When/are your parents visiting for 1st termers?

[super2]

Hi all,
I have been looking at the orientation timetables that have been sent on the CD and I see the white coat ceremony is on 16th Jan and that they have parents events on that day. Was just wondering when/if peoples parents will be going and if so when. We are trying to decide if it is better to come on the same day I'm arriving (10th) and leave the day after the white coat or arrive the day before the white coat and stay the week after.
Let the discussion begin.

[sisyphus]

Your parents should come the week before because you begin classes that week. You don't want family here when you'll be in class for much of the day.

Also, the school runs tours of the island/st. george's/waterfalls/etc the week before classes and you and your parents can use that as a base of activity.

[seagoddess]

when i first came down for first term my parents came with me and i thought that was very helpful. they also stayed for the white coat and that was really nice. i wouldn't recommend your parents coming once classes start. you'll have to study a lot.

[envivany1]

it all depends, I didnt get much studying done the first week anyways. It helps to have support while you are new, having your parents is great, coz they can go to the market for you to buy all the stuff new comers need during the first week while you are in class, they can keep themselves busy with the island and what not; Honestly you can only study so much in the first week

[Groove]

I second the opinion that it's not a good idea to have parents or family visit after classes begin. You're going to be stressed out and extremely busy during first term. Wait until 2nd or 3rd term if at all possible.

[Red Devil]

My parents are coming during the orientation week, but will leave the day after the white coat ceremony. I think we will have enough time to go grocery shopping and get things settled during orientation. So, it might be better for them to come during that time instead of staying after classes are in full swing.

[envivany1]

I guess everyone is different; we are all making it seem as if first term was impossible from day one. There were many people who's parents stayed after white coat, and were able to do fine. I honestly fail to see what the big deal is. Having your parents over is great for the support, but you cant just tell them that they gotta get lost before classes start if they still want to be on the island. I am sure that they will understand that you have to study, and besides they are not children that need babysitting. Maybe its just myself that is too relaxed, well i guess the decision depends on your personality.

[Saora1]

I don't think the question is whether it makes sense for them to be there after classes start, but rather if it's better for them to be there the previous week. At least, that's what I get from super2's post. His folks are going to be in GND for a week - is it better to be there during orientation or after the start of lectures.

I agree that it's not a big deal for them to be there once he starts class because, like you said, they don't exactly need babysitting. But what can they do in that week e.g. help buy supplies, groceries, etc. that they can't do the previous one during orientation? Plus, they get that final bit of time to see him settle in (as opposed to being there when he's in lecture for 4+ hours/day and studying a bit) and he doesn't have to wonder if they're okay. Maybe bored of the beach or something. I know I'd feel a little guilty for not being with my own folks even though they obviously know I'm there for class.

To me, it just makes more sense for them to come before classes start (which is what most usually do). In addition, there are tours and such that they can take during that time. Not so afterward.

It doesn't seem like much of a decision in my opinion. If the question was whether they should come during orientation week and if it were a problem for them to stay longer once classes have begun, and people were saying "No, you'll be too busy to see them", I'd get what you're saying. But right now it seems like a "when's better?" question.

[MedPhreak]

my parents are coming with me on the 11th and leaving the day after the white coat ceremony...i figured it would be best for them to be with me when i'm in need for setting up my apt, bank account, and cell phone stuff and what not...plus we can tour the island together and make use of all those orientation programs...i ddnt think i'd be seeing them too much once classes began and what not...but whatever works for you, i guess

[Peter8791]

Aren't there a couple of days off during the Spring term which would be a good time for parents to visit? I think SGU classes are cancelled around Easter (no class 4/14 for Good Friday and no class 4/17 for Holy Monday -- four day weekend?).

Or is that break from classes a time for catching up on studying?

Or what about a weekend visit after a mid-term exam period?

[jaywalk81]

that would be up to each individuals. some study and catch up, some visit other islands and have fun

[seagoddess]

I'd recommend visiting other islands as long as you are doing well in the courses and are not very behind. However, don't gamble it if you are borderline. It is relatively easy to fail a course.

[drnick07]

Aren't there a couple of days off during the Spring term which would be a good time for parents to visit? I think SGU classes are cancelled around Easter (no class 4/14 for Good Friday and no class 4/17 for Holy Monday -- four day weekend?).

Or is that break from classes a time for catching up on studying?

Or what about a weekend visit after a mid-term exam period? If i remember correctly, those vacation days occured just before exams, so you're pretty much studying like crazy anyway. After midterms though is the next best time for parents to visit if they don't come down for orientation.