I’m an international student from Italy and I’ll be studying at UDel in the fall. My mum and my brother were planning on coming with me and assist me while I settle in, but except for move-in day, I feel like I will be really busy and I won’t have time to be around them. Given that it takes 10 hours to get to Philly and that a flight from Italy and back costs around $2000, my mother wanted to stay with me for at least 10 days. Would it be too much? Would the presence of my family interfere with whatever freshmen do when they get to college?
If you are staying on campus, most campuses don’t allow parents to stay with you, particularly if you have a roommate.
Yes it is too much time. Maybe if you arrive a week early, she could help you move in, check in with you the secon day, and then fly out. That would seem reasonable. But sticking around after classes start just isn’t logical.
Agree with @NEPatsGirl. You won’t be able to focus on classes and making friends if your family is hanging around. Much better for them to come later in the fall, either when you have fall break, Parents Weekend, or Thanksgiving break. US parents leave the day after move in at the latest (most leave the afternoon/evening of).
There is a really nice Courtyard Marriott on campus where your family can stay during their visit. International students are probably able to check in early, so perhaps having your family with you those first few days will be a good idea since most students don’t arrive until regular check in. I agree with the other posts–10 days seems much too long, but University of Delaware is in a great geographic location for family to visit Philadelphia or Washington, DC after they drop you off, or if you are comfortable perhaps they visit later in the semester. Check in with the International students office to see what they have planned and what they recommend. I am very excited for you! Best of luck 