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k i was thinking that one of my parents would come out with me for the first day of university just to make sure i get all my stuff and set everything up, and plus i've never even been there before so i won't really know how to get around.... is this a really bad idea?? apparently i've heard that nobody should bring there parents, is this true??? so is it dumb to bring a parent for the first day/day before the first day????

By Matth (Matth) on Friday, April 30, 2004 - 10:10 pm: Edit

No it's not dumb at all. My entire family is going to be going to help me move in. I've helped a few friends move into college the past couple of years, and the vast majority have parents and siblings there. How lonely it would be doing that all on your own! Also, most colleges have organized events during orientation for parents, too.

By Uschicka (Uschicka) on Friday, April 30, 2004 - 11:28 pm: Edit

Everyone had their parents when I moved in this past year. Both to spend some last time together, and also so they can see where you are, and very importantly, they help you carry all of your stuff back and forth from the car to the room!

By Okadjtna (Okadjtna) on Saturday, May 01, 2004 - 12:50 am: Edit

When we took our first son to college all but a few had their parents (and some had siblings and grandparents, too). I actually felt really bad for the students who didn't have a move-in support system...they looked kind of lost. I also think that if it's important to your parents, it's selfish of a student NOT to include them!

By Dbhmr (Dbhmr) on Saturday, May 01, 2004 - 01:52 pm: Edit

What a great question, I'm eager to read more responses as I was wondering the same...

By Cynner012 (Cynner012) on Saturday, May 01, 2004 - 05:21 pm: Edit

I plan on bringing my parents next fall when I move into Duke. Honestly, its probably more for them than it is for me. I'm an only child, and my parents' lives will COMPLETELY change next year when I'm gone. Even if I didn't really want them coming with me, I could never justify telling them not to come out of embarrassment or any other reason. For parents, moving their kids into college is as much a rite of passage for them as moving into college is for us. Take your parents.

By Heartsofpaper (Heartsofpaper) on Saturday, May 01, 2004 - 06:45 pm: Edit

i'm definitely bringing my parents. actually, i think that's the norm, i'd be surprised if i saw somebody who didn't bring their parents, unless they had to travel cross country. i'm thinking about keeping them there for a good part of the day too, if i have nothing else i have to get done.

besides, you'll need somebody to help you with your luggage.

By Fftd (Fftd) on Saturday, May 01, 2004 - 07:02 pm: Edit

My friend told me that his friends helped their son to move into MIT (from a midwest state). The parents stayed in a nearby hotel for one week and left until everything was settled down. Definitely bring your parents if they are available.

By Fiza (Fiza) on Saturday, May 01, 2004 - 07:18 pm: Edit

Is it wise to bring the whole family even if ur flying and cant afford it?

I dont want to be the only one without parents there moving in but I might be...

By Britbrat8604 (Britbrat8604) on Saturday, May 01, 2004 - 08:05 pm: Edit

If you are talking about moving in to the dorms, it would be more uncommon if you DIDNT have your parents. When i helped move my sister in to her dorm last year, everyone had their families with them. i did not see one person without a family or at least one parent with them. I dont know what i would do without my parents to help me! I need them to help carry stuff (;)) and for moral support for the big day! Plus, since my parents want us to stay up there and only come home a few times for the year, it will be my last time to see them for a while! I noticed a lot of people brought their boyfriends or girlfriends, even if they didnt go to that college.

Oh, and another thing that i'm nervous about, my sister said everyone was crying in the dorms after their parents left! how sad will i be.....i hope i get a kicka** roomate

By Winterfresh (Winterfresh) on Saturday, May 01, 2004 - 08:40 pm: Edit

I'll definitely bring my parents. I'd feel so alone without them. Then when they leave, I'll let out a HUGE sigh of relief. NO MORE AUTHORITY FIGURES! lol

But seriously, I am not about to travel 6 hours away from home to college and arrive on campus by myself. My parents being there would calm some of my fears.

By Feath17 (Feath17) on Saturday, May 01, 2004 - 09:36 pm: Edit

I'm bringing my parents too! I don't know how I would get up there without them, I want them to help me move in, plus it'll be the last time that I will see them for awhile. Basically I both want and need them there The question I have for all of you though is how long are your parents staying up there? We're going up the day before move-in day and of course they are staying for the entire move-in day too. Should they leave the morning after move-in day? Stay for another whole day after that? What do you people plan on doing?

By Demonllama (Demonllama) on Saturday, May 01, 2004 - 10:13 pm: Edit

my parents are staying for the weekend. we're going to leave friday night, get to the dorms as early as they'll let us on saturday morning and then my parents will leave sunday night. i couldn't even imagine NOT having my parents there to help me! i'll probably start crying as soon as they leave even though i'd never admit it to them that i don't want them to leave...hee. after all, i'm supposed to be a mature confident college student right? *snort*

By Excusememixed (Excusememixed) on Saturday, May 01, 2004 - 11:07 pm: Edit

I think I'll be crying as I'm moving in.

By Usunkmyb_Ship (Usunkmyb_Ship) on Saturday, May 01, 2004 - 11:37 pm: Edit

My mom and my brother are coming. My mom doesn't want my dad to come because he was never there for me. The day I get there is the swearing-in ceremony for the naval academy prep school so family and friends are encouraged to come.

By Mom08 (Mom08) on Saturday, May 01, 2004 - 11:50 pm: Edit

Some schools have orientation for parents and siblings as well!

By Ticklemepink (Ticklemepink) on Sunday, May 02, 2004 - 12:03 am: Edit

Definitely my parents. My mom already booked hotel rooms nearby!!! We'll come up the day before the move-in so we don't feel overwhelmed and get a nice start in the morning. Then I guess they'll stay around for a day or two before going back... until 6 weeks later for Parents Day Weekend!!!

By Feath17 (Feath17) on Sunday, May 02, 2004 - 12:12 am: Edit

If I go up on a Wednesday, move in on a Thursday, should my parents leave Friday morning or Saturday morning or does it not make that much of a difference? I know that my school has stuff for parents but I don't exactly know when that is (that Thursday or Friday). Thank you!

By Uschicka (Uschicka) on Sunday, May 02, 2004 - 12:33 am: Edit

My dad and stepmom moved me in, and stayed until about 5 pm. They didn't want to keep me from going to all the events the school was putting on. First I had a meeting for my "dorm" (it's actually a hotel), then there were freshmen activities- and then parties ;). So if your parents are going to stay for more than the first day, try not to miss any important events or chances to get to know the people around you. To this day, a lot of the people I know got latched on to their future best friends that first night or two.

By Princess_Banana (Princess_Banana) on Sunday, May 02, 2004 - 01:26 am: Edit

when I was visiting UCLA i met an affluent mom who was planning on moving wherever her son ended up going to (he was contemplating harvard, yale, priceton, cornell, wharton, stanford, ucla, cal). they were from bakersfield, ca. she was planning on buying a condo near the school where they could both live. now THAT is definitely not right.
but than again the kid clearly wasn't normal. i mean who gets into those schools w/ huge scholarships? he wasnt even a minority!

By Middleofnowhere (Middleofnowhere) on Sunday, May 02, 2004 - 10:40 am: Edit

Be sure to check the move in day and orientation schedules at your schools. Some schools actually have a time that they recommend that parents leave.

By Jaxson44 (Jaxson44) on Sunday, May 02, 2004 - 12:28 pm: Edit

I've been at boarding school for the past for years, so its not exactly the same thing, but every year parents are there helping new students move in, as well as returning students. I know that my mom comes with me every year and helps me set up my room and such. So, I'd have to agree with what everyone else is saying - yes!

By Perintastic (Perintastic) on Thursday, May 06, 2004 - 11:01 am: Edit

i couldn't imagine not bringing my parents...

By H0neymoon (H0neymoon) on Friday, May 07, 2004 - 09:05 am: Edit

I'm really worried about this. I live in England and am going to USC in august! My family are away on holiday in spain during my orientation week so I cannot take anyone with me.... do you think i'll be the only one without parents there?

By Demingy (Demingy) on Friday, May 07, 2004 - 10:50 am: Edit

I don't think you'll be the only one without parents there. I'm not sure if this would be an option, but if you'd like to have some support you might want to check with the college and see if they have anything to offer. I know some schools have upperclassmen that will help a new student get situated (really helpful for those who are going to orientation alone).

Do you have any other family that you could take with you (aunt, cousin, grandparent....)? Or maybe there is a family friend that you could take.

By H0neymoon (H0neymoon) on Friday, May 07, 2004 - 12:22 pm: Edit

Not really... could I pretend my best friend was my cousin? That's not allowed is it?

By Feath17 (Feath17) on Friday, May 07, 2004 - 01:47 pm: Edit

I don't think it really matters who takes you. The schools don't check up on who you bring. The main point in bringing someone with you is to help you move in and for support. If your best friend is free and willing to do that then cool! The only thing that you may want to consider is personal though - if you're best friend is there you may be caught up in hanging out with him/her and not making new friends. I'm only an incoming freshman too though so you may want to wait for some other people's opinions.

By Demingy (Demingy) on Friday, May 07, 2004 - 02:02 pm: Edit

I think you can bring whomever you want. You wouldn't have to pretend your best friend is your cousin, I can't think of any college that would say you're not allowed to bring them to help you get situated. They probably won't be able to stay overnight on campus with you, but that would be the case with family too.

I don't think that you need to worry too much about trying to make new friends when you are getting situated. Most people will have parents with them (as this thread shows) and everyone will be pretty busy trying to figure out where everything is, where to put their stuff, and picking up the things they forgot.....plus anything that the college has planned for orientation.

If you would feel more comfortable bringing your best friend (and have the $ means to) then I say go for it.