<p>Hi everyone! So I'm an admitted Pharmacy student and, as evident from the title, I have a couple questions about Orientation. If these questions could be answered, that'd be great!</p>
<p>1) I'm out-of-state, and I'm considering going to the Orientation without my parents. The problem is, my family rarely travels and I'm uncomfortable travelling alone. I don't even know the basics of airports and flying. I'm afraid that I'll take too long to pick up my bagging, get lost, be late, etc. Is the airport in Boston easy to navigate, and is it safe?</p>
<p>2) I've read in posts before that the earlier you go to Orientation, the better choices you'll have in terms of classes and times. I already know that my schedule is pretty much fixed because I'm in Pharmacy, but I'd like a nice schedule with classes in the later part of the morning. The Pharmacy Orientation dates this year are in June and July. If I go to the July one, how limited will my choices be? </p>
<p>3) To clarify, if the student wishes to arrive early (aka the night before), there are no extra charges. But if the student AND her 1 or 2 free guest(s) want to arrive early, there will be extra charges because of the guest, correct?</p>
<p>For your first question, I haven’t found the airport to be too difficult to navigate. Airports generally have good signage. When you arrive, you just follow the signs for Ground Transport, and you can either take a shuttle to the Blue Line T or take the Silver Line. Transferring trains is also easy. You can also take a cab from the airport to campus, but cabs are pretty pricey in Boston. I’d definitely look stuff up ahead of time and make sure you’re comfortable, but I haven’t it found it too difficult. People will generally be wiling to help out if you have questions, too! As for safety, airports are about some of the safest places with all the security they have, especially after what happened this week. Taking public transit from there is also safe.</p>
<p>I heard the same thing for orientation, but because of what worked for me, I ended up going to orientation in August and didn’t really feel like I was disadvantaged. For required introductory classes that are big lectures, you don’t really get a choice. You might get to pick the time of lab sections, but I’m not sure. The other thing is electives, which it might be harder to get at a later orientation. Again, though, I didn’t have a problem. I’m not sure what you have in terms of electives for first semester pharmacy, but I’m betting 1 at most.</p>
<p>I believe that is correct in terms of the costs, though it’s been a few years. I arrived early and thought it was a good experience. They took us to a movie and had social events and my parents went on a tour of Boston.</p>
<p>If you are really uncomfortable traveling alone then maybe you should not go to a college where you have to fly to get there? During your 6 years you will be flying back and forth many times a year - is this something you are comfortable with?</p>
<p>Or maybe you SHOULD go to a college that requires traveling alone for just that reason! College learning is a lot more than just what takes place in the classroom. I’m betting, though you may uncomfortable at first, you will gain confidence and it will get easier every time you do it. Don’t let your fear of traveling cripple your choices in life. You are young and will have many opportunities to see the world…take that first step now.</p>
<p>And, since you were admitted to the Pham program, you are obviously intelligent and I’m sure you will be able to figure out how to navigate your way to NEU. Research the route online to make yourself more confident before you depart.</p>