Questions for parents who attended orientation...

<p>Did you spend most of your time with your child, or separate from him/her?</p>

<p>Any session I should be certain not to miss?</p>

<p>How much, if any, down time did you have?</p>

<p>Anything you wish you had brought with you that you didn't have?</p>

<p>Anything else you want to share? :)</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

<p>Did you spend most of your time with your child, or separate from him/her?
Parents have separate program from your kid, some parents still hovered around with them during meals. I’m not sure that’s a good idea. (They just met their new friends and classmates, and socially together)</p>

<p>Any session I should be certain not to miss?
Welcome speeches, financial seminar, medical presentation, co-op presentation……all are very good. Northeastern did an excellent job this time. I can see the dedication from both faculties and students (Can you imagine they have two students standing at entrance of a pedestrian bridge from Camden parking lot under 90 degree sunshine?). </p>

<p>How much, if any, down time did you have?
Depends on individual, I don’t have many.</p>

<p>Anything you wish you had brought with you that you didn’t have?
A Fan.</p>

<p>Anything else you want to share?<br>
These programs are phenomenal, other than the school orientation for two days, I walked around most of adjacent streets within 15 minutes from campus, so I can fell the surrounding environment myself, I talked to security guards at different parking lots, and they are all very friendly and helpful.</p>

<p>Great hints! We opted for the parent dorms for Sun/Mon for our July 27/28 orientation. Is there anything extra we need, beyond what you would need in a hotel? (Since $60/night per parent, I’ve assumed it has linens etc).</p>

<p>Structural - Thanks for all the great info.</p>

<p>I didn’t go, my husband did (I get to take him to school in the fall) but I think it was a tough experience for him. The school did a great job on all levels (he came home with answers to every question we had before attending) but I don’t think he was prepared to become obsolete so quickly! Our son met kids in his dorm, in his program and just in general that he fell in with right away and that was it for my husband. He was with the parents from Monday morning on. </p>

<p>Of course, we’re thrilled that it went so well and our son is now so excited to get to Boston in the fall, but be prepared, that’s all I’m saying!</p>

<p>Oh, and sheet, towels, etc all were provided. A fan is the only thing both my husband and son wish they’d brought along. Being from Boulder, we’re not used to the humidity.</p>

<p>wgoldner - thanks.</p>

<p>I’m expecting to become obsolete pretty quickly - lol. That’s why I was wondering about down-time for parents. I have friends in the area that I was considering meeting up with, but I didn’t want to short-change my son. It certainly seems, though, that I’ll be able to squeeze in a visit. Thanks, again.</p>

<p>Colorado_Mom, we lived in the Lenox hotel near the Prudential Center, so couldn’t tell you what you need in the West Village. However, my daughter lived in Speare Hall, where they provided sheets, a pillow, three towels, but no blanket or fan (No A/C for freshman), and the mattress was very uncomfortable. All three meals were covered at Stetson East or West for parents, which was very nice.</p>

<p>That’s great that parents get meals. From what I’ve read, we parents will be in dorms with A/C. Not so for son during orientation (so perhaps he’ll appreciate it when he gets his real room. </p>

<p>I told my son we could just say goodbye on Sunday night and let him on his own. He seemed pleased. </p>

<p>Keep the hints coming… we’ll be tired from a busy few days touring to see relatives beforehand. So it would be good if I had plans/priorities decided ahead of time.</p>

<p>I stayed in the dorms during orientation. They put the parents in dorms with ac so the fan wasn’t needed. Definitely not like a hotel though. Bring a book, you need cel phone for communication and for the alarm clock feature. The light switch is near the door so if you want to read in bed bring a flashlight or book light. The first evening the kids were occupied but the parents were definitely on their own so you want to bring something to do unless you know other parents who will be there.</p>