<p>Hey guys, I know there is a parents night or whatever on october, but are parents supposed to come all the way to NJ? I mean, will there be anythign for them to do other than the "I-miss-you-son-call-often?" hmm</p>
<p>Well, they could sob and hug you. ;)</p>
<p>Asid from that, there is a brunch or barbecue, and a reception in the residential college with the masters and staff, and a talk by the masters and staff on the first year of college and how the residential college offers support. It's also a chance to meet your roommates' parents. And parents can be helpful in making runs out to Route 1 for stuff from the big stores that you've forgotten or couldn't carry along. </p>
<p>If you are doing OA or CA it's kinda weird, because parents don't get to help you set up your room, only help you carry in your stuff and leave it there until you all choose your own beds. </p>
<p>Parents' Weekend is fun but not really a chance to connect with one's own kid, because students are often very busy by that time and the program for parents is busy. The drop-off is nice. However, we were not coming from Alaska!</p>
<p>Yeah, I'm doing OA, so I told my parents not to come until the 10th when all the parent stuff (and major move-in) happens. So they'll be flying to NJ a week later than I, which looks like it'll work out much better than if they fly with me on the 2nd.</p>
<p>Mine didn't attend, and I'm not sure I even noticed the weekend happened. I certainly didn't feel left out. As for your parents helping to set up your room, it's a little late. You'll want to already be well-settled by the time classes start. It's also not as difficult as it might sound, and you'll quickly have roommates and friends to help you. Many OAers who drive a distance to Princeton only have parents around for the initial drop-off, or they fly in for OA and parents drive up with the stuff after OA (mine did the latter). Those in the region often come for both, but that's because it's easily done.</p>
<p>I think the primary purpose of Parents' Weekend is to give parents a time to come if they want, and see exactly what they're investing in (by attending classes, socials, seminars, and speeches from the administration). If it's bad timing or not your parents' cup of tea, they probably shouldn't feel like they're letting you down if they don't come. Parents' Weekend is not really bonding time.</p>
<p>What is? Probably Thanksgiving, when a LOT of people go home -- more even than for fall break, I think. (Those who can't go home for the holiday are often taken in by various faculty, friends' families, old family friends, etc).</p>
<p>(double posting deleted - i hate when you think your post hasn't gone through! pooh)</p>
<p>that's a relief. my mom's so busy ; I'd hate to have her take so much time/distance/attention for me, even if she wanted. I know she does : )</p>