<p>Wow–move in date over Labor Day weekend!! Doesn’t look like any of the pre-orientation class topics fit my son, so we don’t need to get there early, yet the notion of driving up the northeast corridor on the Friday of Labor Day weekend sounds like a really really bad idea. Any thoughts from veterans? Just come a day or so early and explore Providence?</p>
<p>Yes, that’s the schedule! And, although the class topics might not fit your son, DEFINITELY don’t miss orientation. He really needs to be there. If not for the classes (which my daughter didn’t go to, two years ago), then for the beginning of the transition-- dorm mates, finding his way around the campus, any placement tests he needs to take, shopping for last minute stuff, etc. etc. There are also dorm meetings that he needs to attend, and a huge social scene that he needs to become part of. If he misses that, he will have to begin on the first day of classes and will in a pretty tough situation. You are right about Labor Day traffic; it’s a bear. But you really need to do it. Drive up early and leave later if that’s possible, but don’t keep him from the Orientation because of your frustration about the traffic. It’s very important!</p>
<p>I agree with franglish (waves hello) – your son does not want to miss orientation. If you can come up early and explore Providence – or Newport, or even Boston – that is one option. Another is trying to do a lot of the driving late at night (I have friends who leave at 9 or 10 pm for the 4 hour drive). And some of the sessions are mandatory (at least they were 2 years ago). It’s the only time the class of 2013 will be together in one place until graduation, so he should go.</p>
<p>Oh absolutely he will not miss it–thanks. Just double checking to be sure we’re not missing something, like most kids come even earlier for the pre-orientation classes. Sounds like that’s not the case. Perhaps I’d better stop talking to my NY friends who have convinced me that Labor Day traffic is so bad that we should leave not Friday, not Thurs., but probably Wed. (is now too soon?!)</p>
<p>As annoying & inconvenient leaving that early may be just look at it as a fun & exciting time to be with your son & explore before checking in. You could also get some of the dorm supplies he will need when you are around the area- before everyone gets there.</p>
<p>oreo–yes of course you’re right. It’s just a mindset and once we have our little plan, it’ll be part of the adventure. We know we’re very fortunate–Everyone should have such problems, hm?</p>
<p>Meh, think of the traffic as one of your final opportunities to bond with your son before depositing him on campus! It’s also the last time to talk some sense into him too :D</p>
<p>Hey all! Does anyone know what this ‘pre-orientation’ is about? It means getting to Brown on the 30th of August so it screws with summer job/program I’m involved in. But if it’s a really important thing, of course I’ll do it. Thoughts, advice?</p>
<p>I don’t remember “pre-orientation” even existing my freshman year. So I doubt it’s that important.</p>
<p>quillshrink, is it TWTP that you are talking about? Because Brown has very few pre-orientation programs.</p>