<p>My D is going to OA, so she is going to move in on August, 30. We, her faimily are bringing her there from West Coast a few days earlier and go back home as she leaves to OA; so, that is our only chance to help her with all the “moving-in” logistics. She recently found out that her dorm (Butler) won’t be open yet. So, here come the questions:</p>
<li><p>Where will the OA students put all their belongings for the week of OA? How much space will be provided to store their stuff in, where would it be and how safe it is (to store their “valuables” such as laptops, musical instruments etc.)?</p></li>
<li><p>How will they find out beforehands the size of their rooms? DD wants to have some “extras” added to her room furnishing such as shelves, storing bins, “ergonomic” computer chair etc. Is there a way to find out what exactly would fit into her room? There is a “floor plan” on Princeton web-site, but how reliable is it for figuring out the exact room measurements?</p></li>
<li><p>How “self-reliable” are freshmen expected to be in all this moving-in business? I mean, are the majority of them (expecially, non-atheltic girls ;))rely on their parents in all that heavy luggage bringing, assembling etc.? Or do they help each other? Is it unheard of a impractical lady to ask some strong guys to help with moving some heavy objects around? ;)</p></li>
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<p>Sorry for silly questions and worries. As this big event nears I try hard to plan all the logistics … and still can’t imagine how will all this work.</p>
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<li><p>I'm not sure about early move-in, but I remember that on move-in day you pretty much have time to throw your stuff in your room and go to OA orientation. Your stuff will be locked securely all week in your room. Also, they have safe storage boxes for all valuables like that. Your OA leader will collect them all right before departure.</p></li>
<li><p>The floor plans are pretty good. If you doubt them, I would wait until you move in.</p></li>
<li><p>There are some people around to help with move-in, for the exact reason you mention (Orange Caps, I think they are called). I think I'm helping out this year :)</p></li>
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<p>Good luck! It may seem overwhelming but it really isn't that bad. Then again, I didn't have to deal with a flight, but I'm sure you'll make it! :)</p>
<p>I actually suggest that your daughter goes to OA first with minimal luggage, enough for the OA trip and a couple of days of nice clothing for after OA, toiletries, the bare minimum. Have the family come in the week following OA with the rest of the luggage. You'll have time to go shopping to pick things up, help her move into her actual dorm room, and see the hustle and bustle of Princeton when all the students descend on campus.</p>
<p>I'm sure there will be plenty of people to help your D setting everything up - if Butler's not open yet, there will be many in the same boat.<br>
For those in other residential colleges, there is plenty of time to get everything in, unpacked, and set up before heading over to OA. </p>
<p>When we dropped my D off last year, we helped carry everything into the dorm room (and yes, we brought too much stuff, some of which will be left at home this year). She unpacked and set up and organized, and we even had time for a Wal-mart run. I had wanted to get a good desk chair for her, but she didn't want one, and the one in her room was just fine. </p>
<p>Each of the dining halls had a short program/reception for parents (since most wouldn't be back the following weekend for the parent meeting during freshman orientation). </p>
<p>A few hugs, and we left her outside Dillon gym with her hiking boots around her neck. (boots had to be looked at and approved at that first meeting - don't know what happens if they don't make the cut)</p>
<p>Also, the kids/parents will get an online trip schedule, letting you know what trip your child is on and where they'll be each day. She didn't have a backpack, but followed the OA packing instructions exactly. She had a blast, and will be a leader this year.</p>
<p>S is in a suite..how does he know which room is his...there are 5 singles and a double...of course, he'd love a single, but how do we proceed while considering his suitemates...is it first come, first serve?</p>
<p>foto2gem, I would wait until all the roommates are there. His RCA will probably send out an e-mail to the effect that they are supposed to wait until everyone is present to make a decision.</p>
<p>the new butler is not supposed to be open this year. So clearly it would be far from livable. </p>
<p>For suites, there is supposed to be a suite meeting with the RCAs the first day of orientation. However, most people unpack and that sort of ends up being the room. He should take the room that he wants, with the understanding that they switch midway through the year (or in thirds or whatever). Maybe if I were him I wouldn't take the best room, but rather the second best. Most people don't get totally settled pre-OA</p>
As this big event nears I try hard to plan all the logistics … and still can’t imagine how will all this work.</p>