<p>Something I noticed that is very important to my situation (Although it will not interfere with my application ofcourse) is how late school starts. Compared to most colleges, UofC starts fairly late, I believe in the middle of September? Is there a specific reason for this? </p>
<p>Also, my parents both start work in the beginning of September, and it would be absolutely impossible for them to take off any days at work during this time (And we live in PA, so a driving trip to Chicago to see me off would atleast need a few days). Seeing my parents for the last time before holidays is very important for me. Sort of like that "Picture Perfect" moment that will forever be ingrained in my mind (For better or for worse is yet to be determined). Meaning that I would really like for my parents to take me to college. (I'll avoid the sappy tear-filled memories from all the current/past students)</p>
<p>Here I go on again v_v le sigh ~ </p>
<p>The point of all this jumbled up jargon is this : Why does UofC start so late? And..is it maybe possible that I could arrive at the school earlier (Like before Labor Day) or something? I would work at the admissions building or help out wherever I could for free. I guess it's still not the same experience, since I'd be practically the only freshman student..But I want my parents there. What do ya'll think? (And yes I say ya'll, but I'm not southern at all, just a small quirk I have :p)</p>
<p>You’re right, we start ridiculously late. O-Week hasn’t even started yet!</p>
<p>We start late because we’re on the quarters system. We have one quarter before Christmas and two after. Because of this, we get out quite a bit later than most schools that start at normal times. I don’t think they’ll allow you to move into dorms early, but if you think about it, assuming you get in, your parents will have 4 months notice to get a day or two off. You could also consider flying, which -a lot- of people do with no problem.</p>
<p>I say “y’all”… but I’m from Texas.
Yeah from what I’ve heard it’s basically a combination of the quarter system and Chicago being “too hot” during August and early September (which I find preposterous considering I have to live in a place that seems to be stuck at 100+ degrees for 3 straight months).</p>
<p>It’s the quarter system not the weather. Most schools on the quarter system start late. The University of Washington, for example, begins Sept. 30th.</p>
<p>Yeah, I might ask my aunt, since she went with my mother and I to Chicago when we visited. I don’t know though, the shipping it and then flying sounds like it could work out well.</p>
<p>If you play sports in fall term, I think you move in middle of august. But ermm…yeah.</p>
<p>Anyways! Even though my parents are coming along, we are shipping my stuff and flying there (from Oregon, so not driving 30 hours or so…). A train is also an option. You can take, I believe, 6 bags on the train so that’s a good deal.</p>
<p>It think it will be nice to have my parents there, but I’ve talked to a lot of my fellow UChicago '13-ers and several of them are doing the ship/flying and train by themselves. So you wouldn’t be alone.</p>
<p>Hope something in there is considered helpful.</p>
<p>My friend moved to MIT from Ohio sans parents. It seemed to work well for her.</p>
<p>Even though I’m driving, my parents made it quite clear that they’re not sticking around after I get all my stuff moved in. I’m not exactly crushed.</p>
