<p>Just had a wonderful experience at freshman orientation. Thought I would share a few observations. We stayed at the Courtyard Marriott near Hanes Mall. Good location with chain restaurants like Olive Garden and Red Lobster nearby. Also very close to Target, Home Depot, Lowe's, Kohl's, etc., which are all located on Hanes Mall Blvd. About 10-15 minutes from campus.</p>
<p>The dorm room was better than I expected. While small, (ground floor Bostwick Hall), it worked well with the beds bunked and up against the wall, leaving the center of the room free. Saw that many students lofted the beds. Closet was bigger than I expected - they each have their own side - plenty of shelves also. The built-in bureau gave them 5 drawers each. The desks have 3 drawers and shelves - so I felt it was enough storage space - at least for boys! </p>
<p>They sell every kind of storage item and rugs at orientation. I would suggest not bringing too many storage items until you get there and see what you need. I saw numerous people taking portable drawers and such back to their cars. We purchased a 5 x 7 rug at Home Depot for $20. The printer issue was the most confusing thing. Many freshman were buying printers. We went out and bought one as Best Buy - and ran into a tech person on the way in who advised us to not open it and save the receipt, as we might decide to return it. He explained that the school stopped giving out printers this year because many students do not use them. They e-mail their papers to their professors and go to the library or the copy center when they do need to print. We asked son's RA about this and he agreed - he did not have a printer in his room. So, left printer in box and asked son to see how the first week of classes went and then decide if he wanted to set it up or to return it.</p>
<p>Move-in itself was pretty orderly. We had to wait in line about 15-20 minutes before getting to Bostwick Hall. We then unloaded the car quickly and moved the car to a parking lot. There were many people there to help carry things in. Picked up laptop later in the day - technology people stopped by the room several times to see if laptop was being set up ok or if son needed any help.</p>
<p>As parents, we had 2 orientation sessions on Friday and plenty of chances to ask any questions. Nice picnic lunch served outside. Overall - very good experience. Now, just waiting to hear how registration goes tomorrow and Tuesday.</p>