<p>Greetings from China. On a business trip here that's kept me off CC for the past two weeks. </p>
<p>When we did dropoff two years ago, we did not leave town that day. We actually spent the next day shopping with our daughter. They find out about a lot of their needs AFTER they move in, and the U, contrary to rumors, does NOT ban parents from the area right after the "parting of the waters" at the gate.</p>
<p>Do expect ungodly traffic in Chicago anytime, with the Ryan construction. Also, the skyway, the formerly best way to Indiana and points east, is also a construction nightmare.</p>
<p>Good luck all. It is an exciting and lively time.</p>
<p>And good luck first years. Just remember that all the rumors about first year abuse are true.</p>
<p>Hi, newmassdad
glad to hear from you. "They find out about a lot of their needs AFTER they move in" - so true! We have have taken approach of shipping the large box of forgotten objects approach - 22 pounds worth this year.</p>
<p>And I thought year two would be less involved. Dorm room now has a kitchen... George Forman, toasters, pots & pans, etc. One nice find was at Target, a kitchen in a box. It features 75 (I hadn't realized so much was needed) critical items for $39.95. </p>
<p>newmassdad: enjoy China, I was there for a couple of weeks this past summer (my 4th trip in 6 years), it changes daily, I have come to love the it.</p>
<p>idad, China is fascinating. The cities are booming and so western already. The only downside I found was that sanitiation is still not up to western standards. I caught the "bug" my last day in Beijing, and spent my return flight in the bathroom. Not fun.</p>
<p>I managed to avoid it the last few times I have traveled to China. I guess it is because I lived on Hot Pot (everything personally boiled) and 12 cent heavily spiced lamb sticks purchased on the street corner (and similar cuisine). I learned to use my own chopsticks as well (brought the small disposables for my own use) since they often only rinse them off in questionable water.</p>
<p>S is happily ensconced into his 2nd year with two roommates, one a 2nd year friend, and another a newly arrived first year, for whom I have some sympathies (having to live with goofy S and his goofy friend). I wonder how often this is occurring this year given the overbooking?</p>