Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is it orientation or a visit? Orientation doesn't usually include parents - does it?

It's orientation which is in June, separate from move-in day in August. He is going to pick classes and I think do more campus touring (which we already did) and bonding activities with other new students, get his student ID...I am surprised people say most parents go. I would have thought it was a mix especially since many (including us) have already toured and been once or multiple times...

New poster - I don’t think it’s a big deal to miss orientation. In my experience, the parents and student are separated. While the parents are learning about school resources and the message “it’s okay to let go” and “no, the school won’t do wake up calls, your kid is an independent adult” the kids are learning about resources but also they are either taking care of logistics like student ids, class registration or leaning what they need to do to be point on the logistics when action is needed. I had zero idea if any kid came with their parent to orientation.

I would say this is different than an admitted student day or visit where most kids are with their families. You do the campus tour together, eat lunch together, and to some extent it’s a family decision/big financial commitment if they want to attend so it’s important that as parents you are on board.

single parent here--your kid will be fine, but triple-check the hotel situation: in some states they have to be 21 to check into a hotel. (learned that the hard way) : ) Likely the college can help. Congrats to your kid!

Is your son okay driving and attending alone? I say send him. We put my oldest on plane for his orientation. He stayed 1st night in hotel on campus. Check in 18 years+. He met a lot of other students- in part because he did not have mom or dad attached. Your son will do great!

This appears to be a problem only because orientation is separate from move-in. At my son's university, they had a couple of virtual meetings in the summer, and freshman orientation week was right before the start of classes, so freshmen just moved in one week earlier than other undergrads. That way, we only had one trip to make, to help him move his stuff in his dorm.

It seems really dysfunctional of the college to require in-person attendance for a separate orientation in the summer! Perhaps because this a local college and most of their students are from the area? Regardless, it's pretty obnoxious.

Anonymous wrote:Let’s be honest, a lot of parents accompanying their kids to orientation (not move-in) are doing it for themselves more so than for their kids. They want that experience, which is fine, but not necessary.

If your children can’t handle going to orientation by themselves, what are you going to do when they have to leave for college?

The summer before starting college, I was juggling two part-time jobs to save up for school. It never occurred to me I needed to drag my parents to my orientation with me.

NP. My college did orientation right before the year started (first years moved in early), so there was no issue; parents were gone. I thought it worked well.

Let’s be honest, a lot of parents accompanying their kids to orientation (not move-in) are doing it for themselves more so than for their kids. They want that experience, which is fine, but not necessary.

If your children can’t handle going to orientation by themselves, what are you going to do when they have to leave for college?

The summer before starting college, I was juggling two part-time jobs to save up for school. It never occurred to me I needed to drag my parents to my orientation with me.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Go with your kid.

I am all for them being an adult however this is a parent child thing. Again what is wrong with you?

Your mother is an adult for god's sake/
Why in the world did you plan this the same time? You knew about this and you made an alternate plan?

Why are you so triggered and judgmental? You don’t know all the circumstances about the mother’s visit or timing.

I went to my orientation by myself and was fine with it. If her son is okay with it, then she should be okay too.

My mom is visiting and cannot be left alone, this was scheduled before we got orientation dates.

Hire a sitter, have your spouse if you have one take the kid, etc.

It never occurred to me that I had to go to orientation to either of my two kids. Why would I go? They were both 18 and adults, and I wasn’t going to be attending! Your kid will be fine on their own.

To the OP- I’m sorry the people on here have been so quick to judge and rude in some cases. We sent our son to admitted students day by himself and it was just fine, I’d imagine a 2 day orientation would be similar. We opted for an AirBnB within walking distance of campus to avoid the hotel check in issue, that worked out great. If your kid is driving, have them be safe, take breaks, etc. Honestly an 18 year old who has graduated and is headed off to college should be able to handle this without a problem. Enjoy your time with your family and rest assured that if your kid runs into any problems, they’ll call you.

OP check with the university they may have an agreement with local hotel/motel. Can’t imagine this hasn’t occurred before.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is it orientation or a visit? Orientation doesn't usually include parents - does it?

It's orientation which is in June, separate from move-in day in August. He is going to pick classes and I think do more campus touring (which we already did) and bonding activities with other new students, get his student ID...I am surprised people say most parents go. I would have thought it was a mix especially since many (including us) have already toured and been once or multiple times...

Can the university suggest suitable accommodations for him? I'm sure he's not the first student who has needed to come alone

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Go with your kid.

I am all for them being an adult however this is a parent child thing. Again what is wrong with you?

Your mother is an adult for god's sake/
Why in the world did you plan this the same time? You knew about this and you made an alternate plan?

Agree x 100

DP. Agree too.

Anonymous wrote:Is it orientation or a visit? Orientation doesn't usually include parents - does it?

It's orientation which is in June, separate from move-in day in August. He is going to pick classes and I think do more campus touring (which we already did) and bonding activities with other new students, get his student ID...I am surprised people say most parents go. I would have thought it was a mix especially since many (including us) have already toured and been once or multiple times...

Is it orientation or a visit? Orientation doesn't usually include parents - does it?

Is there an older student from their HS at the college that you could reach out to to stay with? Maybe your school college counselor could help? Or call admissions to see if a second night could be accommodated?