<p>Also on the parent forum under parent cafe is a thread on college shopping lists, have fun!</p>
<p>My daughter has Verizon, I have Cingular. When we visited Peppedine a couple of weeks ago, we split up for a while. When I called to see where we should meet, the call went through fine. So it looks like Cingular (now AT&T, I think) and Verizon work OK there.</p>
<p>We haven't been to a family weekend, so I don't know how interesting it would be to your other children. But it is billed for the "family" so it would be worth it to see the schedule of events. October would be a much better time to see Disneyland. Spring break is so crowded... </p>
<p>I don't know how competitive the Study Abroad program is. I just know that you apply, there are limited spots, and not everyone is accepted. I am sure you will get all of your questions answered at the orientation.</p>
<p>Feel free to email me if you have any other questions...random or otherwise. I know that I had a ton...that is how I discovered this site a few years ago!</p>
<p>Another thing to make sure you do is get the meningoccal vacination, freshman living dorms are high risk. My D's good friend almost died this year, several weeks in the hospital, ventilator, etc. It was very scary. He has some residual health issues. Another friend's S lost a friend in his dorm to meningitis.</p>
<p>One more thing to take care of before arriving, please get the menogochial vaccine. My D was exposed to the virus this year and had to have mega doses of atibiotics. Her friend was admitted to the hospital and his parents were advised he may not make it through the night. Although it was very touch and go he survived with some residual health issues that may clear up. He was not Pepperdine student but had friends that were exposed at Pepperdine. USC has several cases 3 years ago. Be safe get the vaccine! Freshman fall into the high risk group. Check ou the Pepperdine website - health.</p>
<p>For cell service T-mobile and Cingular both use the same towers so reception is good everywhere except school buildings, but residential buildings are great. I recommend buying computers or at least ordering through the computer store. You receive amazing discounts on apple products. Such as iPods and macbooks, or macbook pro. These computers run both xp and os x. Get a notebook because pepperdine has amazing wireless service all throughout main campus!</p>
<p>JC, I was VERY familiar with one of the USC boys who came down with meningitis. He was the son of a friend. He passed away within 24 hours of showing the first symptoms. GET YOUR KIDS VACCINATED BEFORE LEAVING FOR COLLEGE!</p>
<p>Thank you blink for your comment, our kids sometimes think they are invincible!</p>