Upon arriving at Sims University, you will pick a place to live while you are attending college and working on your degree. Though all of the housing options are fully furnished, you still have an opportunity to make your space your own. University Life includes many different objects—most of which have a college or young adult theme. Even if you don’t have a lot of Simoleons, you can find inexpensive objects to customize your dwelling to make it more appealing, or you can upgrade items such as furniture to make your stay more enjoyable.

Several of the objects are needed to help you earn your degree. Others are necessary or helpful for working on the new skills included in this expansion such as the Social Groups Influence. Some items are provided to you as a result of a trait you picked, a college major you have signed up for, or as rewards as you advance in Influence within a social group.

In this chapter, we highlight the topline objects you can interact with that are new to University Life. Interactions are explained, as well as the potential results of these interactions. Some of these objects pull double-duty, existing not just here, but in previous chapters where they directly relate to new gameplay concepts and mechanics. For example, the science research station, useful for developing the Science skill, is also detailed in the “Science Skill” section of the New Careers and Skills chapter.

Depreciation

As soon as you buy an object and then exit Buy Mode, the object loses value. The immediate value hit is significant, but not devastating: 15 percent. With each additional day, the object loses more value: 10 percent per day. The value of an object finally bottoms out at 40 percent of its original value. So, if you bought the SimmerChar Dual-State Stove for 400, the object would lose 60 on the first day. The next day, it would lose another 40. If you sold the object back after two weeks of use, you would get 160 back.

However, not everything in this world goes down in value upon purchase. Some art actually increases in value.

New Objects & Interactions

If you have played The Sims games before, you know that most objects can be used (and abused) by Sims—in fact, that’s usually the point of putting an object on your lot. It should serve a function. Some objects have no function beyond boosting a room’s environmental score and giving Sims the Decorated or Nicely Decorated moodlets.

Other objects have interactions that provide learning or entertainment or satisfy a need. These objects and their interactions are detailed in this section of the object catalog. To see what interactions are available on an object, just left-click on it. A radial menu appears. Click on an interaction to add it to the action queue in the screen’s upper-left corner.

So, while there are many new objects in University Life in the decoration or furniture categories, we’ll drill down on all of the new objects that affect skill development, provide fun, or result in new activities. Many of these objects are also referenced elsewhere in this guide in chapters such as New Careers and Skills, Tour of Sims University, or even In Pursuit of Higher Education.

Hope and Love Kicky Bag

• Purchase Cost: 35
• Benefits:
• Fun: 5
• + Athletic
• Description: Kicky Bag is the ultimate community game; only cooperation and goofy antics will keep our society off the ground. Play with friends for the admiration (or scorn) of your peers.

When you need to increase your Fun need after a tough day of classes, take out a Kicky Bag and kick it around. This object also helps you increase your Influence with the Jock social group while improving your Athletic skill at the same time. You can get one of these free from the table at the Meet and Greet at the start of the term.

This object has two interactions:

• Play Kicky Bag: Kick around the bag wherever you are. This is a great activity to do in the two hours you have between classes.
• Play Kicky Bag with Another Sim: Not only do you have fun, you can also improve your relationship with another Sim just by playing.

Spinnin’ and Winnin’ Flying Disc

• Purchase Cost: 45
• Benefits:
• Fun: 6
• + Athletic
• Description: Baseballs and footballs are tools of The Man, man. Subvert existing power structures by playing catch with a gnarly friend. Made from organic Amazonian plastic.

This object can only be used with another Sim. This makes it a great activity for improving your relationship with another Sim. Throwing the flying disc can improve your Influence with the Jocks social group. Play with a Jock to increase your Influence even more. You can get one of these free from the table at the Meet and Greet at the start of the term. Because it takes some space to play catch, you usually need to go to a park to play with another Sim.

This object has one interaction:

• Play Catch with Another Sim: Not only do you have fun, you can also improve your relationship with another Sim just by playing.

Bend it Like Bananas Soccer Ball

• Purchase Cost: 75
• Benefits:
• Fun: 5
• + Athletic
• Description: Enjoy the world’s most popular game with friends and family. With grinding hours of practice, a talented athlete might match the skills of the legendary Tommy Wobber: Soccerball Wizard.

The soccer ball is a great way to improve your Athletic skill while also having fun. You can play with it by yourself or with another Sim.

This object has two interactions:

• Play Soccer: Practice your soccer juggling skills with the soccer ball anywhere, anytime.
• Play Soccer with Another Sim: Kick the ball back and forth with another Sim to improve your relationship with that Sim.

Plink Plonk Tennis Table

• Purchase Cost: 495
• Benefits:
• Fun: 9
• + Group Activity
• Description: This table is an altar of competition, awarding bragging rights and inspiring trash talk. Sharpen your skills at The Gentleman’s Miniature Sport or line up for casual party games.

You can play two different games on the ping pong table. Ping pong has its own hidden skill. The more you play, the better you get. Juice pong is more of a social game.

This object has two interactions:

• Play Ping Pong with Another Sim: It takes two to play ping pong. Build your Ping Pong skill while improving a relationship.
• Play Juice Pong with Another Sim: This improves your Influence with the Jocks, improves relationships with other Sims, and gives you a Juiced moodlet.

Crashing Pins Bowling Lane

• Purchase Cost: 5,150
• Benefits:
• Fun: 9
• + Group Activity
• Description: Fill your life with excitement: clattering pins, the rumble of balls cruising down the hardwood. Play with friends or furiously hone your own skills for a guaranteed good time.

Jocks like to bowl, so if you are working on Influence with that social group, take some time to bowl. Because the bowling lane is expensive and takes up a lot of space, you probably won’t buy one while attending Sims University. However, once you are home, build a basement at your home just for a bowling lane of your own. While at Sims University, stop by the B’s Bowlarama where you can bowl for free.

This object has two interactions:

• Bowl: Roll a hard, heavy ball at 10 pins and try to knock them all down. Bowling builds up the Bowling skill.
• Bowl with Another Sim: Have fun, work on your Bowling skill, and improve your relationship with another Sim. Bowling can make a great activity for a date as well.

Flippity Flop Foosball Table by GoTeamGo

• Purchase Cost: 6,250
• Benefits:
• Fun: 9
• Group Activity
• Description: Line up across from your best friend or worst enemy for the ultimate test of worth: foosball. No matter where the ball goes, just keep spinning. Everything will work out.

This is an expensive object. However, if you want to play, you don’t need to buy one. Just go to the Student Union and play the foosball table on the second floor. You can usually find someone around to play with as well.

This object has two interactions:

• Play Foosball: Have some fun and play a game of foosball by yourself.
• Play Foosball with Another Sim: You can have up to three other Sims playing foosball with you. This provides both fun and socializing.

University Welcome Kit

• Purchase Cost: 20
• Benefits:
• Portable
• Description: This handy little kit is a great introduction to the world of University! Whether you’re currently enrolled in University or just planning for the day, display your school spirit proudly.

You can purchase the University Welcome Kit or wait for the llama mascot to deliver it to your home. It has goodies as well as an aptitude test that you must take before enrolling at Sims University. Be sure to add it to your inventory and take it with you to college.

This object has two interactions:

• Get University Freebies: This basket of goodies has a University banner and a University shirt that you can wear with pride.
• Take Sims University Aptitude Test: Take this test if you want to attend Sims University. After you take it, you receive the results. Depending on your traits and other attributes, you can earn six credits in one or more of the degrees offered. If you score high enough, you can even receive a scholarship to help pay for tuition.

Internal Reflections Sketchbook

• Purchase Cost: 30
• Benefits:
• + Painting
• Portable
• Description: Want a future in art or design? Well then, you’d better carry a sketchbook! Ideas are fast and fleeting; record every moment of inspiration right in the moment. University Fine Arts majors tote this visual journal to render big gains to academic performance.

You are given this object for free when you enroll in a Fine Arts major. In fact, you use it during your activity class once a week. While you have it, you can also sketch other Sims—either clothed or in the nude.

This object has three interactions:

• Practice Sketching: Take our your sketchbook and begin sketching wherever you are. This improves your Painting skill.
• Ask to Sketch: While you are socializing with another Sim, ask to sketch them. This not only increases your Painting skill, but also improves your relationship with the Sim and provides Social needs.
• Ask to Sketch Nude: You should know the person before you ask them to pose nude for you. Otherwise this request could have a negative affect on your relationship with that Sim.

Banky’s Street Art Kit

• Purchase Cost: 40
• Benefits:
• Fun: 1
• Portable
• Description: Fill your neighborhood with Truth! World-famous street artist Banky Mua’dib has personally approved this subversive collection of high-end spray paints. Let your canvas be, like, the whole world, man.

You are given this object for free if you have the Avant Garde trait or when you reach level 2 Influence for the Rebel social group. As you improve your Street Art skill, you can paint more types of art and larger, more detailed pieces.

This object has three interactions:

• Tag Wall: Select a blank wall space and leave your mark. The higher your Street Art skill, the better the tag.
• Ground Mural: Paint a mural on a sidewalk or other paved flat spot. The more advanced your skill level, the larger and more detailed your murals can be.
• Wall Mural: As you move up in your Street Art skill, you can begin painting wall murals. By the time you reach level 10, your murals will literally be works of art.

“Me Too!” Megaphone

• Purchase Cost: 55
• Benefits:
• Portable
• Description: Sometimes the cries of the brave Sims go unheard. Maybe society is against them, or maybe they’re just not shouting loud enough? Inspire crowds and wake up others with this megaphone.

You are given this object for free when you reach level 2 Influence for the Rebel social group. It lets you do several actions and socials louder than normal.

This object has five interactions:

• Announce Protest: Have you decided to have a protest? Let everyone know about it and where it will be.
• Proclaim Love for a Sim: Are you finding yourself attracted to someone? Instead of standing outside their home with a boombox, use the megaphone to let that Sim—and everyone else in town—know how you feel about them.
• Rant about a Topic: This interaction comes complete with a soapbox. Find an open spot and then let everyone know your opinion on a wide range of topics. This gives you more Influence with the Rebels.
• Loud Greeting: Worried that other Sims might not notice you? Use the megaphone to get their attention and start a conversation.
• Wake Up: Your roommate should be getting up and heading off to class. Wake them up with the megaphone—they will eventually appreciate it. Maybe not right away, though.

Salutary Speaker’s Podium

• Purchase Cost: 120
• Description: Somebody’s talking! Who’s talking? It could be anyone. If only they were standing on something! Avert confusion and elevate your ideas above the crowd with this sturdy, microphone-equipped podium.

While you can purchase one for home use, in most cases you will use one already at a location. The Student Union has one in the lecture hall and another podium is at the Roasted Toasted Beans Coffee Shop.

This object has four interactions:.

• Practice Speech: This action can increase your Charisma skill. Practice makes perfect.
• Announce a Protest: Not only do you announce a protest, this interaction also allows you to pick the time, location, type of protest, and the topic you want to protest.
• Give a Lecture: Here is your chance to share your knowledge. Select from a variety of topics and give a lecture.
• Say What’s Wrong with the World: Share your opinion with those in the area who are listening. As you do this, you build cred with the Rebels and increase your Influence with this social group.

Instant Inspiration Whiteboard

• Purchase Cost: 135
• Description: How did our ancestors survive in a world full of non-writing surfaces? Notes, game plans, and scientific proofs appear on the whiteboard, only to disappear with an eraser swipe!

There are four whiteboards in the Student Union, two in the lecture hall and two in the science room. Use these if you don’t want to have to buy a whiteboard of your own. If you want to use one, erase it and then do your own work. The interactions available depend on your Sim’s traits and Social Group Influence.

This object has nine different interactions:

• Make a Chart: Draw a chart on the board and increase your Influence with the Jocks.
• Create Concept Art: This is available if your Sim has the Avant Garde trait.
• Draw a Diagram: Bookworms can draw a diagram on the whiteboard.
• Design a Sports Play: This option is available if you have some Influence with the Jocks and it will increase your Influence as well.
• Outline an Idea: Draw this on the whiteboard and increase your Influence with the Rebels.
• Solve Equation: Computer Whiz Sims can solve equations on whiteboards.
• Give Presentation: Once something is on the whiteboard, you can then give a presentation to build up your Charisma skill.
• Give Presentation to a Sim: Target specific Sims for your presentation.
• Erase: If there is already something on the whiteboard, you must first erase it before you can draw your own content.

“Them Bones” Anatomy Skeleton

• Purchase Cost: 205
• Benefits:
• Portable
• Description: There are many ways to teach anatomy, but nothing beats hands-on experience! This actual Sim skeleton is connected to a high-tech touchpad, allowing remote manipulation of most joints and components.

You are given this object for free when you enroll in the Physical Education major or the Science and Medicine major. Use it to study and increase your academic progress in these two majors and improve your Science skill.

This object has two interactions:

• Bone Up on Anatomy: Your Sim studies the skeleton and works on improving the Science skill.
• Ground Mural: By using the touchpad, your Sim can make the skeleton move for studying kinesthetics of the human body—and get some advancement in the Science skill as well.

Workforce Warrior Business Planner

• Purchase Cost: 225
• Benefits:
• Portable
• Description: With the cutting edge of modern nanotechnology, the Workforce Warrior expands into anything your bottom line desires. It’s a briefcase, desk, and projector wrapped up in one sleek article.

University Business majors tote this around so they can seize every opportunity to maximize their academic performance. They are issued a free Workforce Warrior Business Planner when they enroll in the Business major.

This object has two interactions:

• Work on Business Plan: Convert your business planner into a desk and get to work. This helps you improve your grades for the Business major.
• Give Business Presentation: Your business planner converts into a desk complete with a screen for giving a presentation. Use this interaction to help gain academic progress toward the Business degree.

Rip-Roaring Bonfire

• Purchase Cost: 325
• Benefits:
• Fun: 4
• Hunger: 2
• Environment: 3
• Group Activity
• Portable
• Description: A summer evening classic, this bonfire is the perfect social catalyst. When carefully maintained, it’ll keep your Sims extra toasty warm and well entertained. Enjoy a bonfire tonight!

Many locations already have a bonfire pit, such as the fraternity, the sorority, and several parks. Therefore, you do not need to purchase one. Hosting a bonfire party, or even attending one will increase your Influence with the Jocks.

This object has seven interactions:

• Light Bonfire: To get the party started, walk over to the bonfire pit and light it.
• Add Wood: Build up the bonfire and increase your Jock Social Group Influence.
• Poke Bonfire: Move the embers around to keep the fire roaring so it does not die down—and the party with it. This also gives you Influence with the Jocks.
• Watch Bonfire: Stand back and enjoy the bonfire to get some more Jock Influence.
• Spice It Up: Add herbs or seeds to the bonfire. As they burn, they will provide a moodlet caused by that particular herb for all Sims near the bonfire. This increases your Influence with the Rebel Social Group.
• Throw Test Tube: Increase your Influence with the Nerds by tossing a test tube into the bonfire and watching the effects of high temperatures on chemicals.
• Put Out Bonfire: When the party is over, be sure to put out the bonfire until the next party.

Slouch and Deliver Easel by Secret Bohemia

• Purchase Cost: 325
• Benefits:
• Fun: 2
• + Painting
• Description: Like cutting a peach in half, painting exposes the soul’s darkest pit. The Slouch and Deliver easel supports any art project, from pastoral landscapes to portraits beyond imagination.

Several dorm rooms contain this easel. If you are a Fine Arts student, try to select that room so you have access to the easel to work on your Painting skill.

This object has only one interaction:

• Practice Painting: Once you decide to practice painting, you can choose to do a small, medium, or large work of art. This can be a good idea if you want to build up your grade for the Fine Arts degree.

Glug! Glug! Glug! Juice Keg

• Purchase Cost: 385
• Benefits:
• + Hunger
• Description: The bigger the party, the bigger the thirst. Hard-partying Sims impress their peers with the legendary Keg Stand: the perfect union of good fun and bad decisions.

If you want to host a Juice Kegger party, then you need to purchase a juice keg. Every Jock should have a juice keg, and hosting parties with it gets you in tight with other Jocks.

This object has two interactions:

• Pour Juice: While at a party, pour yourself a cup of juice to enjoy. This will give your Sim the Juiced moodlet as well as more Influence with the Jocks social group.
• Keg Stand: You need to select another Sim on the lot to do this interaction. It gets you lots of Influence with the Jocks social group and also provides the Juiced moodlet.

Frequency Fun Mobile Radio Station

• Purchase Cost: 525
• Benefits:
• Fun: 4
• Portable
• Description: This portable broadcasting hub is a must-have for any Sim aspiring to broadcasting. Don’t let The Man dominate the airwaves; share your musical tastes with the world.

University Communication majors receive a free mobile radio station when they enroll in the Communication degree program. Pull this out regularly to increase your academic progress toward a Communications degree.

This object has four interactions:

• Align Radio Dishes: Adjust your antennas so that your broadcast can reach the maximum number of people. This is a good thing to do before you begin broadcasting.
• Conduct Interview: If there is another Sim near you, you can choose to interview that Sim on the radio. This increases your Charisma skill.
• Report Campus Events: Provide a commentary on what is going on at Sims University and you will increase your Charisma skill.
• Run Advertisements: Ads are the way to earn some money for your broadcasts. Although you can choose this interaction at any time, you won’t make any Simoleons unless you’ve been broadcasting with the other interactions. Therefore, do several of the other three interactions first, so you can get people to pay to advertise on your shows.

ZRX-9000 Science Research Station

• Purchase Cost: 1,050
• Description: For the first time in history, every major scientific tool is in a single device. Conducts research, fabricates samples, and builds skills. Darker experiments might even be possible.

Using the science research station not only increases your Science skill, it also improves your Influence with the Nerd social group.

This object has seven interactions:

• Research Science: This not only works on your Science skill, but also provides academic progress toward a Science and Medicine degree.
• Gene Splicing Experiment: This requires a seed. If it is successful, you can create a different type of seed.
• Horticulture Experiment: Place a plant or plant product into the machine to improve the quality of the plant.
• Radiation Experiment: You must have an insect to place into the machine. Expose it to radiation and see how it fares.
• Herb Experiment: If you have an herb, place it into the research station to try to improve its quality.
• Research Samples: You can add to the knowledge of science by testing various samples.
• Clone from Sample: Master the Science skill and then you can make clones from the samples you have collected.

Cerebralizing Brain Enhancing Machine 1.0

• Purchase Cost: 1,200
• Benefits:
• Portable
• Description: There’s no way a bad haircut is getting in the way of real genius! This brain-enhancing machine is an amateur model, but the accidental electrocutions are worth the IQ boost.

Using the machine to conduct brain studies and testing also enhances this academic progress of University Technology majors, who get one of these objects free when they enroll in the Technology degree program. The interactions help you increase Influence with the Nerds social group.

This object has three interactions:

• Brain Enhancement: Use this to teach yourself a new skill. Sit down in the machine and pick a skill you would like to learn.
• Study Brain: Sit down and study your brain to learn more about it.
• Find a Test Subject: Now find a nearby Sim to sit down in the machine so you can study his or her brain.

Quick Croissants Coffee Bar

• Purchase Cost: 1,275
• Benefits:
• Fun: 1
• Description: Take a study break to swing by the local coffee bar! Meet up with friends, order a drink, or nibble on a snack and let the procrastination begin.

These coffee bars are located in several places around the campus. They are great for a quick pick-me-up to satisfy the Hunger need or to gain the moodlet effects from the beverages they offer.

This object has two interactions:

• Buy Drink: Need some energy or other effect from a beverage? The coffee bar can fix you up with four categories of drinks: Organic Brews, Energy Drinks, Herbal Teas, or Hot Beverages. Some of these drinks can increase your Influence with the Rebel social group.
• Buy Snack: Pick up a baked good or other yummy snack to quickly satisfy your hunger pains so you can keep going and not have to run home for a meal.

Ready 4 Close-Up Photo Booth by Secret Bohemia

• Purchase Cost: 2,260
• Benefits:
• Fun: 3
• Description: Secret Bohemia presents the first coin-operated photo booth to include a simulated 1930s camera. Unlike a real 1930s camera, prints are delivered instantly and in living color. Now that’s progress.

Several locations in Sims University contain this photo booth. Get a photo that is suitable for placing on the wall of your home.

This object has three interactions:

• Take Photo: Select from a normal or silly photo of yourself.
• Take Normal Photos with a Sim: Select a nearby Sim and invite them to take a photo with you inside the photo booth.
• Take Silly Photos with a Sim: Once you choose a Sim with whom you would like take a photo and create some funny memories, take some silly photos with them.

King of the Lounge Pool Table by Weighty Concepts

• Purchase Cost: 5,150
• Benefits:
• Fun: 9
• Group Activity
• Description: A heavy, solid, regulation-sized pool table to decorate a dorm lounge or finish off a home game room. Face off across the felt: two Sims enter, one Sim leaves!

This pool table is available in several different places around Sims University including several of the dorms. Playing pool is a quick way to satisfy your Fun need.

This object has three interactions:

• Play Pool: If you just want to have some fun and no one else is around, play pool by yourself.
• Practice Trick Shot: You can choose to practice four different tricks shots: Shave and a Haircut, 8-Ball Frappe, Hole in Two, and Putt-Putt Game.
• Play Pool with a Sim: Find a Sim to play pool with so you can not only have fun, but also socialize and improve your relationship with that Sim.

Vending Machines

Sugar Slide Vending Machine

• Purchase Cost: 1,850
• Benefits:
• Hunger: 8
• Description: This vending machine is like heaven for the sweetest of sweet tooth: all the candy you can eat! No matter the contours of your sweet tooth, the Sugar Slide will satisfy.

Fizzy Festival Vending Machine

• Purchase Cost: 2,000
• Benefits:
• Hunger: 9
• Description: It’s the end of a long day with a long night ahead. Nothing picks up flagging Sims like a quick fizzy drink. Nothing delivers that drink like the Fizzy Festival!

Choosy Choices Vending Machine

• Purchase Cost: 2,250
• Benefits:
• Hunger: 10
• Description: Vending machines don’t offer enough choice: one’s got candy, the other’s got soda. What Sims really want are candy AND soda, packaged together in one convenient machine!

Three different vending machines sell candy, soda, or both. While they all function the same way, they differ in what they offer the customer.

Each vending machine has four interactions:

• Buy Soda ( 5): Pay your money and get a soda to drink. The nice thing about canned soda is that you can put it into your inventory and drink it later.
• Buy Candy ( 5): While it’s not the best food you can buy, you can carry the candy with you until later and eat it to tide you over until you can have a meal.
• Shake Machine: Why pay money to get candy or soda when you can shake the machine until something falls out on its own.
• Slam Machine: If shaking the machine does not work, try slamming it to get some free candy or soda.

Arcade Machines

Longhorns and Laser Beams Arcade Machine

• Purchase Cost: 1,500
• Benefits:
• Fun: 7
• Description: When Sam “Straight-Teeth” Jordan’s cattle herd is kidnapped for alien experiments, he embarks on an epic quest to rescue his livelihood and bring frontier justice to the green fiends.

Night of the Shambling Shades IV Arcade Machine

• Purchase Cost: 1,500
• Benefits:
• Fun: 7
• Description: After three nights of zombie-slaying mayhem, Matt Ragewire may have found the key to victory. But to use it, he’ll have to side-scroll his way through an undead wasteland.

Fire in the Skies Arcade Machine

• Purchase Cost: 1,500
• Benefits:
• Fun: 7
• Description: John Badguy was a common street thug. But when flying saucers descend on his city and throw it into chaos, only John has what it takes to save humanity.

Arthropods Arcade Table

• Purchase Cost: 1,400
• Benefits:
• Fun: 7
• Description: Your parents’ classic table game is back! Protect yourself with lasers from pixels being lobbed toward you. Every 10,000 points grants an extra life. You will never get 10,000 points.

There are several different arcade machines, but they all function the same. Find them in the Student Union and at several other locations around Sims University.

Arcade machines have one interaction:

• Play Arcade Machine ( 5): For a few Simoleons, you not only get to have some fun, but you also increase your Influence with the Nerd social group.

Object Catalog

The objects in this catalog are listed with prices, important depreciation values, and any effect the object may have on your Sim as well as the environmental rating of a room.