<p>^SSN seems indeed difficult to get soon. Anyway, a debit card is more than enough for my daughter’s needs.</p>
<p>You’re right that it’s a hassle, but it’s definitely worth it to get a SSN as an international student (assuming that your visa allows for work). There are a ton of cushy Harvard jobs that pay $10/hr, and it’s likely that at some point in your daughter’s four years she’ll want to get a summer job/internship in the states. Neither of those things are possible (as far as I know) without a SSN.</p>
<p>My roommate freshman year was international, and I remember him getting it done in the first few months of school.</p>
<p>papa D - I’m guessing you are right. My daughter lives with her debit card in her hand. D does use a charge for delay in payment. I would advocate for your daughter that get a charge when she can so that she is beginning the process of building the credit history that she may want after graduation.</p>
<p>Papadelilou, I think many of the questions you have about settling in, banking, phones, etc are answered at FIP. Since your student will attend FOP, maybe you can call the international student office or Woodbridge Society. I would guess they have information in writing for those who could not attend FIP. As for move-in day, I could not stay after I dropped my daughter off for FIP. Luckily the other FIP students and a few other parents helped her. Later when we went back for Parent Weekend, we helped her finish getting things for her room. The Parent Weekend was a great time to see how well she had adjusted and settled in, to meet friends, talk about finances, and generally be assured she was doing okay. For my daughter, it was more important than staying to help on move-in day, although I wish I could have stayed… But part of going away to university is figuring things out on your own… I guess they do.</p>
<p>Smoda is exactly right, and there are certain situations when you have to have a credit card–example S went on a ski trip one weekend this past winter with his friends, and the hotel would only accept a credit card to secure the reservation, not a debit card.</p>
<p>The HEUCU student package provides a credit card as long as a parent signs the application.</p>
<p>thank you for suggesting the HIO ronsard.
ws59 as far as bank is concerned, the HEUCU seems to be a good place for international students</p>
<p>it is all on the HIO website:
</p>
<p>I just got a great fare to fly up to Boston for Family Weekend - only ‘con’ was I have to fly back on Monday (instead of Sunday) so need another hotel night! But, I am working on Hotel Reward Points - deciding between the Holiday Inn Express, Cambridge or the Mariott on Memorial Drive (right near MIT).
I realize I’m ahead of myself - but I am excited for this weekend in October since I am not going up for ‘move-in’.</p>
<p>Bubbe - if you don’t have a car the Marriot isn’t that convenient to public transportation. I recommend this web site for hotels:
[• • Cambridge Office of Tourism • •](<a href=“http://www.cambridge-usa.org/”>http://www.cambridge-usa.org/</a>)</p>
<p>There are also a few less expensive B&B’s within walking distance of HArvard.</p>
<p>Can’t be less expensive than FREE (If I use Marriott Rewards points!) LOL!
But, looks like the Cambridge Holiday Inn Express will be closer to Harvard Yard and has free breakfast - I think I have enough Priority Club points !
(I stayed at the the Marriott (on Memorial Drive) a few times for my MIT Granddaughter! A great location for MIT!)</p>
<p>Are you aware that as H parents you can stay at the Harvard Club in Boston? It’s four miles up Mass Ave. from campus, and the #1 bus stops 50 yards away. The rate is usually in the mid- or high-$100s, and if you’re just crashing overnight, they have “transient rooms” with a bath down the hall that I’ve gotten for $95. And, it’s a little bit of an experience too. The first time I arrived there I had to be scanned and have my luggage searched because VP Cheney was speaking in the ballroom. Call (617) 536-1260.</p>
<p>^Thanks! I’ve put the information in my file…</p>
<p>Hopefully I’ll be able to use Hotel Frequent Stay points so my 4 night stay will be a ‘Freebie’!</p>
<p>We like the Inn on Harvard Square. Somewhat pricey but you get what you pay for. Proximity and a really nice room. Breakfast is superb. The guys around the front desk will drive you places for just a tip. We find Cambridge dense and stressful and we like having an oasis of calm really close to our kid. And he likes to join us for the breakfast. </p>
<p>Unfortunately, it is probably booked.</p>
<p>Have stayed at the lower cost places around campus a few times and frankly I’m just too old to put up with it.</p>
<p>I like the Hyatt Regency Cambridge. They will shuttle you to the Square or it’s a quick cab ride. I’ve gotten it on Hotwire and Priceline several times for $79 which makes a cab very reasonable. We stayed there for graduation too and found that they had one of the best deals in time when we booked early.</p>
<p>Sewhappy- I think you’re referring to the Inn at Harvard, on the triangle of Mass Ave and Harvard Street, directly across from campus? As opposed to the Harvard Square Hotel which is the cheaper, much less luxurious sister hotel down off JFK Street.</p>
<p>Yes, thank you Fauve. The Inn at Harvard is the really nice one. We also stayed at Harvard Square Hotel once - less said the better. The Charles is nice but not as charming as Inn at Harvard.</p>
<p>This is the newest hotel in the square - not cheap but supposedly small and very nice:
[Harvard</a> Square Hotel | Hotels in Cambridge MA | Hotel Veritas Cambridge Massachusetts](<a href=“http://thehotelveritas-px.trvlclick.com/]Harvard”>http://thehotelveritas-px.trvlclick.com/)</p>
<p>Does anyone know if there is a Capital One bank near Harvard? Thanks.</p>
<p>No Cap One, as far as I know.</p>
<p>Does anyone know if ironing boards and irons are provided in the freshman laundry rooms?</p>
<p>(I don’t wear anything if it’s not ironed, and yes, I always iron my own clothes.)</p>