Getting Ready
Here is a list of frequently asked questions to prepare you for the trip:
1. When is Project Change?
August 10-18, 2009!
2. When and where should I arrive?
Plan to arrive on Monday, August 10. Details forthcoming on exact time and location.
3. How do I get my things to Duke?
The best way to get your things to Duke is to either have your parents/friends/family move your stuff for you, or to ship it directly to your dorm room. Project Change doesn’t have the space to house everything you’ll be bringing for move-in. So don’t bring it! In extenuating circumstances, you can contact us.
4. What does it mean that “transportation” is a covered cost?
What we mean when we say we’ll cover transportation costs is that we’ll cover all local transportation costs. You’re responsible for getting yourself to Duke. Once you’re here and in the program, we’ll take care of making sure you can get from place to place! The logic is that you were going to have to get yourself to Duke one way or another no matter what, being in Project Change just expedited the process by a week or so.
5. What should I bring? (this list may be supplemented later on)
You should bring only what you need for a week and nothing more. Bring a sleeping bag and pillow, a towel, clothes you can get dirty/work in, and some regular clothes, toiletries, sunscreen, one nice outfit, a bathing suit, and any medications you need.*
6. What Not to Bring: (this list may be supplemented later on)
Don’t bring valuables, large amounts of money, computer/laptop, everything to move into Duke. Can you tell we don’t want you to bring all your stuff?
7. Do I need to bring any money?
You should bring some cash, yes. It will cost about $35-40 for a cab from RDU to the airport, if that’s how you’re getting to Duke.* And it would be good to have some spare cash on hand in case you forgot some important toiletries or whatnot, but Project Change is covering all meals, local transportation, housing, and activities. You shouldn’t need much spare cash!
8. Can I participate in other programs that week?
Sorry, no can do. We are attention hogs and require all of yours! Once committed to Project Change, you cannot do other pre-orientation programs. Nor can you do Band Camp, International Orientation, Basketball Camp, sports tryouts, etc. Really, if it’s taking place from Aug 10-18, it won’t fit into your schedule. The good news is, you’ll be having so much fun with us, you won’t want to be doing those other things anyway!
9. What if I want to drive to Duke?
Driving can be fun! You can park on East Campus, but you’ll need a permit. If you already have an East Campus permit, you’re all set. Otherwise, you’ll need to go to Parking and Transportation Services (located on Coal Pile Drive, next to wait for it: an actual pile of coal!) and either pick up your pass, or ask for a temporary parking permit. It should cost around $3 a day. Explain that you’re doing a pre-orientation program and won’t be parking there during move-in and there shouldn’t be a problem.
*If money is a problem, please let us know - we’ll work something out! We don’t want financial considerations to stop someone from doing the program!




