<p>We'll be attending NSO this Friday and just wanted to know what to expect.<br>
Lots of sessions? How long a day is it typically? Lunch....how much time allowed and options? We'll be fighting 95 traffic back to MD and just wanted an idea of how this day goes and would appreciate any info/tips. </p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Well, first of all, it will be hot and a lot of walking! It will also be fun and well organized. It’s a long day, but a lot gets done. The student gets his/her ID card, meets with the adviser and has all sorts of meetings. There is about an hour for lunch and we had it at Trabant because most of the events were there and it made sense to stay put. It was typical fast food, but it was a busy day. There was a continental breakfast in a large meeting room in Trabant for the parents and students, and a perky/peppy welcome presentation. Then they took the students away for private presentations and we had parent meetings. A couple of things: that conference room was FREEZING and it was late July when we went, so bring a light jacket. Next, there is a lot of information coming your way about logistics, academics, meal plans, finances. There is an opportunity to do on campus banking and to take a tour. The thing that stood out in my mind was the presentation on safety. I am not exaggerating when I tell you that it was so aggressive in pointing out possible dangers that I told my husband I was taking my baby and getting the heck out of there. It was much later that I calmed down enough to realize that they were talking about dangers faced by all college students at all colleges. But the safety department and the Newark Police who are present at the meeting, keep it very real and hardcore. There is a presentation about the health services, which are much more extensive than I had expected. The highlight for my D was meeting her adviser. We live in NYC and by the time we got home, her schedule had been posted. It’s a busy day, a lot of information comes your way, but it is also a fun and special day. Good luck!</p>
<p>What time should one expect NSO to end? I will be bringing my D from her camp job in upper PA down to Newark the night before (since it starts so early) but have to bring her back to camp that night. The drive from Newark to Pennsylvannia is about four hours long, then I have another 3 hours drive home.</p>
<p>Sounds like I better find a place to stay after I drop her off.</p>
<p>We attended the June 21st session. The programs for parents ended at 4:30 but it seemed that many parents skipped the final sessions. The programs for students ended at 4:00 with my son getting his ID card. Like the Delaware Decision Day in April, much of the program for parents was in Trabant, including a fast food lunch in the food court. There was very little walking required for parents - more for students.</p>
<p>mhc: I had the same situation. I remember a campus tour being at the end, but we had done that already so we skipped it to start our ride back. I think we ended up leaving around 4 pm or so. No way could I make it all the way up to her camp in Mass. that night, so we only drove up to Fort Lee and I drove her the rest of the way early the next morning (I had driven from Long Island, to Mass, to Newark the day before NSO so it was quite the three day adventure for me!)</p>
<p>I thought the parent presentations were excellent (that’s where I got to meet zoosermom!). A lot of it is reassurance and information on processes (like safety). But there are some really great resources discussed. Write it down! You will never remember it all - between the excitement of the experience (especially since was for my oldest child) and the quantity of information. DD was thrilled to meet with her advisor, loved the classes she picked, and was over the moon about getting her UDID.</p>
<p>As zoosermom said, it was HOT outside and CHILLY inside. We attended in mid-July.</p>
<p>Thanks to everyone for the great info and tips. I’m really looking forward to going. I was prepared for a long day just wasn’t sure what to expect. And thanks zoosermom about the tip on bringing a jacket…I’m always cold!</p>
<p>I can say with certainty that we got out of there at 4:00. It seemed to me that people straggled out individually as they were done with the things they wanted to do. There was a rush at arrival, but not much fuss at departure. LINYMOM is right. Bring a pad and pen because they give out a lot of information.</p>
<p>I would also recommend that you take a little walk down Main Street and visit the National 5&10 store, especially if you are planning to purchase any UD related items (clothing, stickers, almost anything). Their prices are very good, we always found their products of high quality, and in some areas they have more items and a better selection than the UD bookstore. In fact they have some UD items you can’t even get in the bookstore. Also you can see all the restaurants/shops that are easily accessable to students and parents/visitors/friends. I can’t imagine a nicer town street in a university setting than Main Street in Newark. Have a great time at NSO.</p>