<p>I was just wondering, the Caltech new student information guide (the red booklet) says that the general check in is from 9-12pm on September 17th. Does that mean that people won't be able to check in after noon?
What if say, you're from the East coast and have to take a 8 hour flight (granted there is a 3 hour difference) over and you don't really want to leave for the airport at 3AM. Would the only other way be to come a day beforehand? Does Caltech provide a one night housing thing on the night of the 16th?</p>
<p>I arrived late, at about 2pm. You'll miss official registration but you can still pick your stuff up at the Center for Student Services. Just send out some e-mails and ask about where you should go to pick up stuff.</p>
<p>If you look through the housing section of the new student information guide it does look like you can arrive a day (or more) early. There are per night charges shown in the book. So if you want to come a day early, email the housing office and see what you need to do to get a room early.</p>
<p>Yes, you can arrive early, and I personally recommend it. If you show up late, it's true that you only miss official orientation activities, but I found that it was a big benefit to slowly ease into Caltech, get a chance to settle in.</p>
<p>Keep in mind that I was a preseason prefrosh, which meant I arrived a month early, but it was one of the most fun times that I have spent here.</p>
<p>In terms of talking with Housing, Tim Chang is the Director and quite helpful when it comes to dealing with problems. I personally prefer working with Marie or Maria when it comes to room situations.</p>
<p>If a student arrives early, will he be assigned to the room he will have through rotation, or are those rooms not assigned until the beginning of orientation?</p>