at least one valuable jump drive during their time at FIDM.
7. Three Ring Binders: Get these before each quarter for each class. Also, KEEP them, with the work in it, when you are finished with a class. Don't reuse them. Never throw any work away while you are at FIDM. You will refer back to it and you will need it for your portfolio. 
8. Coffee Bean gift card: There is a Coffee Bean near the LA campus. 
9. Jump drives: Buy one for each class before the quarter starts. Label them with your phone number, before the quarter starts. Transfer the data to your computer as a back up. Jump drives are not meant for long term storage.
10. Dividers: Buy these, before the quarter starts, for each class. Buy at least five more sets per quarter. These make your presentations, and reports, look like A presentations and reports. Label them with your label maker, not by hand.