sryrstress

My D attended the events. She was 10 at the time.

You need way less than you think. You need way way way less than your mom thinks

NDFrosh12

OK. Looks like packing rather lightly and attending Frosh O solo are at least options to consider.

Another quick Q: What's difference between Flex Points and Domer Dollars?

newdomer93

Flex points are part of one of the meal plans and can be used only on campus primarily for food. They can be used in the dining halls, and most restaurants on campus including the fast food places in LaFun. They can also be used in the Huddle for non-food items, as well. Unused points will roll over from fall to spring semester, but all expire at the end of spring semester. Last year, $355 per semester were included in the 14-meal plan. The 21-meal plan does not include flex points, but few people choose that one.
Domer dollars are purchased in any amount and can be used in the same places that flex points can be used plus at the bookstore and for doing laundry. A few places off campus will start taking them this fall, hopefully more in the future. When you leave campus for the last time, remaining domer dollars will be refunded to you. You/your parents can add money to the plans through the internet and this limits the amount of cash you need to carry since the funds are on your ID card and you can just swipe for anything you need. Use your flex points first since they expire. Your points will get you through the semester without a problem if you are careful (for example, coffee at the Huddle is about a buck vs $3.50 or more at Starbucks!)
As far as going solo at orientation: my roommate came without parents last year. My parents took us both shopping and to dinner over the weekend, so there are plenty of people to help if you need it. Parents seem to adopt any extra freshmen, and it's a good way to start making friends.

NDFrosh12

Thanks to everyone for the great tips. This board has so many helpful folks.

Three more quick ones:

1. ND authorized some company to send me an order form for outfitting a dorm room--hundreds for special sheets, etc. Worth it? Necessary?

2. Same questions regarding $25 for some Freshman directory recent which recently arrived. Does everyone use this?

3. ND just sent mean Sallie Mae brochure which says you can sign up for a monthly pay plan for $40. Any body have experience using this plan? Seems like it may make sense.

Thanks again to everyone who's trying to help a clueless freshman.

sassymon

1. NO

2. NO

3. Read everything carefully.

irishmary203

Daughter chose to get the freshman register. Otherwise known as the old "dog" book for those of you who attended ND long ago. self sell 2000 of them and she knew of several kids getting it. if its a waste oh we'll.

SMC1984

Loved the "dog book" when I was a student and my son ordered one as well. Necessary, no. Fun, yes.

tiredofwaiting

We use the Sallie Mae plan and have for 2 years. I think that we actually save money using it instead of writing the "Big Check" all at once draining our assets. This way our money works for us and we can make payments. The $40.00 is a bargain and the process is easy.
My daughters roommate got the sheets through the schools brochure. They did it because it was easier for them. I thought they seemed rough but her roommate never complained about them! I guess it depends how picky you are about your sheets. Keep in mind there are plenty of stores near ND that you can buy sheets.
Bed Bath and Beyond allows you to pick out your items at your local store and pick your goods up at the store near ND. Just tell them when you will pick them up and they will be waiting for you.Don't forget to stock up on BBB coupons...expired coupons are accepted!

NDFrosh12

Please pardon another Dumb Q, but I see IrishMary reporting that room assignments are up. So far I've been unable to see that, even when I log-on to "InsideND". What am I doing wrong? Where do you go to find your room assignment?

nearandfar

After you log-on to "InsideND", click on the Student Life Tab ( with FYS and Academic tabs), then click on "Housing". This should direct you to your housing info. You could also log into "InsideND" and go to your gmail account; there should be a letter from the housing office with housing info. Good luck!

NDFrosh12

Thanks all. As usual this board has been super helpful. I even learned that I have a Notre Dame Gmail account--who knew? Several messages in the InBox that had been piling up--housing contract, authorized payers, honor code, etc. One message says I've passed the Honor Code test but now need to sign it. So far haven't been able to figure out how to sign the Honor Code online.

I "found" my dorm (Siegfried) and roommate. He found me as well--got a long message from him. Seems we're located on the newer side of campus--more air conditioning, less tradition.

NDFrosh12

I see we need to specify whether to activate, at added expense, the landline in the dorm room (Siegfried). My assumption is that almost everyone uses cell phones and there is no particular reason to pay extra for a landline. Am I missing something?

NDFrosh12

I'm assuming that landlines in dorm rooms are unnecessary and almost extinct.

One more question regarding Freshman Move-In Weekend. On Sunday August 19th, is attending morning mass in the Basilica easy to do? Parents are now considering coming with me, and would much prefer the Basilica to the gym if possible.

loveneweng

We went to Mass in the Basilica instead of the Joyce Center last year. As long as you get there enough ahead of time you should be able to get a seat.

Dadof5kids

When do students get their class schedules? Is there enough time to get the required texts from Amazon? Any other good way to get the materials?