<p>Trying to decide if I want to go along or just let DS spread his wings and go alone. He says he plans to ditch me anyway - I think he means that nicely somehow - so perhaps my $$ and time would be better spent another time. </p>
<p>He is going during the first week of June, anyone else going then??</p>
<p>I’m going June 10-11!</p>
<p>@colobamamom - I highly recommend you attend orientation with your son. From the first welcome session they separate the students from the parents, which is a great way for the kids to spread their wings. There are informative sessions for parents and a nice luncheon where you meet other parents. My sons (we’ve done OSU orientation 3 times!) stayed in the dorm and I stayed in a nearby hotel. The kids have evening activities and I enjoyed a quiet night by myself.</p>
<p>You meet up at the next morning session (I brought him breakfast which he appreciated) then you separate again. It’s also a good time to set up local bank accounts,etc. so it’s good to have a parent there. I thought OSU does a great job with orientation and we really enjoyed it. IMO you should attend with him…</p>
<p>I will be at orientation June 5-6. From a different perspective than Bearvet, I don’t really think there is any reason for a parent to attend orientation–aside from sharing the experience with your child and seeing the campus. With a campus the size of Ohio State’s, I personally think it is a good experience for your DS to truly feel like she is on her own there before she actually is for an extended period of time in the Fall. </p>
<p>I will be there June 3-4, I am going (as a student) by myself. My mom went with my older brother who attends OSU as well and we all determined it really wasn’t necessary to pay for her plane tickets there and back for something she has already been too. Granted, I will have my brother there to help me around. But overall I don’t think it is necessary for parents to go. </p>
<p>Colobamamom, are you perhaps from Colorado? We are also. If so, what made your DS choose OSU? DD got good merit money, loved the feel of the HUGE campus, like FisherDirect initiative, got into Intl Scholars program, and is almost decided, but not quite there yet. Just wondering what helped ya’ll decide OSU?</p>
<p>I am a student and will not be attending until July 7th due to a vacation during my recommended week. Is anyone else waiting until July!?</p>
<p>DS as well as his father and I are attending July 7th.</p>
<p>@KS1996KS - look like my son will be there the same time, June 3-4, going solo as well. He opted to do that and use the money saved to go for one of the summer orientation adventures. He is staying over the night before in the dorms too, since he will have to fly in a day early. </p>
<p>@crazymom1 - yep Colorado! Mostly he likes OSU because it is nowhere near family, but the merit money did help sway him/us. FisherDirect was another positive. He loves the big campus feel and just can’t wait to be there. (We are counting down too.) He had a better package at another large university but ultimately his desire to be different led him to decide OSU. PM if I can help …</p>
<p>I’m going June 3-4 too. But since I live in Columbus, you can best believe my parents will be there. I’m not complaining though, they’re alright (lol jk mom I love you). But I’m excited about the orientation and I would recommend out-of-state parents to go with their students, even though it may seem expensive. And besides they have four years to live on their own, parents should go check out the school and share this experience with their students. </p>
<p>Minimax3, I think we’re waiting until July also, even though my DD is in scholars & those orientation dates are all in June. We scheduled a vacation for much of June, and so will have to wait til July. Does it matter?</p>
<p>DD and I are going the first week of June. She is only 17, excited but a bit overwhelmed with all of it, and would like support. And perhaps some of the paperwork will need parent signature since she is still a minor. Also I am myself an OSU grad, 30 yrs ago, and I get such a kick out of seeing all the campus changes. The campus is totally transformed. (Plus we only live an hour away from the campus so travel expense is not an issue).</p>
<p>Looking at July 8 & 9. S accepted in business. Looks like the timing will work. Coming from OOS. S will participate in the whitewater 4 day trip described as a First Year Experience. That trip takes place from 7/10 to 7/14.Since we don’t know anyone it seemed like a great way for him to meet some incoming freshman. On 7/14 I think he’ll fly back to NY. </p>