<p>What is this course like? I've heard wonderful things, but no specifics. Thanks.]] </p>
<p>The Preorientation program is not really a course (as in, you don't get credit for it or anything) but I'll try to explain. It's led by two ladies who are professional leadership trainers (they hold camps and stuff with real businesspeople), and you spend a few hours each day doing stuff like teamwork exercises, watching inspiring video clips and discussing, playing games, etc. I seem to remember that there was also some kind of leadership fair where upperclassmen talked about their experiences in campus leadership. The actual session time (with the two ladies) was really just so-so, but the pre-orientation experience on the whole was GREAT, for reasons stated above. You get to meet people who don't live in your house (and people who do), you get to get familiar with the town (your counselors take you downtown and walk you around) and the campus, and you get to deal with a smaller group of first years than at the cattle call that is regular orientation. In fact, after doing pre-o, I felt so sufficiently oriented that I skipped most of regular orientation and hung out with my new friends instead. :-)</p>
<p>Whether by design or chance, we missed a lot of the scheduled "cattle call" events at Orientation. We made sure we got to the events that we wanted, such as the departmental "open house" or whatever it was called on Chapin lawn, and otherwise spent whatever time we needed getting necessary stuff done. Note: this is a much easier proposition that you don't have to worry about if you're within driving distance for drop off; for those coming in by air with limited luggage, scurrying around and nailing down room and other supplies, opening bank accounts, securing cell phone, etc. was a time-consuming obstacle course.</p>
<p>Sounds like something our D will do this time around. The leadership one seems to be of interest. I think we might follow in TD's footsteps, and attack some of the necessities purchasing during "cattle call."</p>
<p>A trick, the Banknorth in town will be packed with students attempting to open accounts.
If you like Banknorth, we do, go to the one out on rt 9 on the way to Amherst. Before I just told the world, no one will be there and youre in and out in 20 minutes vs. what can take forever.</p>
<p>Or better yet, open up an account in your hometown with a bank that is in Northampton, if there is one. BofA is in town but more of a hike from campus. Who knows which bank will have their ATM in the SC. It changed again last yr.</p>
<p>Who say's there is nothing to do at Smith. The kid just called. She's eating ice cream at Harrell's on the way to the big Amherst C Spring Hollywood theme party.</p>
<p>Isn't there a BofA within walking distance? If not, we'll have to switch. Do they switch their ATM's all the time?]] </p>
<p>Yes, there's a BofA, I opened an account there when I got here. The people are really nice, and they have a lot of ATMS around downtown. It's kind of worth it to haave BofA, because if you have Easthampton savings bank and you're in the Campus Center a lot, you're going to be using their ATM all the time and losing all your cash. You think more about withdrawing money when you've got to get down off the hill to do it.</p>
<p>Smithieandproud...from the dad of a future Smithie, I appreciate the advice. Anytime I can get my D to walk to the bank rather than just go down to the CC and use the ATM is a plus. Now, if I can only get her to buy less shoes????</p>
<p>OneCard: your student id, used to swipe into dining rooms and you can put money on it to spend on campus (for laundry, to pay to print, to buy things in the campus center) and there are a few non-Smith establishments that also take it as a method of payment.</p>
<p>Interesting! Kind of like a debit card for campus purchases. Would be great if more off campus businesses would accept the onecard? For off campus stuff (restaurants, apparel, etc), what do students use more of when purchasing (credit cards, debit cards, checks, etc?)</p>
<p>For off campus stuff (restaurants, apparel, etc), what do students use more of when purchasing (credit cards, debit cards, checks, etc?)]]</p>
<p>All of the above. The credit card works well b/c you'll get the statement and can see what the darling daughter has been up to, how much is being spent etc. and you get airline miles. </p>
<p>If you want to start building up credit for the kid, let her get a card in her name and monitor it. Have the bill sent to the home address.</p>
<p>the only thing i use the onecard for is laundry (because you save $0.25 per load versus using quarters) and printing in the computer labs (because you can't print any other way). if you're on the meal plan, i think you also get a small--maybe $20--credit put on it for use in the campus center cafe. </p>
<p>other than that, i think putting money on it is kind of pointless--a debit or credit card works more places, is just as secure, and can build credit. I have a debit card that's linked to a bank with branches both in Northampton and my hometown, and a credit card that gives 5% cashback at grocery stores, gas stations, and pharmacies, and 1% cashback everywhere else. A much sweeter deal than the onecard, imho.</p>
<p>I agree with Stacy. I know a few kids who's parents put money on the OneCard to buy books with, but other than that, most of us only use them for laundry and printing (and the occasional soda from the in house machines). The most common form of purchase power on campus is the debit card, followed by the credit card. Pretty much everyone has a debit, and credit gets more common as you get older. I'm not so sure if I'd take RLT advice and check up on all your daughter's purchases/have the bill sent to your house though. No offense, RLT, but at some point you've got to trust your kid to deal with her own financial issues. I'm a first year, and I just got my first credit card to build up credit for a future apartment rental (for when I do Semester in washington program, fingers crossed!). I discussed getting the card with my folks, and we laid down rules for usage, but other than that I am responsible for monitoring it and unless I discuss it with my folks first, I have to pay the bills. Let's just say I'm too afraid of my credit card right now to use it, because i know that I will be responsible for anything I don't clear ahead of time.</p>
<p>No offense, RLT, but at some point you've got to trust your kid to deal with her own financial issues]]]</p>
<p>No offense taken. You know what, youre absolutely correct. I was trying to be cute and it turned in to an insult to Smithies and my kid. Sorry.</p>
<p>We gave our daughter x amount in the bank to budget for the yr. Blow it the first two months and too bad.
I learned that lesson myself the hard way.Don't ask. Mom bailed me out but not before making me sweat for a week. Now the kid will see this and ask; now what did you do in college I don't know about? :)</p>
<p>Anyway, being the sap I am, I gave her an Am Ex card b/c I thought she needed the security and for emergencies when she travels. Yeah, I get the report on my bill, but I do trust her.</p>
<p>I've had a credit card for a while and it only gets harder to control spending...i was real responsible at first but now that I have been working for a while and make more money, it is hard to remind myself that it would be better to save than to spludge :)</p>
<p>No offense taken. You know what, youre absolutely correct. I was trying to be cute and it turned in to an insult to Smithies and my kid. Sorry.]]</p>