Finally the 1st batch is over! After 70 days, it's time to share some NS tips to those starting the 2nd batch this Sunday. Here's a checklist of essentials that you need to survive your experience in NS:
Coat hangers, about 8-10 is enough, but take some thick ones along for your combat fatigues(baju celoreng) because they're heavy
Soap, shampoo, face cream, whatever you need to keep clean
Bucket, how else are you going to wash your clothes?
Brush and detergent, preferably the block detergents instead of powders; easier to keep
Handphone & charger, in case the payphones don't work, which was in my case.
Book/Guitar, something to keep you busy during free periods and weekends; puzzle books are especially good, like Word Search or Sudoku
Blanket, the ones provided are scratchy and uncomfortable
Telephone Cards, when you don't have your phone and you need to call home
Nail Clippers and Earpicks/Buds, personal hygiene is important in a pseudo army camp
Shaver, for those who have beards or mustaches; in PLKN, it's a no-no
Padlock, for locking your locker
A towel, until they give you the PLKN ones, which don't dry very well though, but I use them anyway
Food, like biscuits, but keep them in the locker, because half of my biscuit supply got stolen when I stupidly kept it under my bed
Bottled water, when you're too lazy or it's too late to go to the Mess Hall to get some
Spare toothbrush and toothpaste
Toilet Rolls, unless you prefer washing with water
Lousy shoes, for water activities or when your sports shoes are wet
Slippers, for rest periods and showering
Alarm clock, unless you can naturally wake up at 5am
Code lock suitcase, for keeping your valuables - handphones/wallets when you bathe
Umbrella, when it rains and you don't want to spend your time washing your (newly) wet clothes
Pen, for classes and other stuff
Marker pen, for marking your clothes before you send them to the dobi
Exercise book, for rough paper
Torchlight, useful during blackouts and that night in the forest(that's all I'm saying on this one)
Most importantly, money, you'll need it for fares, supplies, canteen, etc, preferably RM200.
I think that should be all. If you've any questions on other stuff that you think you should bring,
leave a comment. Other than that, keep a positive outlook, avoid bad influences, and enjoy the experience. Good luck to those who'll be starting Batch 2 this Sunday!
That aside, congratulations to those who achieved straight As, be it A1s or A2s in SPM 2006!
