<p>I think you’re fine not going back for Parents Weekend. It was sort of chaotic and to be honest, I didn’t think that the discussions, panels etc. were all that interesting. </p>
<p>And my son did PennQuest and I definitely think you should stay around if possible. Our year the kids got in pretty late (orientation had already started) and while he rushed off, I was able to buy him a few things we had forgotten about (plus it was nice to see him after the trip and while he’s usually pretty independent, he actually seemed reasonably happy that I was there).</p>
<p>You’ll need a car to get to Ikea, Target or BB and B. Nothing like that is nearby. The bookstore did have a fair selection of dorm essentials (lamps, storage crates, school supplies, etc.)</p>
<p>My daughter likes us to come for Parent’s weekend, but it is crowded and the programing is nothing special. Last year we went for Homecoming weekend instead, and had a really good time at the football game (H is an alum).</p>
<p>@momjr, are the beds in the quad the ones that have drawers/dresser built in underneath? We are thinking about bringing bed risers if they are they type of beds that can use them, but if the dresser is there then we obviously can’t.</p>
<p>I’m in the minority here. I would move S in on the early day (before Pennquest), but then not return on the “offficial” move-in day.Why put yourself in all that hectic mess? </p>
<p>Meeting the roommate/parents is not enough incentive for me to go back – in fact, it can get kind of weird. The students don’t know each other, and will probably be a little awkward with each other at first – but it gets better when the parents are not there.</p>
<p>I’d fly in a day before S was allowed to move in, and shop for anything he needs but didn’t cart with you. Then move him in, say goodbye, and send him off to Pennquest. Then maybe take all these side trips mentioned above, but not return to campus. But then again, I don’t like long, drawn-out goodbyes.</p>
<p>I’ll chime in too I have a daughter at Penn who just finished her freshman year. She didn’t move in early though. We flew in the night before, stayed at Embassy Suites in Center City (I highly recommend that hotel it was very nice, rooms were huge, all four of us stayed in one suite), then we took a taxi to the quad and moved her in the next day. (I also highly recommend taking a taxi. Let someone else drive and there is no parking to deal with.) All she brought with her was her clothing and bedding and her laptop. We met the roommates (two), their parents. It was sweltering hot and so crowded, we were glad to not be running around too much although we did end up having to go to two bookstores to get all her textbooks. The roommates brought so much stuff my daughter didn’t need to bring much of anything. She managed to cram everything into two suitcases and a carry-on - including sheets, comforter, bed cushion thing, and towels. We bought her some awesome luggage that holds a LOT and doesn’t weight a ton. The other parents were incredulous - “that’s all you brought???” </p>
<p>That night the school shuttled kids over to IKEA and somewhere else at midnight and the freshmen all get to go shopping on their own. She and her roommates bought some rugs and lamps and had a bonding experience. They didn’t need moms and dads making their beds and plugging in their computers. (my two cents)</p>
<p>We did take her to Walgreens and made sure she had shampoo, soap, etc.</p>
<p>The next day my husband and I and our younger daughter went sightseeing in Philly - LOVE that town, LOVE it. Then we met up with Penn-daughter for dinner. The next morning we left. We didn’t see her again until Christmas. </p>
<p>My daughter LOVES Penn. She LOVES it. I can’t say it enough. She raves about it. She didn’t even come home for the summer. She found a sublet, got two jobs, and stayed there. We are overjoyed by her independent spirit and so happy for her.</p>
<p>She’ll be moving into the high rises at the end of summer on her own - we’re not flying back out for that, she can do it herself - she’s already all grown up. :)</p>
<p>We’re from California too. Enjoy it, I hope your son loves it as much as my daughter does.</p>
<p>Parent of people, I don’t think that any of the beds in the quad have drawers or dressers underneath. I recommend bringing the bed risers, but keep your receipt just in case you don’t end up using them. We were able to raise the mattress on my daughter’s bed. We also used risers and she fit some stacked drawers and other stuff underneath.</p>
<p>Like Photop’s D, my daughter loves Penn. Your freshmen should have a great experience.</p>
<p>“I like the suggestion of going to DC or NYC and coming back. Your son will probably be fine, but it will be fun for you to be there for the first real day.” - Momjr</p>
<p>I am with Momjr.</p>
<p>If you are paying tuition and you want to be there on move-in day. . . be there on move-in day.</p>
<p>Had a son at Penn, we are also from California.
By all means, stay through move-in day.DH and I stayed a few more days exploring Philly after S moved in and since he was the last one out of the house, we were a bit reluctant to leave !</p>
<p>Don’t feel guilty about going back to Parents Weekend, having your son back at Thanksgiving and Christmas if you can afford it. We did all those all 4 years!! We treasured all those moments together since after graduation, you won’t see the kids that often. </p>
<p>We shipped two boxes (containing bedding and large items) to campus a couple of weeks before school started and the UPS truck was there distributing the boxes on move-in day. Apparently, they would keep boxes for you till then. We also rented a car to purchase other items after move-in. I suggest you stay at the hotels within walking distance to campus because it is just so convenient to walk back to campus to meet your son.</p>
<p>If you have the time and the money for this mini-trip, why not make it a good time for all of you. If the convocation is intended for parents too, that’s something I would want to attend. My son’s college had one for everyone and I found it very moving.</p>
<p>Drexel is on a quarter system and freshman don’t start until September 15th.</p>
<p>Again, thank you all for the great advice. I love the varying opinions as it gives me something to think about…what works for me and for my S. </p>
<p>collage1 - I will message you soon with more Hill questions. Thanks you!
momjr - Thank you…will keep that in mind.
coolweather - will look through that link…thanks!
qdogpa - Will keep that in mind as I make my plans.</p>
<p>So glad this link brought out so many Penn parents…</p>
<p>California Penn parents…which airlines have you been the happiest/unhappiest with regarding prices and actually getting to/from Penn.</p>
<p>We flew with United (I think) through Chicago in April and got stranded in Chicago on the way back due to thunderstorm. It was a mess…and I just saw a storm on tv in Chicago again…</p>
<p>I have actually read on-line that Philly is the worst airport to transfer through - but luckily for us it’s our destination We haven’t had any problems with United. We use a tiny airport and our only other choice is US Air which we hate but actually they can be fairly reliable too. My daughter just flew on Southwest for the first time from Philly and I asked her about it since I have heard so much about it and she said it was no different than United.</p>
<p>I do try to book direct from Philly to LAX or SFO and then to our tiny airport. I always avoid Denver and Chicago when booking because you hear about their delays. Although my daughter did go through Chicago on Southwest with no problem - in June. Phoenix has not given us any delays with US Air either - our problems with US Air have been in Boston with another child.</p>
<p>PhotoOp - Thank you. The flight we took to Philly in April was totally unexpected. My S was supposed to go to the scholars but was ill, so we ended up going to the last preview (4/18) as he really wanted to see the campus. I went with him and am glad I did…it’s so great to know where everything is and what different buildings look like. And it’s also great to know the feel of the campus (which he loved). We will be flying out of Sacramento and hopefully can stay away from Chicago.</p>
<p>Just thought I would update (I was CalifLaxMom)…flash forward to August and the hurricane.</p>
<p>We decided to go with DS early (Saturday) and am so glad we will…still not sure if we will actually go on Saturday or Monday…we are planning on staying until Friday and see the sights. Made moveable plane reservations (yeah!). Now the hurricane needs to stay away.</p>
I have a daughter at Penn who just finished her freshman year. She didn’t move in early though. We flew in the night before, stayed at Embassy Suites in Center City (I highly recommend that hotel it was very nice, rooms were huge, all four of us stayed in one suite), then we took a taxi to the quad and moved her in the next day. (I also highly recommend taking a taxi. Let someone else drive and there is no parking to deal with.) All she brought with her was her clothing and bedding and her laptop. We met the roommates (two), their parents. It was sweltering hot and so crowded, we were glad to not be running around too much although we did end up having to go to two bookstores to get all her textbooks. The roommates brought so much stuff my daughter didn’t need to bring much of anything. She managed to cram everything into two suitcases and a carry-on - including sheets, comforter, bed cushion thing, and towels. We bought her some awesome luggage that holds a LOT and doesn’t weight a ton. The other parents were incredulous - “that’s all you brought???” </p>
:)</p>