<p>Hey I was curious about what common ground is and is it worth doing? I read in the description that common ground was a great way for students to meet for the first time and start a friend group. Is this true? </p>
<p>Also, are you grouped with people that share the same major/school?</p>
<p>YES! it is worth it in my opinion, No you are not necessarily grouped with students of your same major/school. But it is a great way to meet more people, discover Boston, etc. I met some of my closest friends during it.</p>
<p>I’m a huge proponent of doing as much as you can during orientation to meet as many people as possible. Common Ground probably won’t blow your mind… but it’s a fun way to get out into the city and meet some people from your incoming class right at the start of orientation. I’d recommend doing it.</p>
<p>Is it really necessary for the the parents to attend too? Do most of them go? And if they do go do most of them stay in the dorm too or stay in hotels?</p>
<p>Parents do not go to Common Ground. But parents do go to orientation and I highly recommend it. The parent orientation is at the same time as, but separate from, the student orientation and it is very worthwhile and very well done. You will be given the option of staying in university housing and I highly recommend that as they house parents in the nicest facility (which I believe is air-conditioned), it is far, far cheaper than a hotel, and you will get to meet and socialize with other parents.</p>
<p>Hi,</p>
<p>I am a local parent. My husband and I would have loved to have gone to “parent” orientation but there is a $130 fee per parent associated with this. </p>
<p>Also in terms of the common ground thing, there is like a $300 or $400 fee for this. Again, for anyone for whom money is an issue, these are deterrants.</p>
<p>What I would like to see for the orientation so that lower income parents can attend, is basically to have them attend the information sessions, but have the option of skipping the food/entertainment part… </p>
<p>Ame</p>
<p>My kid did not attend Common Ground, but the charge for it is $50, not $300. I don’t think it’s essential to attend Common Ground, but is important for the kid to attend orientation. The charge to the student for student orientation is $240, includes room and meals and is added to the fall tuition bill. Parent orientation is $130 per person but if parents stay in university housing there’s an additional charge, I think $60 per night, so that can really add up. I agree with the poster above that it would be nice to have a lower-cost parent orientation option that didn’t include the meals, etc. One way to reduce the cost is to have only one parent attend (that’s what we did). It’s a very worthwhile experience to attend parent orientation but if finances or time constraints would make it difficult for you, you should by all means skip it, it won’t be a problem. The most important thing is for your child to attend the student orientation. The parent orientation and Common Ground are nice if time and money permit but not a problem if you don’t do them.</p>
<p>I mixed up my terms. I know there is some kind of volunteer thing for the kids to do where they can help out in like 10 different areas, but there was a charge for that (that was the $300 or more that I was thinking of)… I got that mixed up with Common Ground.
Both of my kids will be attending orientation, and are really looking forward to it. Thanks for sharing the information with me…</p>
<p>In case anyone is confused, there are three separate orientation programs
1 - ORIENTATION - there are eight sessions throughout the summer. They are very informative, and my daughter told me last year that she figured half the students had parents there and half did not. HINT: parents stay in student village - if you are coming, try to stay an extra night and enjoy Boston with your student in Boston. You won’t see them at all during orientation, and it was really fun to spend a day together for less than a night in a hotel would normally cost. We were both exhausted by the time orientation was over, but had a great day the next day together. If you plan to get a checking account locally, do it then! Class schedules, etc are also made then. If the parent can’t get off work, it is ok to send them alone, but they do load you up with good information. Again, you are NOT with your student. If you live locally, bring an egg crate mattress - the beds are harder than hard in both the student and STUVI dorms. Wear comfortable shoes. </p>
<p>2 - Common Ground - one day exploring Boston- typically right before school starts. We heard varying things about it. Some liked - some didn’t. </p>
<p>3 - FYSOP - Chalkboard is referring to this program. It is the week before school starts and does not include parents at all. it is a fabulous program and universally adored by all but it is pricey because you are paying for a full week of extra dorm and food. Well worth it if you can spare the cash. Applications came out in early June I think, and all 1000 spots were full quite quickly. You fill out an application, pick an area of interest, and write a simple essay to show your commitment. AWESOME - can’t recommend enough.</p>