<p>I worry about adjustment, specifically for incoming male freshmen. What's orientation like? What do they have to look forward to?</p>
<p>Again, I did not get to go through freshman orientation though I know quite a bit about it and I went through transfer orientation. Overall, there are a lot of activities in orientation and a lot of opportunities to get to know people both in and out of your dorm as well as a dance to help you get to know members of the opposite gender :). Overall, Notre Dame does a very nice job with their orientation and I think that you and your son (I am assuming here, sorry if I am wrong) will be just about as prepared for this as you can be by the end of orientation. I hope that helps. If she is around, get in touch with Docmom or send her a message because I know she really enjoyed orientation (if I recall correctly).</p>
<p>I'm not docmom, but I'll try and answer. We went through Orientation last year with our son (and will be heading out there again in August with our daughter).</p>
<p>I think ND does a really good job with Orientation - there is something for everyone. There are events for just parents, events for just kids, and some for both together. At night the dorms have events for their incoming freshmen, so the kids have a chance to be on their own and meet new people without parents being around. </p>
<p>The Mass on Sunday is tremendous - all the kids sit together, and the parents all sit together. The beginning of the separation process, I guess. It was really moving last year, and the music was beautiful. (I'm getting teary just thinking about it - with all those people, our son ended up sitting in the row ahead of us. I couldn't even look at him without tearing up). Then there is a box lunch, a mini pep-rally with the cheerleaders, Glee Club and Charlie Weiss - then everyone leaves. </p>
<p>By that time your son will have been there for two nights, will be feeling a little more comfortable, and hopefully you will, too. The first week out there is tough, but just stay in touch and don't get too upset about any discouraged phone calls or e-mails. He WILL adjust!</p>
<p>Thank you, thank you. I wonder, however, will the school send out notice to parents regarding orientation activities? I didn't realize that parents are to be included in some planned activities. I am thinking in terms of airline reservations, lodging etc... Is there literally a schedule of events?</p>
<p>There's a schedule included in your son's FYS course selection mailing. It's a black brochure in the back.</p>
<p>All I can say is do NOT miss ND orientation! I've been to orientation, junior parents weekend, and a football weekend every fall. All were memorable, but orientation was probably my favorite, if I had to pick, probably because of the positive emotions attached to the events. At the end of orientation, I was sure I was leaving my son at the best university in the world, and that he would be just fine. My son also had a great time, and he was decidedly nervous about it beforehand. My advice is to be sure to go, and then relax and enjoy the whole thing.</p>