The program is for accepted students, and in general kids go without their parents. Both of ours did. They flew into the airport by themselves and made it to campus. I felt they were safe, and they had a great time. Typically, more than 1000 prefrosh attend and they are very open to meeting each other. Many meet people that they are in touch with over the summer–we rendezvoused with one of our daughter’s Visitas friends on our summer vacation.
I know a few parents who did what you’re thinking about doing: dropped off their kid and spent some time enjoying Boston (going to the Skywalk in the Pru will give you a great grasp of the city). The kids have classes, activities, fairs, and social events scheduled for the entire time, so don’t plan to spend any time with your child going to dinner, sight-seeing, etc. Enjoy!
Thanks, @EastGrad – got it. This would be purely for our own entertainment (assuming work schedules allow). DH is an alum, so we’ve already done most of the usual stuff. DS is our youngest, so we’d just be getting a taste of of that empty-nester life SO appreciate the input from you all!
Re: preorientation programs: I would just like to add that it takes a little bit of extra thinking for those of us whose kids come from the other coast. They really can’t fly in the day the program starts due to the time difference and the length of the flight. Nor can they simply fly in the night before unless they have arranged to stay with friends or family in the area. My understanding is that the school will try to help put a family in touch with someone willing to host the student but that the dorms are not open early for kids arriving early. My daughter was on a FOP trip; it may be different for kids participating in the other programs.
What we decided in the end was to fly out with her and stay overnight, drop her off the next morning and then take off on our own east coast vacation for a week. The hotel was very accommodating in allowing us to store her bags there for the week. We came back for move in (crazy hectic) and then went back home.
@DMV301, I thought Visitas was incredibly helpful and a lot of fun besides. I didn’t have much familiarity with the school and I was eager to get the chance to see it. We didn’t see our daughter very much during the weekend but there were many programs for parents that kept us quite occupied. We met lots of other parents and have stayed in touch with some of them.
Both our children also had to stay overnight to meet the “arrive by” deadline for FOP (Freshman Outdoor Program), and both stayed in hotels. D actually stayed with the daughter of a friend I made through CC! FOP offered to make arrangements for some students to stay overnight the day before, but we preferred to make our own.
I am so happy to see this thread heat up again. My youngest (a son) just finished his first semester. I still happen by CC, but not as often. The Harvard threads are usually so negative. (Like today’s ‘cautionary tale’) My son is having a great time, working hard, playing a sport and making friends. I look forward to meeting you all and sharing my experience with the ‘new parents’… Congrats to the Parents of the Class of 2021!
I’ve been peeking in recently to see the same excitement I felt 2 years ago. Enjoy this time, give yourself permission to feel proud of your kid and hold on fast! Before you know it, you’ll be dropping them off in their dorm and walking away in tears. Or was that just me? lol Go Crimson!
Congrats @guitars101 on your son - I remember the early days of the thread and how helpful all of the parents were. As you said, the four years went by so quickly and I was glad to have attended all of the parent functions for my daughter in Cambridge. A quick update regarding my DD: She is still in school! Will be finishing a PhD at Duke in May and is currently in Europe as she received a dissertation completion fellowship. She is also looking for a job or Post Doc. Cheers!
Congrats to your DD and you, @MSMDAD. Good luck with her job hunt. We have also enjoyed all the parent functions for our S and D, which seem to include Move-in Day, Freshman Parents’ Weekend, Junior Parents’ Weekend, and Commencement (first one this May). Anything I missed?
@EastGrad, is Junior Parent’s Weekend as well attended as Freshman Parents’ Weekend? I am trying to determine if I how far out I need to plan/make reservations.
MSMDAD, Congratulations to you, your family and especially your daughter! That is amazing. I also remember the early days of this thread and you were very helpful, thank you. How exciting for your daughter. The future looks so bright for these young people and I’m so excited for them. What is she getting her PhD in?
@EastGrad, Yes, that is the list! Although I would add move-out as a large subsection of commencement - it was painful as I had the impression that D1 did not want to leave and left everything for the last moment. At the time, we lived too far to drive so everything that was going back home had to be shipped or taken home via airplane. @Crimsonmom2019. During D1’s junior year, Parent’s Weekend was very well attended. The activities/workshops for parents were excellent. @guitars101 Thank you. The PhD will be in English. We have one kid left at home and he is eagerly awaiting admissions decisions - got one today from UMN - TC. So, as of this coming September, the nest will be empty. Cheers!
MSMDAD, I must say that empty nesting is really nice - I didn’t think I’d ever say that, but it’s true. Its a time of reflection and a time to really spend on yourself. I’ve discovered new hobbies and activities that I never had the time to do because I was so busy helping the kids. My kids also appreciate the ‘new’ me. They like that I am an individual who has abilities and interests. It’s a great time. I do miss the college days, but life is wonderful after college as well.
@crimsonmom2019, I don’t think junior parents’ weekend had as many people as freshman parents’ weekend, but there were still a lot of people. Plus, there’s always something going on at the University–always good to book early! Have a great time.
@crimsonmom2019, I agree with EastGrad. Junior parents weekend was not as well attended for us as Freshman parents weekend, BUT there were still lot’s of people and the first hotel we called was booked. Plan early so you don’t stress and you can find a hotel close to the campus.
Thanks @guitars101 and @EastGrad. Can’t believe I’m already planning for junior year. I feel like I was just enjoying Freshman weekend. Going to enjoy this ride as I know it goes quickly!
I had the good fortune of attending the Junior Parents Weekend, and I can report that it was well worth the trip! As I was unable to attend the Freshman Parents Weekend so I can’t compare the two, but there was no lack of interesting activities, and the opportunity to spend time with my daughter, her friends, and her friends’ parents was priceless.
The weather was wonderful too, but that was just good luck
SO appreciate the input from you all!