New Expense-Tighten a Bit More

     We knew DD2's college does registration differently than many schools. She did not have a date when she had to come to campus and register with the masses. However, there is an Open House date/dates that she should attend which will give her the opportunity to walk her schedule, get her books purchased, and other admin type things so that the four days of freshmen orientation before classes start can be spent getting school and new friends and dorm mates acclimated. Since she has to ask off work, we picked the last Monday, July 22, so she can request off and use the Sunday prior to drive up, rather than have to hit the road on a Thursday night for the Friday sessions.  

     We'll have the cost of gas and a hotel room for the night, plus at least one meal. We stayed at a Microhotel, new and fairly close to the college back in November and they mentioned they have discount rates for college families. I can reserve that for $72 for the night, plus tax. A decent breakfast is included and we will be lunch guests of the college. There is also the option we stayed in when we first looked a the school and with Orbitz bucks, a few dollars cheaper-and with a pool. It might be nice to get a swim in the night before and feel relaxed after a day of exploring. We'll still need lunch and supper, though I'll pack our own snacks and try to stay within the $175 per trip we were estimating for move in, parents weekend, and two choir trips. She'll miss a shift of work unless she can swap with someone else. That cuts into her own savings towards her personal spending and study abroad savings. 

     We'll go up early on Sunday so she can explore the duo city, metro area. The population of the whole metro area is around 240,000 people, but is surrounded by very rural and less than rural areas for dozens of miles. We've been told and have read there is a thriving arts community, plus the coffee house, live music vibe that she really likes, so it will be a good day to explore before being on campus the next morning. The broader community has three colleges and universities plus at least two community and technical colleges, so a vibrant area for student life. We'll play it by ear on how long we stay, but try and time getting back home to avoid rush hour, which easily can add 30-45 minutes to the trip. 

     I'm looking forward to a little one to one time with her. While I did take of a few days the week before she leaves,  they will be filled with packing and organizing. While not in the budget, I'll just try and squeeze a bit tighter to enjoy the day.