Having a very hard time with DS going off to college

[marcyinPA]

RE: classes and schedules. My DS was not able to choose his own classes for this first semester. His classes were chosen for him- as they are for all freshmen at this school. He will be able to choose his own for next semester. Anyone else?

 

[HERSEY]

RE: classes and schedules. My DS was not able to choose his own classes for this first semester. His classes were chosen for him- as they are for all freshmen at this school. He will be able to choose his own for next semester. Anyone else?

I am not sure when my son signs up for 2nd semester classes. He did pick his elective.They do have core requirements, He was able to test out of some (AP classes).

 

[LisaR]

RE: classes and schedules. My DS was not able to choose his own classes for this first semester. His classes were chosen for him- as they are for all freshmen at this school. He will be able to choose his own for next semester. Anyone else?

A good friend of DD had the same deal. The girl showed up at orientation and they handed her her schedule. When DD told me this, I insisted she misunderstood the conversation. I had never heard of that before. This was last year and I am 99% sure I posted about it here on the Dis or on a college message board. Apparently it is the norm at some schools.

Since DD was able to register first and long before her orientation, an adviser called her and they were on the phone together for over an hour getting her schedule hammered out. As soon as DD was in the system though, she was then able to make any changes she wanted so she added and dropped until she found the perfect schedule.

 

[RejoyceoverDisney]

RE: classes and schedules. My DS was not able to choose his own classes for this first semester. His classes were chosen for him- as they are for all freshmen at this school. He will be able to choose his own for next semester. Anyone else?

Yup freshman first semester are given a schedule.
Second semester is the stay up past midnight on the day that your amount of credits allow you to register. My son was frustrated with how things worked and I'm sure with him already complaining the internet is messed up in his room, he'll be struggling as the server gets bogged when it's time to register. But he lucked out and a friend of mine monitors the whole process all summer and got a hold of me this summer when a slot opened in a class that my son wanted. I woke him up and he jumped into the class. Of course I had already bought him a book for the class he had to cancel, but who couldn't use an extra stress management book in their house? LOL yup that was the class he had to drop to get the class he wanted. He'll try to get this class next time. LOL
Or I'll just read the book. I probably could have returned it but it's a fairly new addition and he does hope to get that elective next semester.
He'll need it with his public speaking class.

 

[mom2rtk]

RE: classes and schedules. My DS was not able to choose his own classes for this first semester. His classes were chosen for him- as they are for all freshmen at this school. He will be able to choose his own for next semester. Anyone else?

My son's enrollment almost seemed like a test of ingenuity. They were given a booklet with classes and times, a printout with various sections, and a blank chart to start filling things in. They then had to walk over to the registrar and attempt to enroll in the classes they had chosen. Many sections were full already. We got really lucky though and really had very few problems with it.

I am not sure when my son signs up for 2nd semester classes. He did pick his elective.They do have core requirements, He was able to test out of some (AP classes).

That's funny, but my DS called today and I asked him if he's heard anything about second semester enrollment. He said nothing yet, but I told him to keep an ear to the ground so he maximizes his chances at getting the schedule he wants.

Yup freshman first semester are given a schedule.
Second semester is the stay up past midnight on the day that your amount of credits allow you to register. My son was frustrated with how things worked and I'm sure with him already complaining the internet is messed up in his room, he'll be struggling as the server gets bogged when it's time to register. But he lucked out and a friend of mine monitors the whole process all summer and got a hold of me this summer when a slot opened in a class that my son wanted. I woke him up and he jumped into the class. Of course I had already bought him a book for the class he had to cancel, but who couldn't use an extra stress management book in their house? LOL yup that was the class he had to drop to get the class he wanted. He'll try to get this class next time. LOL
Or I'll just read the book. I probably could have returned it but it's a fairly new addition and he does hope to get that elective next semester.
He'll need it with his public speaking class.

Tell your son it could be a whole lot worse. When I was in school, we all physically lined up outside a big meeting room, then scurried around to tables hoping to get one of the coveted notecards that represented a place in a given class.

But then I learned Fortran 4 in computer class. And trips to the computer lab involved large stacks of punchcards!

 

[mom2rtk]

A good friend of DD had the same deal. The girl showed up at orientation and they handed her her schedule. When DD told me this, I insisted she misunderstood the conversation. I had never heard of that before. This was last year and I am 99% sure I posted about it here on the Dis or on a college message board. Apparently it is the norm at some schools.

Since DD was able to register first and long before her orientation, an adviser called her and they were on the phone together for over an hour getting her schedule hammered out. As soon as DD was in the system though, she was then able to make any changes she wanted so she added and dropped until she found the perfect schedule.

I had completely forgotten, but our oldest was handed a schedule at orientation as well. He was able to make changes if he wanted but they handed it to him when we sat down with his advisor.

 

[goofy4tink]

Last year, as a freshman, my dd had no say in her first semester classes. I believe she met her advisor during orientation and he gave her the schedule. And she had no classes before 10:30am! Talk about lucky. It has all been up to her and her advisor to make each semester's schedule now. And still...in her third semester, no class before 10!

 

[Katy Belle]

RE: classes and schedules. My DS was not able to choose his own classes for this first semester. His classes were chosen for him- as they are for all freshmen at this school. He will be able to choose his own for next semester. Anyone else?

I have never heard of this! DS was given suggestions, kind of like a sample schedule of the required classes for his major...for the 8 semesters. He spoke with his advisor and discussed which electives were best. Their electives have to meet some special requirements...they need a multicultural one, etc. , so the Advisor suggested which ones work best in the long run. He was able to skip a few classes, due to AP exams, so his schedule isn't much like the sample, but it helped. Then DS had to go on-line and enroll, without parents and without the advisor. He had to change a few things, but got his schedule! His earliest class is 8:30. He is hoping to avoid that next semester!

I was the weirdo that loved early classes. I couldn't stand late afternoon classes!

 

[RejoyceoverDisney]

But then I learned Fortran 4 in computer class. And trips to the computer lab involved large stacks of punchcards!

I volunteered in the computer lab to load the punchcards into the machine!
Yes that was my major. That was just so much fun making those punch cards and keeping it straight. Ever drop a stack?

 

[mom2rtk]

I volunteered in the computer lab to load the punchcards into the machine!
Yes that was my major. That was just so much fun making those punch cards and keeping it straight. Ever drop a stack?

LOL, no never dropped a stack. But I can see where that might have been problematic.

 

[marcyinPA]

Well, just heard from DS. His roommate is indeed moving out. This weekend. He was packing his stuff while DS was texting me. I don't think it has anything to do with DS- I think this kid has a lot of band friends who live in another dorm and he is going there with his people.

DS doesn't know if he will have the room to himself now, or if they will stick someone in there. He is hoping he will be alone. I do feel bad for him- but it could be worse. All of his "expectations" of how college life is have been "off" by a little. I just kind of feel bad that he isn't having the experience he thought he would. Not to say it won't happen, but it just has not started off great.

 

[disykat]

I think I might be the last one. DS leaves tomorrow. I could only get a 1/2 day off at work so we'll leave around noon. It should take us less than 3 hours so we can get him there during his move in window of 2:30 - 4:00.

DH and I are going to spend a night on the way back and stop and see our older son's new apartment before we come home to start our new life as empty nesters. Weird.

 

[LisaR]

Well, just heard from DS. His roommate is indeed moving out. This weekend. He was packing his stuff while DS was texting me. I don't think it has anything to do with DS- I think this kid has a lot of band friends who live in another dorm and he is going there with his people.

DS doesn't know if he will have the room to himself now, or if they will stick someone in there. He is hoping he will be alone. I do feel bad for him- but it could be worse. All of his "expectations" of how college life is have been "off" by a little. I just kind of feel bad that he isn't having the experience he thought he would. Not to say it won't happen, but it just has not started off great.

I hope things start to work out a little better for your son.

Can they just switch up rooms on their own? When we went to DD's orientation, they had very strict guidelines on changing rooms. You had to have major roommate problems that the RA couldn't help with. Then, it went to the person above the RA who is actually a paid employee with a degree who mediates roommate issues. If that person did everything possible and it still wasn't working out, they would consider a roommate switch. They made it very hard to switch rooms and really emphasized learning to work things out.

Also, I think it was this thread where someone mentioned their son (or the roommate maybe) moving into a frat house at the beginning of the next semester. At DD's college, they have a dorm contract and we are committed to 9 months. If she moved into an apartment, back home, or dropped out, (no Greek houses on or off campus at her school) we are still on the hook for the cost of the dorm for the year. Is her school unusual in that regard?

 

[nancygirl1]

Hey everyone

I know that we have all made ourselves busy doing any thing and everything we can think of so that we won't think about our kids being gone...haha. It's nice that they still "need" us even if it's not what we would really like. At least they're not gone from our lives completely, just temporarily.


Just wondering how everyone is really doing with their new reality?


I miss them both like crazy and still find myself getting weepy over silly things. I would love it if even one of them would text me just to say hi, but alas I only hear from them when they need something. Typical teenage boys I guess. Things are settling into a new rhythm.

How goes it with you?

Nancy

 

[marcyinPA]

I hope things start to work out a little better for your son.

Can they just switch up rooms on their own? When we went to DD's orientation, they had very strict guidelines on changing rooms. You had to have major roommate problems that the RA couldn't help with. Then, it went to the person above the RA who is actually a paid employee with a degree who mediates roommate issues. If that person did everything possible and it still wasn't working out, they would consider a roommate switch. They made it very hard to switch rooms and really emphasized learning to work things out.

Also, I think it was this thread where someone mentioned their son (or the roommate maybe) moving into a frat house at the beginning of the next semester. At DD's college, they have a dorm contract and we are committed to 9 months. If she moved into an apartment, back home, or dropped out, (no Greek houses on or off campus at her school) we are still on the hook for the cost of the dorm for the year. Is her school unusual in that regard?

I got a little more info out of DS since I last posted this. His roommate was invited to be in the honors college, and those folks all live in a certain dorm. It also happens that his band peeps are there too. Generally, they are not allowed to change rooms on a whim, but I guess these circumstances are different.

We are committed to campus housing only semester by semester. When we pay for the Soring semester, we will be locked in for that semester or forfeit the room and board cost.

I think the only way he will end up with someone else mid-semester is if they de-triple someone who is not in a true triple or if someone has some serious roommate issue. So far, he has not heard from resident life. I wonder if they would notify him, or if he would come back from class one say to find someone in his room?!

 

[LisaR]

I got a little more info out of DS since I last posted this. His roommate was invited to be in the honors college, and those folks all live in a certain dorm. It also happens that his band peeps are there too. Generally, they are not allowed to change rooms on a whim, but I guess these circumstances are different.

We are committed to campus housing only semester by semester. When we pay for the Soring semester, we will be locked in for that semester or forfeit the room and board cost.

I think the only way he will end up with someone else mid-semester is if they de-triple someone who is not in a true triple or if someone has some serious roommate issue. So far, he has not heard from resident life. I wonder if they would notify him, or if he would come back from class one say to find someone in his room?!

He might get lucky and have the room to himself!

In DD's case, there were suppose to be three girls in their room but one never showed up on move in day! She decided at the last minute that she couldn't be that far from home. Nobody said a thing to DD and her roommate for 1.5 weeks. They figured they lucked out and had a three bedroom with only two people. One day they got back from class and a girl was moving in. They weren't given any notice. Tell him to enjoy the quiet while he can!

 

[krcit]

My dd has requested a care package but didn't say what she wants Anyone have some good ideas of some stuff I could send her?? I'm thinking an expansion pack of cards for the Cards agaibst Humanity game she has, maybe some warm fuzzy socks, chapstick, candy but after that I'm at a loss.

 

[marcyinPA]

My dd has requested a care package but didn't say what she wants Anyone have some good ideas of some stuff I could send her?? I'm thinking an expansion pack of cards for the Cards agaibst Humanity game she has, maybe some warm fuzzy socks, chapstick, candy but after that I'm at a loss.

How about some fun Halloween stuff since the season is approaching? A couple of decorations? Boys don't seem to want that stuff, but girls like it I think! I sent my DS one package so far- a cord for his printer and a bunch of pictures from home that I printed off. I surprised him with the pictures and he loved them!!

 

[RejoyceoverDisney]

My dd has requested a care package but didn't say what she wants Anyone have some good ideas of some stuff I could send her?? I'm thinking an expansion pack of cards for the Cards agaibst Humanity game she has, maybe some warm fuzzy socks, chapstick, candy but after that I'm at a loss.

Chocolate! Maybe a small Teddy Bear or other plushy in an area of her interest. I know as a college student I still liked the cute things. Still do.
Very important is a heart felt letter, hand written reminding her of all the accomplishments that make you proud of her and that you wish her all the best of life, kind of letter. When we have done retreats at our church we call that "Palanca" and ask the parents to "life" the kids spirits by writing a letter. Many kids never hear those kind of words spoken from a parent. And if you can get other family members to do the same and put them in the package. Woah!

I remember the package my mother sent me with hand made Christmas decorations. And another time a batch of cookies she made.

I think it's the personal and thinking of you aspect.

Love the other mom that sent pictures. Glad your son found it special.
My son never checks his mail so I have to send the pictures via text if he's gonna see it. Last year my sister in law sent him a package and it took him over a week to retrieve it. Guys!!!

Wish I knew your daughter personally cause I would have a blast making up a package for a daughter.

Oh go to the Dollar Store and find some silly things. Princess crown....clown nose......

Ok sorry that is just my kind of fun surprise. You never know when you need it.

 

[mom2rtk]

Well, just heard from DS. His roommate is indeed moving out. This weekend. He was packing his stuff while DS was texting me. I don't think it has anything to do with DS- I think this kid has a lot of band friends who live in another dorm and he is going there with his people.

DS doesn't know if he will have the room to himself now, or if they will stick someone in there. He is hoping he will be alone. I do feel bad for him- but it could be worse. All of his "expectations" of how college life is have been "off" by a little. I just kind of feel bad that he isn't having the experience he thought he would. Not to say it won't happen, but it just has not started off great.

Fingers crossed he gets a single for the price of a double for a while!

I think I might be the last one. DS leaves tomorrow. I could only get a 1/2 day off at work so we'll leave around noon. It should take us less than 3 hours so we can get him there during his move in window of 2:30 - 4:00.

DH and I are going to spend a night on the way back and stop and see our older son's new apartment before we come home to start our new life as empty nesters. Weird.

I went to a late start school like that. I bet you're ready to just get the show on the road. I hope it's not as bad adjusting as I'm sure you've thought it will be.

Hey everyone

I know that we have all made ourselves busy doing any thing and everything we can think of so that we won't think about our kids being gone...haha. It's nice that they still "need" us even if it's not what we would really like. At least they're not gone from our lives completely, just temporarily.


Just wondering how everyone is really doing with their new reality?


I miss them both like crazy and still find myself getting weepy over silly things. I would love it if even one of them would text me just to say hi, but alas I only hear from them when they need something. Typical teenage boys I guess. Things are settling into a new rhythm.

How goes it with you?

Nancy

Sigh. Mostly it's good here. But when a couple days go by and I haven't heard from him, I do start missing him more.

It did help to hear that he got a 99 on his first Chemistry test! So I was all excited for about a day. And now I'm just back to missing him. Not all the time, but at least every time I see his cat..... who now sits on a suitcase in the living room I never put away. He has decided it makes a great cat hammock, so he never leaves.

My dd has requested a care package but didn't say what she wants Anyone have some good ideas of some stuff I could send her?? I'm thinking an expansion pack of cards for the Cards agaibst Humanity game she has, maybe some warm fuzzy socks, chapstick, candy but after that I'm at a loss.

I'd love to help, but I'm guessing the things in a girl's care package would be different from the things I would put in my son's care package. Let's see..... his first package he requested duct tape and a memory card for his video game system! I added candy and some funyuns. Does she have a favorite store she gets to often? Maybe a gift card? Or maybe an iTunes gift card?