<p>I don't know if this will help anyone, but I just canceled a reservation at the Inn at USC... dates of reservation covered both early move in for sorority rush (which d decided against) and regular move-in. We opted to use Marriott points instead. Now for the question... when should we expect the move-in packet, specifically the assigned time? DH is thinking we might be able to skip the Friday night hotel stay if d gets a late time assigned. Personally, I think he's crazy since we're looking at least a 12-hour drive! </p>
<p>Depends on dorm and what floor - higher the floor earlier the time to ease elevator use as day goes on. Easiest to move into are those dorms where you can walk up stairs or even access apartments from outside individual door (like horseshoe). Here is link to what website says: <a href=“http://www.sa.sc.edu/welcome/staggered-move-in-times/”>http://www.sa.sc.edu/welcome/staggered-move-in-times/</a></p>
<p>Only the tall buildings have anything later than 2pm. After that you can move in any time and you can pick up key until 9 pm. So you could drive the whole way Saturday, move in and just spend Saturday night. But when D was freshman, they had a meeting with RM Saturday evening and there is stuff to do on Sunday with convocation so you are really squeezing time, especially if you need a walmart or target run. Also, if takes longer than you think to get things set up. Getting there later makes it harder to have input on how room is set up although if roommate is rushing then she’ll have been there several days anyway.</p>
<p>How comfortable are you with USC? There are booths and information fairs set up that would be over if you wait too late. Personally, I would stay the extra night and not be as stressed, but my kids liked having me help set up - maybe yours just wants you to drop and go</p>
<p>Finally, in past they have also allowed move-in on Friday. I haven’t seen anything about it this year but if they do, you can go by when you get in on Friday if before 9pm and have D pick up key - one less line to wait in on Saturday.</p>
<p>Oh my gosh, thanks so much for that link! I thought we had to wait to receive the times in the mail. Unless the students get specific times within the 2-hour windows? </p>
<p>We’ve visited USC 3 times so I THINK we are OK with passing on info fairs, but then again, there is probably always something else to learn. </p>
<p>Where do they pick up keys? Russell House? </p>
<p>I’m with you about the extra night. Even if we get in late on Friday, we can get a good night’s sleep and attack Saturday fresh. Yes, I’m planning on helping my d set up her room and I’m fully counting on making a Walmart or Target run… for snacks and such if nothing else. I don’t think her roommate is rushing, but I’m not sure about the other two girls in her suite… they just got switched in so I don’t think d has had time to communicate much with them. </p>
<p>Thank you again for that link! </p>
<p>^^ I agree with the extra night as well…we always have an 11 to 12 hr drive (depending on traffic) and I am normally the one who moves my d in and out. I have found that after that drive, the last thing I want to do is try to move her stuff, so I always book the extra night to relax. I have never regretted booking the room…totally worth the money!!</p>
<p>OP if you look in move-in guide (online if you haven’t gotten it) there is a list of offices for different dorms. But on move in day you typically pick your key up at your dorm (extra people on hand), otherwise whatever area office your dorm is in. It’s nice to know where your area office is since that’s where you go if you lose your key or can’t get hold of RM to handle some issue. And students just get the two hour window. </p>
<p>To update, just got unloading pass in mail today. It has the name of dorm, the assigned move-in time and the location to pick up keys. D’s move-in time is not what shown on website but may be unique to her dorm because of where it is. Says unloading zone pass is good for stated time (2 hour window) OR anytime after 2pm. It is also good for Aug 15 or 16, so you if you plan to get to Columbia before 9 pm on Friday, you can pick up keys and maybe dump a load of stuff.</p>
<p>Thanks, scmom12. Nothing in today’s mail here. </p>
<p>^^ Just wanted to let you know that we got my d’s unloading pass today in the mail…(even though she is actually going a day or 2 later and really doesn’t need it.)… Just wanted to let you know OOS ones are on the way.</p>
<p>Good to know. Thank you for the info NJMOM3 !</p>
<p>Parking stickers arrived today in SC.</p>
<p>Ours came in Friday’s mail! </p>