Barnard Parents - exchanging junk at year end

mardad · 05-31-2008, 11:50 AM

My niece just graduated from a college in Michigan. Relatives took home seven suit cases of "stuff" from the graduation. A week later mom and dad and daughter drove home an Excursion and a car. The Excursion was so loaded that only the driver could sit in it. The car would allow a driver and a passenger only.
You parents of rising seniors are probably already thinking what I'm thinking. This could be a nightmare. But it could also be an opportunity for the entering first year student. Next May the first years will be anticipating leaving the Quad and moving into the various apartments. Perhaps there is a way of selling stuff to the first years at a cut rate and handing over the storage units. We could donate the stuff that no one buys to charity. Everyone could travel home with less baggage.
This doesn't sound like a very original idea and probably already exists.

churchmusicmom · 05-31-2008, 01:31 PM

Great idea except for the fact that Barnard does not store things over the summer. One could, however, advertise ones' "stuff" someplace like Craig's list and then the student's purchasing it could rent a storage unit near campus (which is what we have done now for two years, rather than ship stuff home). That would be less expensive and less hassle, maybe, than purchasing and shipping new stuff up.

I know that when we move our daughter (hopefully!) back down "south" next year after graduation, we will probably need to rent a van and drive a car, at least!

mardad · 05-31-2008, 08:04 PM

We have used Manhattan Ministorage.
Now that I think of it, the fact that Barnard doesn't allow cars may be a major selling point with parents.

churchmusicmom · 05-31-2008, 10:52 PM

Yeah, manhattan ministorage is what our d uses as well (I think it was on your recommendation, Mardad!). This summer she and her suitemates are splitting the cost of a larger unit and her boyfriend drove into the city to help move her stuff. Also, one of the other suitemates' parents helped out with their van, as they live fairly close by.

pcaz · 05-31-2008, 11:02 PM

I was VERY fortunate. My D just graduated from Barnard and since she's staying in the city, she moved most of her stuff to her new apartment. However, she kept talking about a lot of stuff she wanted me to take back with me. Since we had flown there, I was so relieved when she handed me a medium size plastic bag filled with her graduation gown and several other college mementos!

Even so, I'm anticipating a call a few weeks from now after she's all unpacked with an exact count of all the boxes she wants to send home. ;-)

churchmusicmom · 06-01-2008, 07:59 AM

pcaz, congrats on your daughter's graduation! I cannot believe we will be there in just under one year. My d loves Barnard sooo much and does not want to really think about it, though I think she is excited about grad school.

Question: How was graduation? Did you attend many of the events? Was it nice? I am looking forward to it, but have not heard any personal experiences related and wondered if you would want to share??

pcaz · 06-03-2008, 12:28 AM

churchmusicmom, we attended two ceremonies: one for Barnard and one for Columbia University. I found the Barnard ceremony to be quite moving and inspiring as I listened to my daughter's classmates, Judith Shapiro and NY Mayor Michael Bloomberg speak. The Columbia ceremony was wonderful as well with a lot of pomp and circumstance and a touch of well-placed humor. Unfortunately, we didn't make any of the receptions and instead celebrated with my daughter, her friends and their families. My advice for next year: Bring a good umbrella, take your seats at least 15 minutes before the start of the ceremony (after that, they close some of the main walkways for the processions), and savor every moment. After all, how often is it that you get to watch your daughter graduate from a college like Barnard?

churchmusicmom · 06-03-2008, 07:53 AM

Thanks, pcaz! I will take your advice! I also plan to bring tissues, as I am sure my eyes will be watering...

pcaz · 06-03-2008, 08:41 PM

One more thing: Get there early to claim your seats. I'd advise at least two hours before the ceremony starts.

Best of luck to your daughter in her senior year! I know my D misses it already!

churchmusicmom · 06-03-2008, 09:25 PM

Oh yes! My d is already dreading leaving and won't hear any talk of "this is your last year"....or " this time next year". She LOVES it there! Actually hopes to get her phd and return some day to teach.