If you’re moving someone into college – here is a preview of how the day should go...

If you’re packing the car for college, don’t’ forget to pack some patience – and some tissues. 

College Parents of America has the following advice for first-time, soon-to-be empty nesters:

• Be prepared for a chaos. No matter how conscientiously the college prepares for an organized move in day, it will probably be confusing. Be prepared. Be flexible. Be patient.

• Don’t forget. Your student will need to do multiple things in addition to physically moving stuff into the room. He may need to check in, pick up keys, have ID pictures taken, fill out paperwork, turn in forms, buy textbooks, set up the computer.

• Let your student take the lead in dealing with questions. Try to take a back seat and let your child do the talking. If a question arises, let them find a Residence Assistant to get the answer. Give them this opportunity to take charge of their new life.

• If it involves a line – do that first. Lines get longer as the day progresses. The unpacking can wait, once you’ve claimed the best side of the room.

• Meet the roommate’s family. You may want to exchange contact information. It’s reassuring to know that you can contact someone else if you ever have trouble reaching your child.

 

• Don’t set up the room for them. Let students make their own decisions – preferably with their roommate. This will be their space so let them work it out. 

• Don’t linger. Some colleges have a farewell ceremony of sorts to help define the moment of leaving. Take the hint and leave afterward. If you want a celebratory last family dinner together, do that the night before. 

• Time to go - be prepared for some awkwardness. This is an important moment and neither you nor your student knows what to expect. Skip the lecture and go with the flow. 

Move-in day is a big step on your college student’s road to independence. You may experience similar emotions to that first day of kindergarten. You’ve done your job, again. Now you can focus on being proud. Don’t worry; they’ll be back – with plenty of laundry.