Anonymous wrote:OP, here. We actually loved the whole experience. Fireworks aside, the campus was swarming with friendly, helpful student volunteers, and the whole move-in/orientation process was incredibly well orchestrated. It ended with a candle light ceremony on a quad. Yes, pretty OTT, but we felt good about leaving DS in their hands.

Sounds like Notre Dame.

Anonymous wrote:Apparently Duke is also way OTT.

It was last year with the Ed Sheeran concert.

Of course, they fired a bunch of people 9 months later and now have a hiring freeze…..

So…..

Anonymous wrote:Privates tend to have multiple days of programming and fanfare. Both my elite and mid-level kids had same

Elite and mid-level...taking benefit of doubt that you were describing the ''caliber'' of the school, but what a nice way to describe your kids

Privates tend to have multiple days of programming and fanfare. Both my elite and mid-level kids had same

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yeah, my kid’s drop off was most definitely not like that. They had a tent with nice people and some balloons to direct us to the right dorm, though.

Same. It mostly reminded me of my own freshman year drop off. The university costs more than I bet per year. I’d be pretty pissed if over the top crap like fireworks was part of the reason.

More than you bet? Lol!

Anonymous wrote:OP, here. We actually loved the whole experience. Fireworks aside, the campus was swarming with friendly, helpful student volunteers, and the whole move-in/orientation process was incredibly well orchestrated. It ended with a candle light ceremony on a quad. Yes, pretty OTT, but we felt good about leaving DS in their hands.

Same. I loved UMiami's program a few years ago.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People: why is college so expensive?
Also people: OMG PRETTY COLORS!

Right? It all seems so performative, unnecessary, and expensive!

fully agree!

OP, here. We actually loved the whole experience. Fireworks aside, the campus was swarming with friendly, helpful student volunteers, and the whole move-in/orientation process was incredibly well orchestrated. It ended with a candle light ceremony on a quad. Yes, pretty OTT, but we felt good about leaving DS in their hands.

Anonymous wrote:DD's orientation featured Playfair, which she hated in 2022 as much as I did in 1986. I was not particularly impressed.

What's Playfair?

Anonymous wrote:Friend of mine said the W&M first year move in was “really over the top”.

We just returned and it was awesome. Not over the top at all. My husband and I were impressed and left feeling completely comfortable that DD is in great hands. Move in was well orchestrated, thoughtful of students and families, great spirit, no fireworks. Lots of happy volunteers directing students. OAs on hand to whisk kids off to dinner together after saying goodbye to parents. Kids had staggered move in windows so each family had time alone in the room to get set up and say goodbye privately. Just right IMO.

Apparently Duke is also way OTT.

Friend of mine said the W&M first year move in was “really over the top”.

Anonymous wrote:People: why is college so expensive?
Also people: OMG PRETTY COLORS!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yeah, my kid’s drop off was most definitely not like that. They had a tent with nice people and some balloons to direct us to the right dorm, though.

I'm a professor and BBQs, standard parties in campus spaces, tents, tote bags, and lots of friendly energetic orientation volunteers (students) running around are basically what we do. This sounds like a huge state school or a $$$$ school to me.

This was similar to my son’s orientation. I don’t even remember mine 🤔

I don’t remember drop off - my parents must have brought me, but I don’t remember. But I do remember orientation really well - 5 day backpacking trip with 7 other freshman and a couple of sophomore leaders. It was awesome and by the time we got back to the cruddy dorm to shower it felt like a palace.

Move-in isn’t the same as Orientation at most schools. Just saying.