<p>Well, after 18 months of college searches, visits, applications, essays, more visits and endless lists of to-dos, S1 is off and on his way to UVa (this week for Band camp). Doesn't seem that long ago he was getting on the 1st grade school bus. </p>
<p>Good luck to all incoming 1st years. You are fortunate enough to have been given a true gift: the rare opportunity to be a part of the experience and tradition that is UVa. More than 3.4 million seniors graduated from high school in the US in June. You are one of the 0.1% who has earned the opportunity to go to UVa. Take the time every now and then to just stop, look around, and take it all in. Four years seems like a long time now - it will fly by. Make the most of it - enjoy it all!</p>
<p>^^^grp2013…as the father of a Cavalier Marching Band alum, make sure you take in a few pre-game band practices. It’s a real treat that will make you proud.</p>
<p>And to echo grp2013’s message to the incoming class…these will be the best four years of your life…enjoy!</p>
<p>grp2013…good luck to your S - both at band camp and for his first year. We’ll be leaving for Charlottesville on Thursday - for S to move into the dorm on Friday. I have to admit, we haven’t even started to shop, pack or even think about what he needs. Today is his last day of work - so we can get started this weekend. I guess we’re running a bit behind, but the lucky thing about boys is that he really doesn’t care what he brings. He is excited and ready to start…and we’re glad to be joining the UVA family!!!</p>
<p>LOL shoebox!! We still haven’t started shopping or packing - going to Target today!! Three days and counting…time to focus I think!! At least the car won’t be overpacked!!</p>
<p>Good luck! Because we had to do it a week early, our list just kept growing and growing. And, lucky for him, now mom and dad get to pack it all up without him! I think putting it all in big green garbage bags covered in duct tape and labeled “Sweetie Pie” will be a fitting way for his peers to see his stuff arrive! We have to get our fun in where we can. :)</p>
<p>Actually, a good idea for you parents would be to find something sweet to pack in a box that he/she will be forced to unpack. Whether it’s some favorite treats, a movie, a card with a Starbucks card (or Bodos!! Seriously, all you’ll hear eventually is Bodos…), or even a nice jewelry piece for the ladies, it will mean a lot. It’s a nice reminder that parents will always be there for us kids :)</p>
<p>Oh and goodies boxes are always appreciated, especially if it can be shared ;)</p>
<p>Grp2013 - love the garbage bag idea!! Sounds perfect!!
shoebox - S already told me we have to go to Bodo’s on Thursday - which surprised me…thought for sure he’d pick a Gus Burger!! Great idea about packing a surprise!!</p>
<p>I’m happy to say that we finally went to Target!!! This is so different than when my first S went off to college three years ago - and we started shopping and packing early. That was back in my organized years I guess…since then, I’ve learned to wing it!!</p>
<p>grp2013…I stayed at the Doubletree last weekend while I was helping my daughter with her move in; you can imagine my surprise when I arrived to discover the UVA band was staying there as well. I was only there at night, and was pleased that the noise level wasn’t bad. I hope your S has as much fun as our D has had. She’s beginning her senior year, and it seems like yesterday I was asking all kinds of advice from Hazelorb, shoebox, Dean J, etc. Cliche, I know, but time really does fly. ;)</p>
<p>Good Luck to all new students ! S recently graduated from the masters in commerce program and loved the program, the school and whole Charlottesville experience. You are all very fortunate enjoy your time there it will be over before you know it!!!</p>
<p>Well, our job is now done! Move-in is over, we’re back home, and S is beginning his UVA life. I have to say, move-in was very well organized, kudos to UVA. We arrived early, about 9:30am, and drove right up, unloaded and started setting up. Of course the pouring rain was a bit of an unnecessary bonus, but it just added to the experience. :)</p>
<p>Move in went well for us too. We moved everything in bright and early Friday morning before the rain came - lots of greeters to help carry the boxes…all were very happy S was on the first floor!! We did get soaked walking to the bookstore, and our trip to Harris Teeter came during a massive downpour (I should add that the weatherman promised us sunshine LOL) - but it all worked out fine. I stayed yesterday and went to lunch with S and heard all about his first night. Then I went to hear President Sullivan’s Welcome Address. S has been busy meeting people and attending various events. It’s so nice to see how happy he is and what a perfect decision he made with his choice of school.</p>