<p>I know it’s probably a little early for this…</p>
<p>But is attending even necessary/advantageous? I’m going to the Honors overnight at the end of March and will be doing some ‘welcome week’ whatever so basically–</p>
<p>WHAT’S THE PURPOSE/POINT OF NSO?</p>
<p>[And what happens if there’s no room for it in my summer schedule-- between final exams and travel plans?]</p>
<p>^Isn't orientation important for taking placement tests, meeting with an advisor and registering for Fall semester classes?</p>
<p>They do test you for math and language placement, but that can be done in the first week of school too. Really, Orientation is just a place to meet kids and learn the campus. I, like most people, don't hang out with the kids I did at Orientation. So....its kinda a waste of time. But, its something to do during the summer.</p>
<p>I did not do NSO and I really don't think I missed all that much. You will make plenty of friends during the first week of school (more than you can keep track of). So don't feel obligated to attend NSO. You might as well save that money for some better purpose.</p>
<p>In any case, I really warn you against participating in FSE or Discover DC. This is where the infamous AU money-gouging really kicks in. You pay the school $130 for letting you do volunteer work (what?) or tour the city you will be living in for the next four years (again, what?). Oh yes, food, transportation, and other expenses are NOT included. Pretty much all you get is a really poorly designed t-shirt which probably isn't even sweatshop-free. Really, I have no idea where the money goes. I suspect that if somebody actually tracks down where all the money goes, the result may not be so pleasant. I did FSE and it was not a life-changing experience as the school made it out to be and there are only two kids from my FSE group whom I still talk to. And we are far from being best buddies.</p>
<p>During the first semester, you will have plenty of opportunities to make friends, tour the city, and volunteer on and off-campus (the best and the easiest way is through DC Reads program). I advise you not to waste your $130 on AU's money-making scheme.</p>
<p>swmass again seems to have it right. I would advise that if you do not participate in FSE or Discover DC to at least come to AU early for welcome week. That way you will meet people early and not have to try and infiltrate cliques later(yes it can be that bad). I as well feel that I am being nickeled and dimed day in and day out at AU. Especially since your meal plan works out to be 12 dollars per meal for food that is, lets just say, not exactly gourmet.</p>
<p>LaLara~ this all depends on you as a person. some people want to feel they've seen as much as they can before it all begins to happen quickly in the beginning of the first semester. ideally, taking the time, without classes, activities, etc to settle in, is a good thing, but if your schedule doesn't allow for that, you can do it when you arrive. it's really about whatever helps you feel comfortable and adjust . and unfortunately, being "nickeled and dimed" is a way of life at most schools, especially those in big cities. you can eventually get into an apartment ( as most do by sophomore or junior year), shop at Tenley's Whole Foods and save on that meal plan! (which, again is the same if not better than the usual "gourmet" food of college! why do you think parents go nuts feeding their kids on breaks all across the country!):)</p>
<p>happycollegemom, considering AU is forcing all students to buy the 150 meal plan sophomore year it isnt really an option anymore until your junior year! Its pretty unreal.</p>
<p>Meal plan really makes me mad. This is where you get nickeled-and-dimed, AU style. Well, more like "getting dollared" considering how unreasonably expensive it is. What makes me really mad is that buying a meal plan actually costs more than paying cash to get into the cafeteria. I've never heard of any cases in which you buy a bulk of one good and pay more per unit than buying each unit separately. It makes no economic/business sense to me, but apparently, it does to AU and Bon Appetit. I am sure they make a good deal of cheap profit with this absurd practice.</p>
<p>By the way,</p>
<p>ryan2288,</p>
<p>75 meal plan is the minimum requirement for sophomores, not 150. Just pointing out :)</p>
<p>I still think this is BS, though. There ought to be no requirement for sophomores and above.</p>
<p>So guys, should I go with the 150-meal? And can you upgrade if it's not working for you (although i dont see how i could need more food)?</p>
<p>Also-- that 300$ thing? You can add to that right?</p>
<p>LaLara - - </p>
<p>The $300 in EagleBucks...can be added to whenever you want. It's refillable through your portal. Which means that anyone that you grant access to your portal can add eaglebucks. I'm giving my parents access so that if they are feeling generous...they can add more!</p>
<p>LaLara</p>
<p>Definitely go for 150 plan over 200 plan. With 150 plan, I had about 40 meals left over last semester, even though I used them furiously during the last three weeks of school. Right now I'm using my meal swipes as often as my stomach allows, but I am still not at the pace to use up all my swipes.
Unless you plan to join crosscountry team or something, you really don't need 200 plan.</p>
<p>And yes, $300 in EagleBucks are refillable anytime.</p>
<p>i agree with all of you about the insanity of the meal plans...i may be wrong, but i think freshman are automatically put in the 200 plan?!</p>
<p>for freshmen, if you don't put a preferred meal plan, you are automatically put into the smallest possible one for freshmen, which is 150</p>
<p>are you sure? that's not what the housing and dining site says.</p>
<p>Then I guess they recently changed the policy. The meal plan has been 150 for at least the past two semesters for freshmen. However, you should double check by shooting them an email or a call.</p>
<p>It's 150...</p>
<p>When I click on 'Select a Meal Plan' in my student portal, this is what it says (I will be a freshman this next fall)</p>
<p>"Freshman residing on campus may select from the Super, 200, or 150 Block Plans. Resident Freshman are required to be on one of these three plans. First year transfer students living on campus are also required to select among these three plans. </p>
<p>If a meal plan is not selected by 08/22/07, you will be automatically enrolled in the 150 Block Plan."</p>
<p>ok, i did some research on AU's website...this is for ryan and swmass i guess...first and second year students IN RESIDENCE at AU must buy meal plans, NOT those off campus with either family memebers or another off-campus housing option!</p>
<p>ok, i'm baaack! here's what the current AU website says: (under "Admissions,Dining & Meal Plans") ..."freshman who live on campus will automatically be enrolled in the 200 block plan...you may switch w/i 15 days..." and then i found, (for ryan and swmass) .." sophomores,juniors amd seniors have the option of choosing a meal plan, or NOT PARTICIPATE."</p>
<p>Happycollegemom...see my post above yours ;) My portal (for when I go to select my meal plan) says differently...perhaps they haven't updated on the actual AU website? I don't know anything about sophomore, juniors, or seniors though...just freshman.</p>
<p>ok Nicole~ just watch that it's the 150 you get! enjoy AU !!!</p>