<p>There is a generic thread of this sort on the Parent's Forum, but I would like some particulars from any experienced Yale students or parents on what to expect, particularly as to moving a 1st year into Old Campus.</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>Moving day is pretty slick. Each residential college has a team of kids, dressed in t-shirts. They meet your car at the curb, load all your stuff on a handtruck and get it to your dorm room in about 5 minutes. Police direct traffic and will show you the way to a garage to park. I was really impressed by how easy it all was. Key pickup is held at one end of Old Campus (your kid doesn't have to be with you if they're still at FOOT) and there's a tent with drinks and some food. There's also a table for registering your laptop with campus security. Even though it's only been one year, I can't remember if the UPS trucks were lined up at the side of the road for those who'd sent stuff to Yale or if they weren't there until the next day. Maybe someone can help with that. (We didn't send anything via UPS.)</p>
<p>Is the "team of kids" actually Yale students (soph/junior/senior) who belong to the residential college of the shirt they are wearing so that the freshman are actually meeting upperclassmen in their residential college upon arrival?</p>
<p>Yes, these are upperclass students. The week before the semester begins is affectionately known as "camp yale". Many upperclass students return early to enjoy the campus, friends, and party.</p>
<p>Arrive early at the freshmen assembly to ensure that you get a good seat, or a seat at all. It is an experience not to be missed.</p>
<p>If there is any dead time (there won't be), go to Pepe's Pizzeria. Go on the off hours. Prime time there is always a long line. For carnivores, order the bacon and mozzarella. IMHO, the best pizza in the country. Maybe the world.</p>
<p>Yes, do go early to get a good seat at the freshman assembly. Also, the hall isn't air-conditioned and it can be pretty hot and muggy during August in New Haven. Pack a water bottle. Wear low heels, ladies, because you'll have to walk to the President's home after the assembly for the reception and it's a bit of a hike.</p>
<p>Should siblings come with the parents on move in day??</p>
<p>My parents were planning on leaving Friday night with my siblings. Is the assembly and reception something worth them staying overnight for? Can you give me an idea of what happens at the assembly?</p>
<p>The assembly is the formal welcome to Yale college. The only time the entire class congregates until graduation. The masters deans and administration process in academic regalia. Speeches by the president and dean. Levin is OK, Salovey I have never heard speak, but I suspect he is good. Former dean Richard Brodhead, now president of Duke, always gave amazing addresses, many of which can be found in his book The Good of This Place: Values and Challenges in College Education. Highly recommended.</p>
<p>Siblings will be bored. For parents it may not be their cup of tea. But it only happens once. The excitement in the hall is palpable.</p>
<p>The President's reception is just OK. Chance to meet and greet the dean and president for a few moments. Also a chance to walk through the president's house which is impressive.</p>
<p>We brought our younger son with us when we moved our older son in. Had no choice; we live hundreds of miles away. He was a big help, but I doubt he had a great time. He did like seeing where his brother was going to live. The freshman assembly didn't thrill him, either, but sometimes you have to do things with your family that aren't fun! Salovey is a good speaker and tends to be very funny. I think it's worth staying overnight to go to the assembly, but remember that hotels raise their prices that weekend, so you may want to stay a little farther out, like in Hamden or Meriden. </p>
<p>Other things you might want to know: there is a Staples and a Walgreen's within walking distance of campus and an Ikea a short ride away</p>
<p>about the assembly and reception...how should we be dressed???
i mean formal or rather informal????</p>
<p>Dress or nice pants for women; blazer and tie for the men (that's what the kids should wear as well). The hall for the assembly can be very warm; sit on the right side balcony (facing the stage) because the sun comes in through the windows on the left side. The reception is held outdoors, but you can go through the President's home.</p>
<p>okie</p>
<p>thanks for the tip!</p>
<p>Blazer and tie seems a bit formal for an assembly and outdoor reception. Is it requested anywhere in the materials that the attire should be jackets and tie? The formal invitation didn't address attire. I would think that most parents moving their kids in to a dorm wouldn't bring a blazer and tie and some freshman might not bring it either.<br>
What did people wear mostly in previous years? Personally, I would prefer to go casual and be comfortable but I want to dress appropriately.</p>
<p>Last year, everyone I was around opted for a nice dress or a dress shirt with tie (but no blazer). Most males were dressed in anything ranging from just a nice dress shirt and pants to the full blazer, formal attire...just have something nice ready just in case, and dress by what your Freshman counselor recommends, and the others around you are wearing. It's not important for the reception, and you will be sitting in a group with those who are under the management of your counselor, so just do your best to blend in.</p>
<p>Of course it depends on what extracurriculars your kid does, but my son has lots of opportunities at Yale to wear his blazer and even a suit. Having a suit at Yale saves him from having to rent a tux for his college's formal.</p>