<p>what dates are everyones parents going to be at dartmouth to drop you off/get you moved in?</p>
<p>Why do you need your parents to drop you off? Or is it common in the states?</p>
<p>I’m sorry, I can’t resist commenting on this thread…its too funny!</p>
<p>To Optimus:</p>
<p>It is sort of the nature of our family oriented culture in the United States to bring Freshmen to college, car/minivan/suv loaded to the gills with everything from scuba gear to a month’s supply of kleenex. In our case, the entire family is coming so the siblings can see where big sis is going to college (not Dartmouth, however…that is another story.) It is healthy to for siblings to see the big college, watch all the excitment and see where their big brother or sister is moving into. Then kiss them good bye and drive away. Some families are more independent than others and some kids drive by themselves across country with their gear in their car, but that is most often done in upperclassmen years as many colleges dont allow freshmen to have cars (a good rule in my opinion).</p>
<p>It does not mean that kids are immature or overly pampered and dysfunctional. Its really more for the parents and siblings than for the kids being dropped off. And it makes siblings think, “gee whiz…this too can be mine…if I continue to do well in school!” That is a good thing.</p>
<p>The college experience in the United States is VASTLY different, even from what occurs in Canada, which is why so many foreigners flock to the United States to attend school. Yes, its for that parchment and job opportunity, but its also for that lovable college experience.</p>
<p>I know when I drop off my kid in a few days it will be more than symbolic…she will be leaving the nest, likely for the last time…coming home only to visit on holidays, but really moving out and on with her life as an adult. Its a right of passage, and for that there is celebration (and a few tears).</p>
<p>I know in Europe people live at home, often after finishing Ecole Superior or Universite, often into their late 20’s. In the USA, its a parent’s worst nightmare to have a college graduate come home to live with them again! LOL.</p>
<p>Oh this is a cute question… I agree wholeheartedly with friedokra. I am on son #2 in college and it is truly a family event. Time off from work is planned well inadvance. We pack it all up (everyone helps) and ‘make the trip’. It usually turns into a 2 day deal. Mom and dad like to scout the area for great restaurants for future visits and locations of Walmart, Target etc. I will say though that as my sons got older it was less of an ordeal and now with one done with college and one in his 2nd year we are basically helping him unload, taking him out for supper and saying our goodbyes. By my sons choice, of course. I think the way we do it makes us all feel good inside and very comfortable. We look back on these times and smile.</p>
<p>Damiensdogs,</p>
<p>Your move-in day is Tuesday, September 18. Many kids and parents will be arriving throughout the afternoon and evening of the 17th, if they are arriving from out-of-state. The next day starts early in the morning and is a very busy one of unloading and moving-in. Many parents will leave at some point in the early evening of the 18th. Student-only activities will be held that night.</p>
<p>My son is a '10 and last year we flew to Boston the day before his move-in date. We stayed in a hotel in Lebanon with him and spent all day the following day getting him into his room. Other than lunch with his new roomate’s parents, it was a lot of manual labor. Around 5pm, we hugged him good-bye and drove back to Boston for our red-eye flight the next morning.</p>
<p>I hope this answers your question.</p>
<p>My dad and I are driving up from New York City on September 9th (the first day that international students are allowed to move in). I can’t wait! :)</p>
<p>Good Luck cameliasinesis! :)</p>
<p>Thanks, ajayc!</p>