<p>I'm the first kid in my family to go to college, and I'm just wondering whether my parents should go with me to college. The problem is mainly that the college I'll be attending is approximately 2000 miles from home. So, parents, do you think it will be worth it for my father to go with me? Also, if he does come, should we drive over (thus bringing along all my junk) or fly over and somehow ship all the stuff...anyway, thanks for your opinions!</p>
<p>some schools have a parents program during orientation...just ask. When school begins any way to haul your stuff is ok.</p>
<p>Most colleges have some sort of orientation/welcome information sessions available for parents who are bringing thier kids to campus. If your parents drop you off on moving day they will be more than welcomed by the school. </p>
<p>Remember, this is a big moment for us as well as you so they will want ot share it with you.. Your parents must be exceptionally proud as you are their first to go off to college (so be gentle with Mom's raging hormones and crying jags over the next few months:)</p>
<p>Now as far as getting across country, it is all a matter of what your dad is comfortable with. For some it is a matter of economics and what is most cost effective depending on your situation. If he likes road trips, it may be a good time for the 2 of you to have a final bonding before you enter schoo. However, he then has the road trip back.</p>
<p>Stick around as suggestions on how to handle all of this stuff will definitely come up over the next few months.</p>
<p>Congratulations.</p>
<p>I think dropping a child off at college is a milestone, and one that your parents would like to share, if at all possible. It can be expensive to have the extra travel, but you might want to consider driving if at all possible. There is a lot of stuff to haul! Its okay if they/he can't go, but if possible, enjoy the milestone, and I'm sure they will too!</p>
<p>If your dad flies with you, he can pack light for himself and take on some of your "junk." Remember, though, don't bring too much. You may not have the space for it all.</p>
<p>You would probably find that you were just about the only freshman without a parent in tow. We parents can even be helpful, if nothing else just to haul stuff up the stairs to your dorm room.</p>
<p>Our school has things for the parents the first day (Sunday) and continues with things just for the students through out the remainder of the week. It's also timed fairly well so we can go up a day or two ahead of time to help move in and do some shopping locally as regulars here have suggested. We're going to so far it doesn't pay to move everything up.</p>
<p>And as Marite suggested, we'd already planned on packing an extra bag each for our S's stuff to minimize how much we're going to have to ship.</p>
<p>coffeecake -
At orientation, you'll get to march through the gates, and then there will be a ceremony - your dad might like to see that. Alternately, there is Family Weekend in October - if two trips in quick succession are difficult, he might have more fun seeing you all settled in on that one.</p>
<p>coffeecake, as the first kid in the family to go to college, I am sure your parents would really enjoy seeing you right into your dorm, meeting your room-mate, chatting with other parents, etc. I would not miss it for even my second or third in line.</p>
<p>Look through all your college information. Some schools do special family events, like barbecues on the lawns, concerts, etc. It does create a wonderful feeling of belonging for the entire family. If events are planned days apart, figure out what they would really like to be there for.</p>
<p>2000 miles is a LOOOOONNNNNNG road trip. Depending on the kind of airfares you find, it could be cheaper for 3 people to drive, this way your mom can go also. Our family has actually driven 900 miles without stopping the night, but this is with 2 drivers. Figure out the costs both by road and by air, if this is a deciding factor.</p>
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Figure out the costs both by road and by air, if this is a deciding factor.
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<p>With meals and hotel rooms, it may not be much cheaper to drive.</p>
<p>Your dad should definitely go with you. Most schools expect parents to bring their child to school, especially for that first year. That being the case, there are typically parent oriented events at orientation...some schools even have special "goodbye" meals or activities. I personally suggest driving. My parents came with me by air and we packed up all my stuff and put it on the plane with us. It turned out ok...but i couldn't help but envy the people who came with cars...</p>
<p>there will be enough freshman both with and without parents that you shouldn't feel self-conscious either way. As a parent, I wouldn't miss it for the world! My son's college has parent activities during freshman orientation, so I would expect that a lot of parents go. We also have a 2000 mile trip. We plan to fly, with each parent checking in an extra bag of son's stuff. We are going to try to make any purchases of new stuff either locally or over the internet so we aren't transporting it.</p>