What is the typical schedule looks like? The schedule is not published yet and I’d like to book flights and hotel now. Thanks!
As the below articles point out, Freshman Parent’s weekend is just another hectic weekend for students who usually have tons of reading and homework to do. As a result, parent’s should look upon FPW as a chance to get acquainted with Harvard, Cambridge and the city of Boston “by themselves” and re-acquainted with their newly independent son or daughter whenever it’s convenient for them. So don’t worry about “the schedule.” Book your flights with the understanding that your child will not have that much time to actually visit with you. But, when they do have the time, you will treasure whatever you end up doing: http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2014/11/experiencing-freshman-parents-weekend/
http://www.thecrimson.com/article/2012/10/13/parents-weekend-five-activities/
http://www.harvardindependent.com/2012/10/a-fresh-start/
Thank you!
Try to include the tour of Widener Library, and visits to the Fogg Art Museum complex and Houghton Library: all have fabulous collections.
My favorite exhibit was the glass flowers! We always went up to see our daughter when it was NOT the Parent Weekend. We did go the Freshman Weekend, but that was the only one. More enjoyable when it was not so busy!
Are there specific activities for parents for which we will need to register in advance? Will we be able to buy ticket for the football game? Any insight would be appreciated.
Parents do not need to register in advance for any activities for parent’s weekend. And, aside from the Harvard-Yale game, which occurs the weekend before Thanksgiving, there are usually plenty of seats for football games. But, you can always purchase tickets in advance: https://tickets.gocrimson.com/Online/default.asp?doWork::WScontent::loadArticle=Load&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::article_id=11B0DCD6-05AC-4759-AF95-70B184A3D972
If my memory serves me right, the tickets were free for freshman parents so I would hold off purchasing them in advance. Also, depending on the weather, you may want to do other activities instead. It was freezing when the sun went down the year we went so check the weather first and bring some warm clothes if needed. Have fun!