<p>my OOS son has been accepted and still choosing between UT and several other schools. Looking at the orientation calendar, I assume it makes sense to go as early as possible to maximize class choices. He won't turn 18 until the last session, and it indicates you need to be 18 to upgrade the EIT for "high assurance." So, should a parent go with him?</p>
<p>We're trying to figure out schedules and what makes the most sense. Don't want to miss out on classes if there is a way around the age issue.</p>
<p>If a parent goes, what do they do for 3 days? Do you fly in the night before anyway?</p>
<p>Classes open up each week during the summer, so it’s not as big a disadvantage as you might think to go to a later orientation. My OOS son had to attend an orientation session before he turned 18. I went to Austin with him. It was helpful in getting him a bank account at the University Federal Credit Union. I also helped him get a driver’s license. I’m from Austin, so I just stayed with my parents.</p>
<p>Parents’ orientation was interesting, and you can sign up for the parents’ organization then if you want. There are a ton of things to do in Austin, so the three days would fly by. I think you’d need to fly in the night before since orientation starts early. It’s a good idea to arrive early to avoid long lines, too.</p>
<p>We attended with my OOS daughter. We received an urgent call from her to meet her at some building, PCL? or something? because she needed a signature to get her ID/computer card because she was under 18. Several other parents were running to meet up with their kid because the kids are standing in a long line to get this card/ID and they would lose their spot if they got out of line. Have 1 parent attend with you or see if you can get the form before orientation so that a parent can sign it. Call admissions/summer orientation contact for information.</p>
<p>You need to fly in the night before. The parents orientation is on Monday and I found it informative. Classes open up every week starting from the first week of orientation so it is not necessary to go to early sessions. However, I recommend a session before July 1 if your S will live on campus. It gives him a chance to check out the dorms he prefers or even find a roommate during orientation before the housing preferences deadline on July 1. </p>
<p>There are lots of fun things to do in Austin! Be prepared thou. It wii be hot and humid here in Texas in summer.</p>
<p>Even if you do decide to visit, you don’t need to stay the full three days. My dad flew out with me the day before orientation started, and returned home on the first day of orientation after I got all my stuff straightened out with the ID office.</p>
<p>You can get the form signed and notarized at home.<br>
I attended the first day of orientation with my d. I did not find the sessions informative. A lot of foolish questions by nervous parents who like to hear themselves speak.
MY d found comfort in having me there the first day. I said goodbye after lunch, and she flew home alone. I think I saw her for an hour that day.</p>