<p>So, as an international student who lives a good 14 hour flight from NYC, I just wanted to get some things sorted. </p>
<p>I've decided to partake in the PREPARE program, because everyone seems to be recommending it to me. Just wondering if it's worth it? Even if it isn't I think my dad would prefer it because it means he can be back home before Eid (Islamic holiday). Move in day for PREPARE is 14th August, as opposed to the 19th. </p>
<p>So we plan to head off on the 9th, fly direct to NYC JFK and then get to Newark somehow and get a flight to Ithaca, head off to the hotel and rent a car the next day. </p>
<p>Then pretty much plan to spend the 11th relaxing. </p>
<p>As I will only be traveling to university with clothes, we plan to spend the 12th and 13th shopping for essentials that I may need, opening up a bank account, getting me a phone etc. Was wondering if that is enough time? And if anyone could provide me with an idea of the sort of thing I do need, I'd appreciate it :p </p>
<p>14th is move in day and my dad intends to stay on the 15th as well to make sure everythings ok, before heading off on the morning of the 16th. </p>
<p>What does everyone thing? Any major flaws in my plan? Anyone thing I'll regret missing out on the experience of regular move in day?</p>
<p>I think it is a pretty good plan, your dad probably would enjoy few days in Ithaca, the weather should be pretty nice and the lake is beautiful. With that being said, you should book the EWR to Ithaca flight as soon as possible. because those planes have limited space. Another airport to get into is Syracuse. I wonder if you could get a connecting flight from JFK to Syracuse because EWR is quite far from JFK, but they do have a bus shuttle between those 2 airports. Reserve a car as soon as possible.</p>
<p>As far as what you will need, you could order most of the stuff online at Bed, Bath & Beyond, and pick up the stuff at the Ithaca store when you arrive. You will need extra long sheets, fan (air purifier), lamps, long power extension cord(s). My kid didn´t need a printer. Search the forum, there is a thread about what you need for the college dorm.</p>
<p>Ithaca has many major stores, so you could do a lot of shopping in town. Even if you forgot few things, you could take a bus (free the first year) to the mall.</p>
<p>I would suggest for you get an ATT phone (iphone) because Verizon doesn´t work well overseas, and you are an international student.</p>
<p>If you are coming from a warm place, you probably will not have the necessary winter clothing for Ithaca. You will need water proof boots, coat, umbrella, sweaters. You could get a lot that online, and you probably won´t need winter gears until Thanksgiving.</p>
<p>Not sure where you’re flying from but I was a participant on PREPARE last year and for me i’d say it wasn’t all that helpful, but that’s mainly because I flew from asia but lived in Canada for 5 years. You will see a LOT of chinese students there. They’ll go through a lot of “American customs” that you may/may not know about, but most of it is pretty useless in my opinion. The benefits, however, are that you get to move in 3~4 days earlier, and get to meet friends before other people arrive on campus. If you’re not all that “asian” (and i mean chinese or korean) it’s tougher to fit in though.</p>