Pros and Cons? Is it worth the price and coming a week early? Also is the cruise worth it?
The cruise is supposed to be lots of fun and a great way to meet people in the first year class.
The Explore programs are a great way to meet new people right away! Plus the added bonus of getting to move into your dorm early so you beat the rush on Freshman Move in day! It gives you a chance to get familiar with the campus and get to see the city a bit before everyone gets there. I’ve never heard anything bad from anyone that attended the Explore programs, always lots of positive feedback. They fill up rather quickly so be sure to register as soon as they open.
The Cruise during the first weekend is very popular too and sells out.
The easiest way to settle in at college is to meet people and feel comfortable. Both of these events serve that need. Moving into your actual dorm room early helps you get acquainted with your new surroundings before all the hustle-bustle of everyone moving in. My daughter, now a senior, met some of her best friends at the Explore program and they are now living together off campus! These are wonderful bonding activities.
My son ended up registering for the EXPLORE: Hollywood South, thanks in part to the feedback on CC. He is going to skip the June orientation sessions, so hopefully this will allow him to get a feel for campus and meet some people before classes start. Now we have to decide if we send him down alone that Sunday before the official move in or go down with him both times.
The Explore programs are incredible! It let’s you have a chance to meet other students really early on and then have a cohort, essentailly, to go into classes with. I did the Ignite Explore program last year and loved it! I’ll be leading the Outdoor Adventure one but my boss has told me that one is already full. If you need any help on campus or figuring things out feel free to ask.
Yes, worth the price, coming early, and the experience. And for sure do the cruise, good grief. As a bonus, if your roommate isn’t coming early, then you get first choice on bed.