Guessing we’ll have to book one night as we are out of state and wouldn’t want to drive both ways in one day. Is there any point in hanging around more than a night, or will the new students be occupied with activities as soon as they are dropped off? thanks
Found this on the universityparent website. It’s old, but probably still holds true.
Move-In Day for first year students is Thursday, August 21, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. You may arrive to help with move in anytime during those hours. If necessary, family members should make arrangements now for overnight accommodations. Activities for students begin on Move-in Day at 5 p.m., and family members should plan their good-byes based on that schedule.
Miami offers several pre-orientation programs (such as U-Lead) that allow your child to move in several days earlier, avoiding the craziness of move-in day, and more importantly provides the opportunity to meet other freshmen in a structured program. It will also highly increase your chance of finding a hotel room in Oxford as opposed to 30 to 40 minutes away. Whether you do a pre-orientation program or arrive on move-in day, one night is enough since MU will keep your freshman busy. Here is a link to U-Lead, you may want to call admissions to learn about other options:
http://miamioh.edu/student-life/student-leadership/student-opportunities/retreats-conferences/ulead/index.html
I have found that all the hotels in Oxford are booked for 2015 move-in dates already (which I believe is August 20). Looks like we’ll have to stay about a half hour away in Hamilton/Fairfield or other surrounding areas.
Actually, was just able to get a room at The Marcum…I had checked a couple of weeks ago and there seemed to be no availability at the Marcum or Hampton Inn, but this just opened up.
Glad you got a room nearby. Although closer, I think you’d prefer to be in Northern Cincinnati over Hamilton or Fairfield…depending on which direction you are driving in from. It’s only a 20 minute drive on 27N from the I-275 loop.
I’m a freshman right now. My parents (and most) only stayed for a few hours to help move in. The rest of the day my roommate and I unpacked, went to some mandatory thing, and went out that night. Most parents are gone within the first couple of hours of move in, but I guess if your son or daughter is going to be really homesick, it doesn’t hurt to stick around! The first week was so crammed with things to do, and you’re trying to meet a ton of people and unpack your room, so there isn’t much time to be homesick anyways:)
For those looking for a room for move-in weekend, try some of the bed and breakfasts. We have stayed
at the Rossville Inn, in Hamilton, and the Plas Cadnant, in Shandon ( Hamilton ). Both are no more than
20 minutes. Both are lovely places to stay. We didn’t find Plas Cadnant until commencement weekend
last year ( my daughter graduated May 2014 ). We usually stayed at a B&B in Eaton, but I turned
down an offer, as my daughter thought that she would not be able to graduate until December. Unfortunately, that
B&B is no longer in business. The Plas Cadnant, in Shandon/Hamilton, is owned by a wonderful Welsh/British
older couple. It is a historic house with a lot of character, in a rather rural area. The Rossville Inn is close to downtown
Hamilton. It also is a historic home. Both should be listed on the Miami admission site. We always enjoy staying in
B&B’s when possible. We did the same in New Orleans when my older daughter was at Tulane University. They are
just so warm and welcoming. And it’s nice to find a place that you can be a regular during the college years.is
During our 4 years heading to Oxford, about 90% of the time we could not get a room in town. We loved the Staybridge Suites in West Chester - about 35 minutes away. Jag’s, a fantastic steakhouse, is across the parking lot.
Edit - some other nice things about the Staybridge. The indoor pool and hot tub are open all night - great for relaxing after move in!! Free washers and dryers for guests! You just need to bring your soap or buy it at the front desk. True story - this is great for when you find out that your returning sophomore stuck a wet bath towel in a clothing box at the end of freshman year just before the campus movers took the box to storeage for the summer! At the Staybridge you can get an affordable one bedroom or two bedroom suite - great for traveling with family members. And finally, a great free breakfast.