Hey I was just wondering how much prep work we should do for this...I know that the acceptance packet said to know your reps, senator and to read news magazines for current events, but I was wondering if there are any specific things that we should know about government?

Exactly how many people will be in each room?

well it is good to know all that but you dont really have to. But if you do know all that stuff then it will make you seem much smarter. Now about the room situtation if yu are in the summer program its 3 if you are in the fall or spring it might be 3 or 4 it just depends

The only prep work I did was watching the news and read a few magazine articles but when I got up there I was kind of glad because I could keep up with a everyone better and I didn't look like a complete idiot when I made a point. But DO READ THE BOOK THEY GIVE YOU. It will help you in the long run. Best adivce on the reading is to split it up with your roommates because they will most liekly have the same assignment.

It could be anywhere from three to four people... Me and two other guys didn't have any problems, but I know some girls really struggled with all of their stuff creating a lack of space... Know who your Senators and Reps are... It would be really embarrassing to go to their office to meet w/ them and not know their name or be familiar w/ some of their positions on certain issues.

Thanks...thats much better to know that I'm doing a decent amount of prep work...thanks again.

yup no problem. Any other issues between now and then you know where to find us.

hey, advice for going: TAKE A BAG! one of those that fit over your shoulders. i MEAN it! if you can fit a three-ring binder into the bag, then its perfect. otherwise you have to hand carry around your camera, folers, papers, pamphlets, agendas, pens, water bottles, sweaters, etc. I was sorely mistaken for not taking a bag the first time and it was a hassle. I know people way they give out bags, but they are triangular shaped or they come as gym bags, neither of which hold your stuff neatly without getting it bent up or ripped.

Believe me when I say this: TAKE. A. BAG. i know that you think this is another stupid piece of advice, but im a three-timer and I am giving you my bet piece of experience-only information. Please do with it as you will!

The one and only: LMR2

What type of bag is best to bring?...is a backpack acceptable to carry books around?

Totally bring a bag. A backpack works perfecr because you can just but it now your back and its not in your way. Alot of people including me had one.

I used a laptop bag thing that I threw my phone and wallet in as well as my book, pens, and cd player for the busride around town when we weren't doing Say What? Karioke(good times), make sure it isn't too big and doesn't take up too much space though.

The laptop bag idea is genius! I brought a waterproof shoulder bag, and I think that a laptop case might work just as well! Maybe even better!

Great idea!!!

Every girl there had one of those big oversized Gucci bags and it took forever when they went through security. The laptop bag you can throw on the conveyer belt and send it through the screener w/ no problem.

LoL!! If you going to hav some money and a camera with you when you get off the bus then consider doing like I did. I stuck mymoney in my pocket and put my camera in one of my friends bag until we got through security and left my purse on the bus. Another tip with money: only bring with how ever much will needed on that day. It is alot is keep up with and if someone steals it you still have money. You are also a lot less tempted to spended to all to soon.

yeah, and NEVER leave your money somewhere in the room that you can see easily. not even inside a drawer in view. i swear, those maids love searching for a tip! granted or not

yeah, most are hands-off type of people, but then again, most are not....

Also, do they have options as far as food goes because I'm a vegetarian and was wondering if I should be letting anyone know?

let someone know you're a vegetarian. They made arrangements for people when I was there. Either call ahead to the offices and tell them or let them know upon arrival before your first meal so they can get something done for you.

Okay thanks for all your helpful info...it's saving me a lot of time from worrying about this trip...two weeks!! I can't wait!

Yup. Don't worry about it. Embrace it. I had a great time and am sure you will too.