I am going to fly, by myself, as a freshman, to other side of country...I'm scared

[dmd77]

To the OP: I'd suggest you post in the Parent Cafe with the heading "Need Philadelphia airport to Temple U advice"--I'd bet dollars to donuts that someone will send you a PM offering to pick you up and help you. The Parent Cafe is full of parents who are happy to help someone else's child.

[CuriousJane]

I have a number of co-workers and my son has a cousin who went to Temple. All of them loved the school!

I wonder if there's a shuttle bus you can take from the airport to campus. One of those private company shuttles that take people to their homes and destinations. It's likely you'd end up on a shuttle with other Temple students, perhaps upperclassmen who could help reassure you.

[kathiep]

There's a local train stop on the Temple campus so I don't think they have shuttle to the airport, at least there isn't anything mentioned on their transportation page - Taking the train to the airport is relatively easy. It's the luggage that is problematic. Services | TUCC | Temple University Center City

[FUTURETROJANSC]

It's normal to be nervous but it isn't normal to be frightened. The more you put into the college experience, the more you will get out from it. I would advise just dropping any inhibitions that you may have and just go for it. All you have to fear is fear itself.

At the same time, you are asking us for advice whilst declaring very little of your own situation. The move isn't for another few months surely? Why get so worked up about the situation now so far in advance?

It's normal to be nervous and certainly you are about to make a very healthy independent move. However if you are really that scared, you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder of some kind. If so, I would recommend speaking to your MD for advice and he/she may prescribe treatment.

You were definitely right about public transport though: I would avoid it at all costs!

[JHS]

I disagree 100% about public transport. Personally, I always try to use it when I go to a new place. It's part of getting to know where you are, part of the adventure. And, as a student at a college in the middle of a big city, you are going to be using public transportation ALL THE TIME. The Orange Line is going to be a big part of your life.

It's also a lot cheaper -- it will cost $7-$9 bucks to get from the airport to Temple on public transportation, vs. at least $30 plus tip by cab. There's an awful lot of fun you can have with that $25-30 bucks you would be saving! Temple is far enough away from other things, and well enough served by public transportation, that you will likely NEVER take cabs if you can avoid it, so why start by doing that?

That said, I do agree that if you have multiple suitcases you probably don't want to take on the extra adventure of a new public transportation system. (And, trust me, the first time you transfer from the airport train to the Orange Line underground in the middle of Center City is going to be an adventure. You won't believe rational human beings designed that interchange -- and you will be right!) But that means that the cost of checking that extra suitcase isn't just the $30 airline fee (unless you are flying Southwest), it's also the $30 extra for the cab. You can ship your stuff in a box for less, so do that.

I will warn you -- urban poverty in Philadelphia looks completely unlike urban poverty in Los Angeles. The buildings in Philadelphia were old and decaying before the ones in LA were built. When I look at poor neighborhoods in LA, I think, "Hey, sign me up! This looks nice!" Unfortunately, not that far from the Temple campus you can see blocks that look like abandoned sets from a war movie, or something from The Wire. You'll get used to it, and in a few weeks it won't phase you that much. But the first time you see it as someone who is going to be living and going to school nearby (even if you have glimpsed it once already) is going to be a little scary. Expect that, and don't freak out.

[thatsall]

If peace of mind is what you're after (and it sounds like it is) you should definitely check Temple's web information and their new student orientation information for guidance. Most of us would prefer exploring a new urban mass transportation system without luggage. I would investigate ground transportation - usually less expensive then cabs. The Philadelphia Airport website probably can help you research what's available.

However, the airport line - that runs from the airport into Center City then continues and stops at the Temple University stop. The station isn't right in the middle of campus, but it is close and popular with students. The "orange line" mentioned above is the Broad Street subway line (it is orange on the transit map). That is convenient to get to Center City, but does not go to the airport.

It can be very stressful trying to manage luggage and all the other headaches of traveling. My daughter goes to school far from home and is now an expert on getting to and from the airport on her own. Just try to do what you can to send items ahead and take advantage of offered help and you'll be fine.

[Seahorsesrock]

Bit of advice...the school is going to send you a move in time, traveling the way you are ignore it. Show up when you show up. They spread out the times so there arent tons of cars on campus, but if a cab is dropping off or whatever, just go right in, no one will care.


Schools will allow boxes to be sent ahead of time and stored in mail room. We double checked ours was open. Also, if you have more you want to have, boxes can be sent just before you leave and show just after you get there.

[NewHope33]

And there are two IKEAs nearby. Perhaps you'll see my D at one of them.

[Time2]

Have you ever visited this college? I think it is generally a bad idea for your first time seeing a college to be the day you move in. If you had previously visited when in the application process you would probably have some sense of where it is and/or the college could have provided suggested methods of transportation. Do most students have cars onsite? Is it in an urban or rural area? How will you get around on weekends, etc.????? These are things you need to think about long before showing up to move in.

I also would not advertise on any website to find a 'friend' to help you with local transportation. I suggest you talk more with your parents if you need logistical help in getting to college.

[GMTplus7]

curleq94, don't worry. I suggest contacting the school to let them know your situation.

In fact, count yourself lucky; you are only flying cross-country. There will be plently of kids arriving alone from a FOREIGN country, and most schools with int'l students have an int'l coordinator who helps with their logistics. Call your school; they will assist you.

[HImom]

If you're going to CA, SuperShuttle and other services serve most universities and will get you from the airport to your school. Generally, the universities help students get to Target & other stores to buy the things they need to set up their place.

[momofthreeboys]

I suppose kids don't think about the logistics when they decide to pick schools all the way across but country, but don't worry. Ask for help if you need it and after you get one trip under your belt it won't feel so scary. You could certainly see if there is a Facebook page to find out if anyone else is flying out at the same time. You could certainly ask the school if there are any nearby to you freshman that you could "meet" and perhaps coordinate travels with. Once you are on campus you'll find ways to get around and deal with what you need to deal with. Do ask your college if you can send packages ahead of time to be held for you. My kids are both in towns without big box stores and need several planes to get there so we shipped their stuff to the mailroom and they had a process for incoming freshmen to retrieve their "stuff" during the move-in days so you might not have to locate a store right away if you can ship stuff out. Good luck.

[icedragon]

Flying and getting a cab are rather easy. Normally airports have cabs that are there waiting to give someone a ride. I would see about having stuff shipped ahead of time (like bedding).

[paragpon]

Hi,

I know this post is a little off-topic, but am wondering if any of the Philadelphia guys on this thread know if there is a train from the Philly airport to Princeton.
We too are sending a freshman out there from across the country.

Also, advice appreciated on the driving situation. In case we all go out there by plane, we might try renting a car and drive to Princeton (dive in, sort of!) In that case, I know that many people fly in to Newark to then go to Princeton, but folks are telling us that the driving would be easier from the Philadelphia airport.....

Your thoughts appreciated and thank you!

[MidwestMom2Kids_]

paragpon, you will get more help if you start a new thread