pre-orientation trips? Are they fun? Do lots of kids do them? Anything you have heard from older students? Thanks so much
My son who is now a sophomore did a pre-orientation program and loved it. He did the Deacon camp which teaches you about the history of Wake Forest and they show you around and get you familiar with the school. He loved it for a couple of reasons, first you get to move in to the dorms early which is awesome. because it takes you out of the craziness of move in day. He also felt like he started school knowing people which was a huge benefit for him as he was a little on the shy side. I would highly encourage it but it isn’t a detriment if you don’t do it.
@lbf Thank you!! Have you heard anything about the wilderness trip?
S is also a sophomore at Wake (and loves it!). He didn’t do a pre-orientation camp but knows many who did. They all seemed to like it regardless of theme. Was a good way to meet people ahead of orientation, get settled, etc.
However, orientation was great and essentially served that same purpose several days before classes. They have put together a very active program with tons of activities designed to help you meet people, get settled, etc. I’ll never forget how happy and settled in S was just a day into orientation. We stayed one day (they have some parent programming - we left half way through that as we needed to get back and let him start his journey). Essentially after moving him in, buying some more things, and taking him to lunch he was scheduled non stop for the next several days.
You’ll be fine either way! Best of luck.
Go Deacs!
Thank you @rickle1 I was wondering about orientation, and you answered that question. One more if you’d be so kind. Is there any way to have a better shot at getting into one of the new residence halls (South or Angelou)? Is it first come, first serve or how you answer the questionaire? Any info about housing would be great. I know that can’t pick roommates, which is fine. That’s how they did it back in my day, and my roommate became a great friend.
it is (at least it was 2 yrs ago - don’t think it changed) completely random. S was in Babcock which turned out great for him as it was very social, had a cool roof deck where kids would hang out, etc. I’m sure there were some negative situations but from what he tells me, most people were just fine with their room mate and the dorm. He had a very tight group (about 10 guys and 5 or 6 girls) that did everything together. They are all spread out over campus sophomore yr, but they are still very close.
Good to know. Thanks again @rickle1 The people in the dorm are alwys more important than the dorm itself.
D participated in Deacon Camp, moved in her dorm (Angelou) early, and met her best friends in school to this day. I highly recommend participating in one of the pre-orientation camps. D and her mother drove her car to school with a partial load of dorm gear, then Mom flew home. Mom and I came the next week with the rest of her furnishings and participated in the orientation activities, which were very well organized and had both parent and student tracks.
@citymama9 I have heard the wilderness pre-orientation camp is really great and kids love it. I agree with @rickl1 I think they are all good. They do a great job of orientation like @rickle1 mentioned so the kids adjust pretty well in general. We also left when the parent stuff was over to let him get started on his journey. He was thrilled I was a mess 
It is all random for the dorms, just the luck of the draw. My DS was in South and really liked it but thought some of the other dorms were more social. I think they all have their benefits and drawbacks. It is great that they are all near each other and my son had friends in all of the dorms. It all works itself out!!