<p>Hi my son is an oos honors student. Would waiting until the last bama bound session right before school starts so we don’t have to fly out an extra time(we were there in Feb to look at school) be risky as far as getting his classes. I don’t really want to pay to come out there again. But, if he will not get classes and have to be in school longer then it would be foolish to not attend the earlier honors session in May. Can anyone give me advise about this. If he does go in May my Husband wants to come out with him and attend the parents orientation. Opinions?</p>
<p>Hi,</p>
<p>My gut says to try to come in May, however, I understand money concerns. </p>
<p>Bama does try to hold back some seats for each session, but I can imagine that by the last Bama Bound the pickings would be more difficult. Plus, at that point, you wouldn’t have the summer to change your schedule as kids drop and add classes.</p>
<p>Those who attend the earlier Bama Bounds often change their schedules a few times over the summer (as other kids drop and add classes). By waiting til the end, you wouldn’t have that flexibility. </p>
<p>Was a parent also going to come with him on “move in” day? If so, perhaps he could come alone then to save money? </p>
<p>Maybe you should check fare prices and see if that helps with your decision.</p>
<p>I know people who attended the last Bama Bound session because of scheduling issues and they are still taking a full schedule of classes that will count towards a degree. Assuming your son still has a lot of gen eds to fill, it matters less what actual courses he takes and more what requirements he fulfills. By waiting so late to attend Bama Bound, he may not get all his top choices of courses or course sections, but they will get into classes they need. That said, I don’t hear much about students having to spend extra time at UA because they couldn’t get into certain courses, which I know to be a common problem at other schools. Based on my academic situation and the fact that I had already talked with people attending a May session, I decided to go in May.</p>
<p>I realize that your husband would like to attend Parent Orientation, but maybe he could help your son move in instead. Many students do go to Bama Bound without parents.</p>
<p>If your son wants to take Honors Bio with Dr. Caldwell, then I recommend an early Bama Bound.</p>
<p>I don’t know if seats are “held back” for later Bama Bounds since it’s an honors class.</p>
<p>Thanks for the input. I appreciate hearing from you Sea Tide. Out here in CA it is almost impossible to get classes and graduate on time. I am so glad to hear that is not an issue out there!! Right now I think we will stick with the May Registration date. Also, any insight from OOS on the best way to Move IN. What did you bring with you? Did you purchase things when you got there? Did you fly or drive? Just wondering since we have never done this before what to expect.</p>
<p>It really depends on what amount of stuff your son plans to bring down with him. While I know people from KS and NJ (among other states) that drive down with parents and then the parents leave with the car, I didn’t want to drive from WA, especially when flying is so convenient. I checked 2 bags and ended up spending a day or so shopping for the things I didn’t want to take on the plane (towels, pillows, food, etc). Tuscaloosa has everything a college student might need, but Birmingham-area stores have a wider selection and aren’t as mobbed come move-in day. If you have to go to a Wal-Mart, go to one other than the Tuscaloosa location or many of the popular items are gone. I should note that I’m very low maintenance when it comes to my dorm essentials, but a combination Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club/Costco, TJ Maxx/Ross, and Dollar Tree shopping trip should net more items than one actually needs. Later in the year, the Supe Store will have some good sales on UA clothing.</p>