<p>I was wondering if most parents accompany their kids to UT orientation for Freshman, and whether it is really beneficial. </p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>There are some activities for parents while the students do their thing. I didn’t see my son much at all. I think it would be fine for him to go by himself.</p>
<p>I agree. I went along because I wanted a tour of the campus to see how it’s changed in the last 30 years! I also signed up for the Parents’ Association. What I remember most (from 2010!) was how MANY of the speakers, general and then engineering in particular, told us politely to back off and not hover over our kids! </p>
<p>I don’t live too far away, so I dropped son and a friend and then came back for them when it was done, a day or two later. Like ML I came early on the pick up day to wander around by myself and check out the campus. There are some nice museums. The boys texted me when they were done and ready to come back home. </p>
<p>And I got the same vibe, that parents would do best to back off! There are probably some parent activities scheduled. If not, you could explore campus and the city of Austin on your own. </p>
<p>Drop off at the start of school was even more interesting; the kids were soooo ready for us to go already. We parents were not quite ready to say good bye, wanting one more picture or one last meal. </p>
<p>Thanks for the input! I’ll see what she wants to do, but since we live far away, it might be nice to avoid the expense of another traveler. Besides, I get hives when I’m anywhere near Austin - A&M grad! :-)</p>
<p>@Gigem86, it’s big of you to let your daughter attend UT! My niece talks about going to A&M, and I’m not sure what my family would say! At least one person in each of the last four generations has gone to UT. My grandfather was an Aggie, though, so I will remind everyone of that!</p>
<p>I’m going over to Austin with him because he has to be there to register at 8:00 a.m. We will spend the night prior and then I’ll head home. He’s coming home with a friend. As much as I would like to attend the meeting with his advisor, I’m not gonna be that mom!!! Another Aggie who is trying to be a good Longhorn Mom. </p>
<p>As an OOS mom, I’m hoping there are info sessions for parents. UT is still a bit of a mystery to us and so the more I can absorb, the better. </p>
<p>Yes, Bennie, there are all sorts of info sessions for parents. Congratulations to your child!</p>
<p>I recommend joining the parents’ association. They are very helpful. It was reassuring to know I could call them if I had any concerns. They will have a table set up so you can talk to them during orientation.</p>
<p>Thanks for all the helpful info! It looks like I will be there as we will combine this trip with a visit with family. I see that there is a specific “Family Orientation” <a href=“http://www.utaustinfamilyorientation.com/”>http://www.utaustinfamilyorientation.com/</a> that parents can sign up for. It is scheduled for the first day only of the kid orientation. Mainelonghorn, when you talk about info sessions/tables set up for parents, are they specific to the “Family Orientation” or are they part of the overall orientation program? I don’t have a problem signing up for the Family Orientation, however I may decide to hang out at UT on Tuesday, rather than the Monday that the Family Orientation is scheduled.</p>
<p>Maybe this Family Orientation structure is new since you attended in 2010.</p>
<p>Good call on the parents association - that seems like a great resource for OOS parents.</p>