<p>I attended the parents' orientation program today. We did a lot of walking in very high heat. Bring a water bottle. They gave the students water bottles, but not the parents. </p>
<p>Ours was an unusually large orientation group, so we might have been in different buildings/rooms than most orientation dates. There might be less walking on other dates. I'm not sure.</p>
<p>Parking is very far from the program is held. You'll walk clear across campus to get back to your car. A bus was provided in the morning, but there is no bus at the end of the day. </p>
<p>If you will need transportation due to disability/illness, call the Orientation Office ahead of time. There was a grandparent today who really needed a ride back to her car after lunch. The orientation staff was able to provide a golf cart ride, but it seemed they only do it for unusual circumstances.</p>
<p>Parent orientation was very informative. I recommend it. Even though I attended orientation for my older child a few years ago, I still learned a lot.</p>
<p>Thanks for the info. I am going with my daughter this coming Monday. What time does it wrap up?</p>
<p>I think UMD is one place where the freshman do not gain 15 pounds, due to all of the walking.</p>
<p>Yep you get a lot of walking in, especially your first few years when you’re still doing core courses. Last year I had to walk from Susquehanna to Physics and then from Physics to Van Munching twice a week. Once you’re mostly doing major courses you’ll spend all your time in one or two buildings haha.</p>
<p>On day one, the parent portion ends around 4:15ish and then they tell you meet up with the students at 4:50 in front of Cumberland (I guess to say goodbye for the night?), but the kids get back to the dorm in staggered groups, so yours could get there right at 4:50 or a little closer to 5. I saw a lot of parents were spending time talking with their kids at that point, but I didn’t. </p>
<p>On day two, the student portion gets the kids back to the dorm/Cambridge community at staggered times, starting from 2:30 on. The last thing they do is take the photos for student ids, so return time depends which group your student is with and how fast they walk back! Mine didn’t get back to the dorm until close to 3, so don’t be surprised if you have to wait a little bit…</p>
<p>I agree with momofapplicant -Maryland runs the orientation VERY well for the parents, so it definitely is worth going! I’m still laughing over a particular video…</p>
<p>Oh, and for fans of the Dairy, summer hours are in effect so they are only open from 10-4.</p>
<p>Have fun!</p>
<p>Thanks momofapplicant and maryversity. Much appreciated.</p>