Disney College Program for Parents Thread...

[dizagain]

My daughter (not on these boards) is also QSFB arriving June 9th. She had wanted Fall only but she is taking what they offered! She had a friend to room with but now the friend is going in August so that won't work. She has observed the FB pages but she is turned off a bit and will probably not go that route for a roommate search. She's 20 and a non-partier who loves hanging out for dinner/movie nights and stuff like that. She is terrified of getting termed over something someone else does. She is busy as they all are and is considering just taking her chances on arrival day.....I love reading everyone's thoughts! WISH she would join the DIS.......

 

[Summertime]

Regular twin beds - NOT XL. My daughter has three roommates - two bedroom - two bath apartment. The bathrooms are in the bedrooms so it's not like they are sharing bathrooms with lots of others. My daughter just goes in her room and puts her headphones on when she needs alone time. Her roommates seem to work nights and she works days so she does have time to herself. I think the biggest mistake is that the roommates don't make any rules when they move in about keeping the place clean so that is where a lot of the problems arise.

 

[stitchlovestink]

Regular twin beds - NOT XL. My daughter has three roommates - two bedroom - two bath apartment. The bathrooms are in the bedrooms so it's not like they are sharing bathrooms with lots of others. My daughter just goes in her room and puts her headphones on when she needs alone time. Her roommates seem to work nights and she works days so she does have time to herself. I think the biggest mistake is that the roommates don't make any rules when they move in about keeping the place clean so that is where a lot of the problems arise.

They can make all the rules agreements they want but if someone in the unit decides they don't want to do something, they can't force them. And trying peer pressure....well, lol...That can just be like starting a fire! they start picking at each other's bad habits... like the episode of I Love Lucy. HONESTLY a LOT of it is Luck and sometimes just knowing when to keep your mouth shut and suck it up versus when it is a big enough issue to speak up.

 

[Summertime]

I disagree! I don't think it hurts with any roommates to just "chat" soon after moving in. It's trying to start off on a good note. Yes - you can't make anyone follow rules, but it doesn't hurt to try to make some. Taking the garbage out, eating someone else's food, doing dishes, being 1/2 way quiet (and respectful) after a certain hour etc. Do I think it will work for everyone all the time - absolutely not - but I always think some communication helps and not after being there a month. It can be something like tell us three pet peeves you have in apartment living. If someone says I hate when people eat my food - then everyone knows. It's getting to know your roommates a little - that's all.

 

[dnswalker]

Good suggestions, Summertime. My daughter is 21 and goes to a a local community college. She has never experienced dorm living and I believe that is one of her big concerns when it comes to roommates...

She is looking for a non-wellness roommates that are not huge drinkers. She doesn't want to opt for a wellness because she is afraid of someone else ruining her stay. She may just have to take her chances when she gets there. Do they ever put people with different movie-in/ move-out dates together? Is it possible for her to get moved into an established room that is vacant a roommate? Not that it really matters, but just curious how it operates.

On that note, does anyone one here have experience with the new DORMS system. Did anyone go in with no known roommates and have it work out? Do they do a survey and try to match personality types?

 

[stitchlovestink]

Good suggestions, Summertime. My daughter is 21 and goes to a a local community college. She has never experienced dorm living and I believe that is one of her big concerns when it comes to roommates...

She is looking for a non-wellness roommates that are not huge drinkers. She doesn't want to opt for a wellness because she is afraid of someone else ruining her stay. She may just have to take her chances when she gets there. Do they ever put people with different movie-in/ move-out dates together? Is it possible for her to get moved into an established room that is vacant a roommate? Not that it really matters, but just curious how it operates.

On that note, does anyone one here have experience with the new DORMS system. Did anyone go in with no known roommates and have it work out? Do they do a survey and try to match personality types?

Typically no...everyone moves in on the same day.
No they don't do survey matches or anything like that either. Until this last set when they switch ed to more of an online checkin system...basically it was the people next to you in line were your new roommates. So if you knew no one, the person in front of or behind you most likely was going to be your new roommate. That's why kids had to line up TOGETHER if the wanted to room together.
And when DD was in the program if you could provide evidence someone else in the unit was eating your food that was grounds for termination. That, along with under age drinking, is a BIG NO NO to Disney. I "believe" they treat/consider that the same as theft.
And I wasn't saying don't attempt to set ground rules the problem is in the larger units, kids can come and go from the program....wait until your kid comes home from a late night work shift and somebody either left the unit or got termed and their key no longer opens the door. Whenever someone leaves the unit, the lock has to be changed and everyone has to go get new keys. It can be a royal pain. It's necessary and done for everyone's safety but what an inconvenience. And when new kids join the unit the may not agree to what the others originally agreed to. The College Program can be fun but I think housing is probably the biggest challenge of any....at least IMO.

 

[reesecup]

Typically no...everyone moves in on the same day.
No they don't do survey matches or anything like that either. Until this last set when they switch ed to more of an online checkin system...basically it was the people next to you in line were your new roommates. So if you knew no one, the person in front of or behind you most likely was going to be your new roommate. That's why kids had to line up TOGETHER if the wanted to room together.
And when DD was in the program if you could provide evidence someone else in the unit was eating your food that was grounds for termination. That, along with under age drinking, is a BIG NO NO to Disney. I "believe" they treat/consider that the same as theft.
And I wasn't saying don't attempt to set ground rules the problem is in the larger units, kids can come and go from the program....wait until your kid comes home from a late night work shift and somebody either left the unit or got termed and their key no longer opens the door. Whenever someone leaves the unit, the lock has to be changed and everyone has to go get new keys. It can be a royal pain. It's necessary and done for everyone's safety but what an inconvenience. And when new kids join the unit the may not agree to what the others originally agreed to. The College Program can be fun but I think housing is probably the biggest challenge of any....at least IMO.

What in the world?! So, what would someone do if they come home late at night and can not get into their apartment? That's crazy. I understand they should change them and get new keys but there has to be some kind of notice so that they are able to get their new keys before it is done. Our dd has 7 other roommates right now. I'm wondering if I should talk her into trying to limit that down to just four of them now. I know a lot of parents say this, but our dd is VERY respectful of others and will be quiet if she knows someone is trying to rest or will not eat any of their food prior to asking. But, she will get upset if others are not respectful back to her. She's had to deal with this from her roommate in college.

 

[stitchlovestink]

What in the world?! So, what would someone do if they come home late at night and can not get into their apartment? That's crazy. I understand they should change them and get new keys but there has to be some kind of notice so that they are able to get their new keys before it is done. Our dd has 7 other roommates right now. I'm wondering if I should talk her into trying to limit that down to just four of them now. I know a lot of parents say this, but our dd is VERY respectful of others and will be quiet if she knows someone is trying to rest or will not eat any of their food prior to asking. But, she will get upset if others are not respectful back to her. She's had to deal with this from her roommate in college.

There is onsite security 24/7. They will get them into the unit that night. But when they are tired, it is a pain! Then the next day, they have to go to the 'appropriate location' (I forgot what my daughter told me the name of the place was) to pick up their new key. It happened to DD, she got home from a Super late shift and couldn't get in...apparently she was the 2nd one they had to let into her unit that night. Locks have to be changed IMMEDIATELY because if they don't, I am not sure that if something were to happen Disney couldn't be held liable if they didn't change the locks right away. So they take NO Chances.
DD's BFF is there now in a unit for 8 and is basically miserable!! AND SHE PICKED HER ROOMMATE AND ALL OF HER SUITEMATES!!! DD tried to talk her out of going with such a big group of girls and BFF was certain it would be fine. She has come back and told DD she should have listened to her!!! Her actual roommate was termed after just a few weeks. Her new roommate was moved from her unit after only being there less than a week (that is EXTREMELY unusual!!!) DD told her go with a smaller unit. I am sure there are cases of bigger units working smoothly but I would venture to say that it is the exception more than the rule.
And for the record, I am not trying to be a pessimist...just a realist. My younger DD plans on doing to CP at least once.

 

[mobish]

daughter has done 2 CPs, one with 4 roommates, one with 6. 4 had far less drama!

 

[tiggersmyguy]

I disagree! I don't think it hurts with any roommates to just "chat" soon after moving in. It's trying to start off on a good note. Yes - you can't make anyone follow rules, but it doesn't hurt to try to make some. Taking the garbage out, eating someone else's food, doing dishes, being 1/2 way quiet (and respectful) after a certain hour etc. Do I think it will work for everyone all the time - absolutely not - but I always think some communication helps and not after being there a month. It can be something like tell us three pet peeves you have in apartment living. If someone says I hate when people eat my food - then everyone knows. It's getting to know your roommates a little - that's all.

I'm afraid to burst any bubbles but my DD is doing the CP currently. 4 girls, wellness, met through Facebook group. They had a meeting with each other after move in. Within 1st week, 1 was eating others food, refused to clean, left her dirty dishes on stove, in sink. (My DD even came home after a 1am shift, found dirty dishes in sink and started cleaning, the girl who left them came out of her room to chat as my daughter did her dishes!) They have had numerous meeting with each other over issues in apartment. DD attempted to hang out with the 3 others in her apt. , she found that the 1 who refuses to help is very rude when out in public, won't leave tips for servers at restaurants, etc. Luckily, my daughter has become close to 1 of her roommates, so life is a little more tolerable. So unfortunately, there is no simple answer to how to find and get along with the roommates.

 

[dnswalker]

Is there anything you can do if someone in your apartment refuses to clean? I know I have read they have periodic inspections, but if it is one person that continuously refuses to pull there weight, is there any that can be done?

 

[DCPmom2014]

Finally - my first post after getting caught up with all previous posters. Wow - what a lot of great info. Feeling pretty prepared for my daughters upcoming trip to WDW. My 21year old DD was accepted into the Fall Advantage with a role in QSFB. She checked very to moderately interested in several roles as she just wanted to get in. Her major is special education with a specialty working with severely autistic children so she has seen it all. She has 4 years work experience both working in a school and a nursing home (that is where she picked up food service experience). Her check in date is May 19th.

She has lived at home as we have a major university here in Ohio in our backyard and has saved a ton of money by doing so. She has no problem moving in with people she doesn't know as she has been on four mission trips to Haiti. She has joined a few FB groups for those checking in the same day but thinks she would rather just go with the luck of the draw. She feels like if inning roommates ahead of time is like online dating and feels its difficult to assess now compatible everyone will be. She wants a two bedroom in Chatham as we think 4 roommates is just the right number. Does anyone have children who have had successful experiences just waiting until checkin for their roommates?

 

[AnnaS]

Welcome to the Dis DCPMom


My dd finished her 8 month program last year. She did not choose her room mates before and was with three other girls (actually the three girls were already in the bedroom and had been there for two weeks - they had extended).

My dd extended her program in May and was placed in a three bedroom at Patterson then. She did not get her new room mate til about two weeks later. Does not happen often but it does and we were all lucky, no drama, no problems.

Good luck to everyone and have fun. My dd loved it.

 

[BadDad]

Good suggestions, Summertime. My daughter is 21 and goes to a a local community college. She has never experienced dorm living and I believe that is one of her big concerns when it comes to roommates...

She is looking for a non-wellness roommates that are not huge drinkers. She doesn't want to opt for a wellness because she is afraid of someone else ruining her stay. She may just have to take her chances when she gets there. Do they ever put people with different movie-in/ move-out dates together? Is it possible for her to get moved into an established room that is vacant a roommate? Not that it really matters, but just curious how it operates.

On that note, does anyone one here have experience with the new DORMS system. Did anyone go in with no known roommates and have it work out? Do they do a survey and try to match personality types?

Here's my take:
Both of my kids are doing the program. S24 did it before, this is his second CP. D19's first time.

DORMS system: it's both significant and insignificant.
D knew her roommate from college both, made their choice known to the DORMS system 1-bedroom chatham and got it!
S chose Chatham, Patterson, Commons 1 or 2 bedroom. and got 3 bedroom in Vista Way. only one of his roommates chose Vista Way.

 

[DCPmom2014]

Welcome to the Dis DCPMom


My dd finished her 8 month program last year. She did not choose her room mates before and was with three other girls (actually the three girls were already in the bedroom and had been there for two weeks - they had extended).

My dd extended her program in May and was placed in a three bedroom at Patterson then. She did not get her new room mate til about two weeks later. Does not happen often but it does and we were all lucky, no drama, no problems.

Good luck to everyone and have fun. My dd loved it.

Thanks for your feedback. Did your DD put in her request ahead of time? My dd is wanting a two bedroom at Chatham. She is requesting non wellness. Not a big partier or drinker but does enjoy a glass of wine now and then. She will not have a car which does concern me a bit but I'm sure she will adjust.

 

[DCPmom2014]

Good suggestions, Summertime. My daughter is 21 and goes to a a local community college. She has never experienced dorm living and I believe that is one of her big concerns when it comes to roommates...

She is looking for a non-wellness roommates that are not huge drinkers. She doesn't want to opt for a wellness because she is afraid of someone else ruining her stay. She may just have to take her chances when she gets there. Do they ever put people with different movie-in/ move-out dates together? Is it possible for her to get moved into an established room that is vacant a roommate? Not that it really matters, but just curious how it operates.

On that note, does anyone one here have experience with the new DORMS system. Did anyone go in with no known roommates and have it work out? Do they do a survey and try to match personality types?

Sounds like our daughters would be perfect together!!! My dd is 21 and goes to a local community college and has lived at home. She is looking for a non wellness in Chatham 2 bedrooms. Not a huge partier. My dd checks in for fall advantage on May 19.

 

[dnswalker]

Sounds like our daughters would be perfect together!!! My dd is 21 and goes to a local community college and has lived at home. She is looking for a non wellness in Chatham 2 bedrooms. Not a huge partier. My dd checks in for fall advantage on May 19.

Man they do sound perfect, but DD has a show date of June 9. In other news... She has actually met some girls and they accepted her as a roomie! They were a group of three looking for three more. DD makes four. Personally, I wish they would stop there, but DD isn't making any suggestions at this point. Just waiting to see if two more prospects come along. How is the "getting ready" going for everyone? We did some business attire shopping last weekend and picked up some bedding too. She wants to see if her suite mate wants to select a color scheme for their bathroom before buying towels and the like. She is a crazy planner (I don't know where she gets that. but is afraid of coming on to strong with her new found friends. She is an only child and is quite assertive which some folks may perceive to be pushy?!?!

 

[poison ivy]

I just posted a packing update (for a guy) on my trip report with some pretty good links I found helpful. If you click on the youtube video I linked for the Walmart trip you'll see a tour of a 3 bdrm as well as what shopping by bus is like.

I'm not sure if it pertains to every apt complex, but the 3 bdrm. units in that video look smaller compared to the 2 bedroom units our son had at Chatham. (take a look at how close together the end tables are next to the beds.)

Also, they seem to have the same size kitchen as a 2 bdrm.

 

[BadDad]

Chatham 1 bedrooms are getting bunkbeds

 

[mlaw]

As I am reading the discussions about housing while listening to my daughter's experiences as a current CP, my advice to all future CP's is flexibility! My daughter met other girls on her Facebook group prior to starting her program. She found three girls that she really connected to and they decided to try to get a 2 bedroom in Chatham. They made matching shirts, planned out who would bring what, and made other such plans. They were so excited to meet each other when they finally arrived in Florida. They enjoyed hanging out in the parks once they completed their training and had fun celebrating one roommates birthday. Unfortunately, all three of her roommates HATED their jobs. First one quit and a week later another left. My daughter's roommate (actually sharing the bedroom) also talked about leaving but luckily stayed. The other room remained empty for a couple weeks and then two new international CP's were moved into the room. They sound very nice but have different ideas about the apartment, space issues, etc. My daughter was finally adjusting to the change and now they all received a notice that bunkbeds are being moved into their bedrooms and, what was a 2 bedroom/4 person apartment, will now be a 2 bedroom/6 person apartment. There are no choices in the situation and all you can tell your CP'er is "Go with the flow". My advice has been to focus on the positives and let go of the negatives. I am a little concerned about how the recent "space issues" are going to play out adding two more girls to the mix, but in the end they will all need to work it out. So again, my advice to all future CP's is FLEXIBILITY!!! On a positive note: She loves, loves, loves the experience. She works hard and plays hard. She has had so many "Best day ever" that my husband and I have lost count!