Longhorn

My first week of commuting, I drove the first day and brought all my clothes. I didn't like that too well -- having to decide on one day what I was going to wear the rest of the week. So I got some panniers and started bringing my clothes daily. The LBS guy told me about some packing aids I could get at REI and I checked them online but, man, I've been spending so much money that I really hated to spend more if I could avoid it.

So here's what I've been doing that works really well. I'm a female community college instructor so I need to pack a dress, skirt and top, or slacks and top. I fold the item(s) together vertically with the smaller item inside. Then I carefully wrap the length around a small rectangular pillow (about 10x6 inches) so that no part of my clothes are wound really tight. I then slip the bundle into a zippered plastic bag (the kind bedding comes in when you buy it.) There's room next to the bundle for my undies. I use a smaller bag for my shoes. My panniers are supposed to be waterproof but just in case . . .

So far, my clothes have arrived looking as good as they did when I took them off the hangers and it didn't cost me anything.

DiegoFrogs

I love the idea of using the vinyl bedding bag... I can't even count how many times I've thrown them away thinking "I'm sure this is useful for some purpose, but I don't know what it is!"

eblaska

Any tips on getting into University of Austin? :] Going to be applying for a transfer from California in Fall.

oboeguy

Very clever, using a small pillow as a core. I don't have to look particularly nice for work, so it's not totally useful to me, BUT my better half will more than likely incorporate this idea for her bike commutes.

Marylandnewbie

Longhorn,
Clever recycling of the bedding bag and it looks nicer than a plain plastic bag. The pillow could be useful if you want to nap between classes! Actually I'm sure it works very well, but like oboeguy I can look a little slovenly at work so I don't need to pack so carefully. Glad to hear the commute is going so well you have time to come up with clever solutions to everyday logistal obstacles. Things seem to be going better for you now than they were that first week.

Longhorn

Things have changed a lot at UT since I went there. My understanding from my community college students, many of whom plan to transfer to UT, and my daughter, who would also like to transfer from another Texas university, is that transferring takes a minimum of 60 hours of college and a 3.0 GPA, depending on your major. For example, I understand that it's tougher to get into the business school than liberal arts.

Good luck, future Longhorn!

Longhorn

Thanks, Marylandnewbie! Yes, each day gets a little better, both in planning, getting cleaned up, and actually making the trip. Tomorrow, I get to do it on a newly-fit and tuned-up bike and I now have my little orange Flash Flag.