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Throwback to August 2009

1. You can go on-line to see if washers/dryers are available, and then you’re sent an email or text message when your machine stops.

2. You can meet your roommate (and his hundreds of friends) on Facebook a month before school begins.

3. Your mom can “Google” your roommate and his family.

 4. The dining hall, open from 7 AM to 10 PM, offers made-to-order paninis, gourmet coffees, smoothies, and vegan options.

 5. Summer homework. (Each freshman at the University of Richmond is expected to read Naguib Mahfouz’s Fountain and Tomb prior to arrival on campus. Discussions will be held during orientation week.)

6. Some professors provide the list of required books in advance, online. Students can save money by buying used books in advance, if they search Amazon et al.

 7. Packing list did not include IPod, MacBook Pro, 23 inch monitor, printer, digital camera, cell phone, and battery charger.

8. A thoughtful, considerate, loving son takes time off from packing to create an AIM account for his mom so they can see each other on video-chat every day. Awww…

 9. Two days of orientation sessions for parents and five days for students. Whew! I am tired, but I feel even more excited for Andrew since I’ve met several of his professors/RAs/fellow students! We said our goodbyes this afternoon, and guess what? I got choked up, but didn’t really cry.

 10. Your student ID card (with a flattering photo YOU provided) is also a key card, a library card, a meal card, and a debit card (used in bookstore, dining areas, vending machines, and even the washers/dryers).

11. Freshman Orientation included mandatory sessions on acquaintance rape and alcohol abuse.

12. An electronic scan of your handprint is all you need to enter the gym/fitness center.

13. My roommate never had swine flu. (Wash your hands and make him wear a mask, Andrew!)

14. We did not spend Saturday afternoons engaged in team-building activities on the campus ropes course. (Way to go, Andrew! Upper level!)

15. Environmental Awareness Week! Dorms at UR are competing to see which one can most reduce its energy consumption. Results are available in real time, on-line. (Andrew’s dorm is winning, but rumors of sabotage are rampant.)