Parents are important for first ceremonial events. In part the events ritualize families’ beginning separated lives as well as students’ beginning college careers. And students appreciate your comforting presence at the outset. But you should plan to leave campus promptly. New students need time to make friends on their own and make this place their own. When you visit at a later date, your son or daughter will revel in showing you all the “best places” on his or her own new turf.
The whirlwind of orientation provides a ceremonial beginning and welcoming to this exciting, scary new stage in young people's lives and a structured occasion to part with you and other family members. Orientation provides new students the opportunity to settle into dorm rooms, meet some of their fellow new students, learn their way around campus, and plan their first year's courses. Many will take several placement exams before finalizing their first semester’s courses with their faculty advisors. Between exams will be a plethora of social and cultural activities. The goal is that each new student begin the term with an appealing and sensible set of courses, with at least one or two new friends to share meals and experiences of first classes, and with enough exciting prospects to divert attention from the fear of being on their own.