<p>Move in day is on a Saturday and the USC post office is only open Monday - Friday. We wanted to ship stuff like sheets, towels, etc. to be picked up on move in day since we have to travel quite far. Does anyone know if they open the USC post office on move in day/Saturday or are we just out of luck?</p>
<p>archer
if you are arriving from out of town you have the opportunity to move in one day early…there is a request form on the main page of the housing website to fill out.this is quite helpful to do!
also, I remember the post office package pickup area being open on move in day.if you ship stuff there, be prepared to haul it somehow from the loading dock area at the Russell House to your dorm.either have a hand truck with you or drive over to the Russell House …they will not deliver to your dorm.Another option if you wish is to shop at a place like Bed Bath and Beyond or Target near your home and have it shipped to a store near the USC campus.There are two of each nearby as well as Wal-Mart(but far enough to need a car) locations. Also, we found no problems buying anything that was needed in and around Columbia after obsessing over whether to ship stuff from NY to USC.We shipped, but BBandB messed up the order and we needed to subsitute. There was plenty of stock,plenty of stores and no crowds or lines.Love Columbia for that reason!!</p>
<p>Couldn’t agree more with Cathyme about moving in a day early! We are from CT and after reading all the good advice on this site last year we decided to drive down and have my son move in a day early. What a difference! We pulled right up to the dorm and were able to park right there. Had no trouble getting a cart to haul the stuff up to the room, no wait for the elevator. It was fantastic. When we went back late Saturday afternoon it was crazy! There was a long line for the elevators and people lined up waiting for carts etc and there was no nearby parking. I also recommend getting there first thing in the morning to try and avoid the afternoon showers that are so frequent in Columbia. Nothing worse than having to unload everything on the sidewalk and wait for a cart in the pouring rain!</p>
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<p>I understand about the rain - we live in SC. But I had read somewhere that everyone gets there early and it’s better to wait until late afternoon (to avoid the crowds). Any insights from anyone?</p>
<p>Also - do parents generally stay for Sunday convocation? I already have a room booked for us so we can stay but was just wondering what others are doing.</p>
<p>I would also like to know if it is worth staying for the convocation. What is it like and do the students mind if the parents go?</p>
<p>My parents didn’t stay for it. It didn’t make much difference to me.</p>
<p>^A friend told me she dropped her daughter off at USC last year and headed home the same day. On Sunday, right before convocation, she got a panicked phone call from her D saying ‘she was the only girl on the hall that didn’t have a parent accompanying her to convocation.’ Don’t know if that’s true or not but that’s what motivated me to make the room reservation. Don’t mind staying if a lot of parents attend - I’m sure it’s a nive ceremony but, OTOH, if we’re going to be the only parents there, well…</p>
<p>there will be plenty of parents there.its your first intro to college pomp and circumstance! faculty and president in academic robes,somebody carrying the sceptre,etc. banners from the different colleges within the University.pretty cool if you havent seen one before! Some nice welcoming speeches. A break in the airconditioning LOL.
If you havent planned on staying I wouldnt worry about it but its nice to attend if you are still around.</p>
<p>Thank you for all the advice. It’s very helpful. My D will be living in Woodrow so while there will be some freshman there I don’t think we will have the same problems with waiting as everyone moving into the South Tower. And it’s only a few floors high.</p>
<p>And we did end up going with BBB and shipping it to the USC post office. We’ll make a WalMart run after we get all that stuff moved in.</p>
<p>Anyone have any advice about where to get a dorm refrigerator that weekend? The move-in guide references “rental” but offers no vendors. We are coming from out-of-state and really don’t have room to bring that, too. Our older daughter rented one (another college, tho) and it was a great deal, they delivered it and if it broke they replaced it.</p>
<p>I don’t know about renting them – you can buy them at Walmart, Target, Sears. Just about anywhere. They’re only a couple hundred dollars. We bought so they can move them from dorm to greek house or apartment. Always good to have your own “stash” when you’re communally living (Now, adult son has his own business and keeps it in his office!)</p>
<p>easmesmom - I would just go out to Walmart and buy one when you get to Columbia.</p>
<p>archer - I know your question was already answered but I took a look at this year’s Move-In Guide and it says that the Mail Center will be open from 9 AM - 3 PM on the 14th and 12 PM - 3 PM on the 15th for students who need to get packages.</p>
<p>Is the new student convocation a “dressy” affair?</p>
<p>convocation is not dressy at all…most people are coming from hot sweaty move in related activities…</p>
<p>Glad I’m not the only parent worrying about this weekend…now the big question: How many boxes of tissues will I go through as we leave our baby there? Seems like she was just born, we blinked, and now she’ll be moving into Sims on Saturday!</p>
<p>Bring plenty of tissue Kayakermom, you’re probably going to need it. I remember 2 years ago dropping our D off. The tears started the night before while she was at First Night and continued the next day for the entire 8 hour drive home. It does get easier, but I have to admit, I had a big lump in my throat Saturday when I stood in the hotel parking lot and watched her drive away to her new apartment. Yes, they grow up way too fast. Good luck and take comfort in the fact that your “baby” is going to a terrific school and will have many memorable times ahead.</p>