Historically, new cadets have had access to phones starting Tuesday after Marchback. Sometimes even Monday night. They'll get their computer usually during that week as well, so you see them surface on email & social media.
Some carry phone & charger to R-day and store it. Others have parents/relatives bring it A-day. Tradeoffs to both, you hears of thefts from the trunk room, and the occasional water damage. I'd probably not mail it though, packages have not been as reliable of late during busy times.
Reorgy week will be crazy hectic though, I'd have all your travel for family lined up ahead of time. The dates are known:
http://www.usma.edu/parents/SiteAssets/Calendar Information for Academic Year2015-2016.pdf
Marchback will be a Monday, and kickoff Reorgy week. Following Sat will be the parade & release.
Plan for success. You do not plan to quit, so unless you are a medical drop or something there is nothing to coordinate after the fact.
They'll want to arrive in the area Friday if possible. Sat the 15th will be the parade and release for walking privs based on the current schedule. Plan on getting on post 2-3 hrs before the parade & release to get through security, park, shuttle, and get a seat in the bleachers.
It is useful to know your academic company so your proud relatives can get in bleachers near where you'll be during the parade. But that can be a text, email, or call. But I'm thinking parents get told this info now, or can find out in Ike hall A-day weekend.
Also pick a meeting point for when you are released. Mac & Patton statues are popular depending on where you barracks are. Grant Hall, the honor code bench, etc are as well. There will be over 1000 cadets in White/Grey and 5X as much family milling about.
When you pick your hotels think about restaurant access, movies, etc. This is when the extended stay (Residence Inn, etc) type hotels are nice. Room to spread out, snacks in the fridge. Allow for the Wal-Mart/Sams run. Many good places 30 minutes or so from post. Fishkill was one of our favorites. Dozens of resturants, many reasonable hotels. Probably 6-10 movie screens within short drive. Wal-Mart/Sams across the street.
Now would not be too late to start making reservations, you can always cancel if plans change. The hotels book up fast.
Will your relative be able to rent a car? If not, another vote for Fishkill. Train from NYC stops in Beacon, just a couple miles away. In a jam you could use taxis. Most Fishkill hotels should have a courtesy pickup/dropoff. There is a similar station in Central Valley (Harriman?) if he's flying into EWR. Not as many hotel/restaurant picks though.
Thayer Hotel, and HI Express in Montgomery book up, are crazy expensive, and you'll be trapped near USMA with few resturant picks. You'll want to get further away!
Feel free to PM me if you have any questions or need suggestions, I'll be happy to help with logistics suggestions.
It sounds like you may be doing this on your own. I can't remember when new cadets find out their sponsors, you may not know by A-day. Just remember there's a strong network of Mom's, Dad's & Grads that may be able to help if you do not have parents involved.
