<p>What about that new service, Shuttle2LAX.com. They have been advertising like crazy. It is a flat rate no matter where you go from LAX. $20</p>
<p>Maybe that is cheaper than the other guys?</p>
<p>Thanks for suggestions so far; very helpful. I need some more advice!</p>
<ol>
<li>Son does not yet have luggage. Would duffel type luggage (thus collapsable and I am imagining he could slide it under his bed) be easier to store in USC dorms rather than other types?</li>
<li> Son does not yet have bedding for dorm. Comments on comforter (big and bulky for suitcase) vs quilt vs just a blanket (warm enough)?</li>
<li> Flying back for spring break - do most freshman leave that week? If not, is food served in cafeterias? Is it better to book flight for the first Saturday of spring break to come home (rather than Friday)? Do students like getting back to USC on Saturday vs Sunday (ie to have a day of adjustment)?</li>
<li> Flying back home after spring semester - Exams are 2-9 May. Move out by May 11. To me that suggests flying back on May 10. Comments?</li>
</ol>
<p>thanks for all suggestions. This has been SO helpful. Obviously my first child to leave home…</p>
<p>Having a collapsible rolling duffle is a GREAT idea. We had S come up with that as well as a hand carried piece of luggage and a backpack as his personal item. It stored easily in the dorm, taking hardly any room at all.</p>
<p>It’s pretty easy to get bedding at USC–they have buses from campus to Target & I believe other nearby stores. We chose to buy XL twin sheet set, which we brought in our luggage for S. We also bought a comforter when we got to campus.</p>
<p>I would wait a bit before booking flights for spring break of next May, since he may have other plans he wants to pursue & changing flight plans can get pretty expensive. If you don’t know whether he’ll have classes on Friday, you won’t know if you could even book a flight on Thursday after his last class either. My kids have never come back to HI for spring break–they have stayed in LA or gone to SF or flown to the East Coast or gone camping with friends. Similarly, when I was a student, I always figured out what to do during my Spring Break and it never involved flying to see my hometown. As a freshman, S did stay on campus during his 1st spring break & have no complaints.</p>
<p>D says that at least one dorm does serve food during Spring Break, as well as a lot of other places on and near campus. All dorms come with a mini-fridge & microwave as well.</p>
<p>@growsuptofast
You can do a lot of shopping at your local Bed Bath & Beyond (using coupons) and then pick everything up at any Bed Bath in LA. If the LA store you selected doesn’t have an item, they will ship it to that store for you at no charge. Worked out great for us since we could leisurely shop at home & have all items boxed & ready to go when we arrived in LA.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>A duffle is fine, but I always had a regular rolling suitcase and I used it to store purses, boots, heavy winter clothes, etc. under my bed when I didn’t need my suitcase. You can really get away with any time of suitcase if you use it efficiently when it is stored away.</p></li>
<li><p>I think USC also has a service where you can order the bedding before you come to campus and pick it up on move-in day from the company by your dorm. I am not sure if this is still offered, though.</p></li>
<li><p>I went home for Spring Break freshman year and brought my East Coast friends home with me – but this is only because I lived in Northern California, so the plane tickets are cheap. It really all depends on the kid, where their family lives and if the family can afford to fly the student home.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Many freshman either go home, go stay with friends, or have their parents visit for the week. I started staying at USC over Spring Break my sophomore year.</p>
<p>A lot of kids also travel to places like Mexico – but that was never my thing.\ and my parents would have KILLED me if I tried going there anyway!</p>
<p>The dining halls are open – but I do agree that you shouldn’t book a flight until your son’s second semester schedule is confirmed in October/November. Same goes for move-out day, since he won’t have an idea when his finals will be until Spring semester. Also, he should just fly home on move-out day, not before, since if he has a final on the 9th, there might not be enough time for him to clean and pack.</p>