<p>OK, alternative type here. </p>
<p>Son went on the plane and then bus, with a backpack and a trunk. Got to campus fairly late at night. It was pouring rain. He called security (as we had been told to do) and they said they would meet him at the dorm to open it. That’s when he figured out that the dorm was half a mile from the bus stop. </p>
<p>Nothing to do but trek across the campus in the pouring rain. He pounded on the door of the dorm and, lo and behold, there was another kid who had also arrived early and was feeling kinda lonely. They’ve been friends ever since. </p>
<p>We mailed some further boxes but kid did not get linens/etc for a couple of days. </p>
<p>So, minimalist support and the kid did fine. I’ll admit to mixed feelings about this. I am VERY proud of son (and he kinda was amazed at the kids that arrived with UHauls and hovering parents). </p>
<p>At the same time, S is a big kid with lots of hiking/outdoor experience from the Pacific NW (rain is not new). I would have wigged if the same scenario had unfolded for a daughter. Sexist? perhaps. But a dark, unfamiliar campus in the rain is no time to have the mind distracted by luggage for a gal, for me. For a D, I would have had her call a taxi to take her that distance to the dorm (or campus security).</p>