I am taking a gap year and spending 6-7 months abroad. I am looking at return flights and one potential itinerary would get me back in the US just 1 week before the pre orientation program I want to go to. My dad thinks that’s a bad idea, especially because if something gets delayed or canceled then I might only have a couple days, but I really don’t think it will take me that long to pack (I mean, I’m already spending 6-7 months living on just a suitcase, a carry on, and a backpack, how hard could it be to pack for college?) I guess the other concern is not having a lot of time to catch up with family and friends, but I also figure I have breaks and, like, the rest of my life to do that. Advice? Anything I’m not considering?
Also, to clarify, I’m commited to a school already so I know the precise date of orientation and what SHOULD be the dates of pre orientation, but I can check before I book any plane tickets
If you have a whole week before orientation, it would be difficult to imagine a scenario that would get you home more than a day or two late. A devastating hurricane or some yet unknown event are really the only things I can think of. In terms of your body clock, if you are coming from say, Australia to the US, yes, that can really throw things out of whack. But you should be fine in a week.
I suspect your dad really just wants to spend as much time as possible with you before you leave again. Can you cut your trip short? You have many years left ahead of you, but the future is unknown and your parents are not getting any younger. You leaving for college is a big adjustment for them too. They love you and want to be with you. Not seeing your kid for 6-7 months is REALLY hard on a parent, and then you will be gone again. Make your parents happy, and come home earlier.
Physically you could probably do it in a few days. A week would be OK but it might be a bit of a whirlwind if you don’t have the basics you need for college (ex. sheets, towels, clothes, desk supplies, lamp, fan etc.) already. Why don’t you talk to your dad. As @Lindagaf noted he may want to spend some time together after months away before you head to college. Don’t underestimate the importance of catching up with family/friends as it may allow you to start college feeling a bit more settled. I am all for maximizing your time traveling, but you may want to give yourself a couple of weeks at home.