<p>It's getting close-move-in day- anyone have any suggestions, thoughts or words of wisdom on what/what not to bring, how to handle the good-byes, and whether a overnight stay is warranted-provided you are close enough to make it back in a day...????</p>
<p>I believe that Marist has upper class students helping the freshman move in (nice!). We stayed long enough to help unpack a little, eat lunch, and set up the computer. I would discourage staying the night - your child will be busy with orientation activities.</p>
<p>BTW- it took our D about 4 days to make friends and stop acting homesick. She was happy to see us on the Family Weekend in September, but has not encouraged us to attend any since.</p>
<p>I encourage closed toe shoes - no flip-flops (we had a trip to the emergency room when moving out in May, when the toe and a door had a disagreement and the toenail lost). Some of the dorms require many trips up and down the stairs.</p>
<p>I’m an incoming freshman to Marist… but I have two older brothers who have both ‘been through’ the entire college process and thus have gained a few ideas/tips.</p>
<p>1) If you are a parent, don’t plan on hanging around for too long… take time to help bring items into the dorm room, maybe set up a few things and say goodbye. But do not hover or plan to ‘spend the day’. Your kid will want to set up their room themselves, get to know their roommates and relax. It’s really hard to do so with hovering parents, siblings, ect. And please PLEASE don’t be the emotional hovering parents! If needed, say your goodbyes beforehand, so that you can do a quick goodbye and not be hurt if your kid runs off to take care of other matters…
2) Bring a DOORSTOP. This will be extremely useful when carrying items in, but will also be helpful to meet people during the first few days… having the door open= more people say hello.
3) It sounds simple… but make sure you speak to roommates beforehand, at the very least so that two fridges don’t appear.
4) Avoid overpacking at all costs. You will be sharing a room and will have limited space… parents can always bring more items for the parent weekend, and you can ‘exchange’ some clothes (such as summery items for more winter items) on long weekends. Keep in mind that you will be able to get basic everyday items at the RiteAid across the street (so it’s not the end of the world if you forget something) and you’ll have chances to go shopping…</p>
<p>I hope some of that helps!</p>
<p>@ EngrMom and newrose72: Thank you!!! You both have been most helpful! I love the door comments- keep them open with a doorstop- not your toes!! Got it!</p>