Move In Day

The day that my son has been waiting for all senior year and all summer long has finally arrived ... Move In Day!  Two days ago, my son, became an official college freshman! Can you believe it?  I’m still grappling with the fact that my baby boy is now in college, and when I leave Syracuse tomorrow morning, he will not be coming back with me. That is a hard pill to swallow. 

We arrived on campus Tuesday morning to a sea of excited teenagers all eager to begin their freshman year and to parents unloading cars full of stuff they all felt their kids would need to survive.  It should have been a chaotic moment, but Syracuse had move in day down to a science. There were experienced college students assisting the freshman with their move in. My son’s belongings were out of his father’s car and in his dorm room in less than 15 minutes. I was amazed, and glad. It was less work for us to do. 

My daughter organized my son’s clothes in his dresser and we went to lunch. Luckily for him, the dining hall is right in the dormitory.  Luckily for us, there was a great selection of food, and it was healthy and actually decent. I was pleasantly surprised.

Afterwards, I took my son to Walmart to get him some things he needed.  Now, for those of you who haven’t yet had the pleasure of dropping your kid off to college, here is a piece of advise, only bring your kid’s clothes and buy the rest of the things you need when you get there. You don’t want to have to bring the sheets, pillows, deodorant, toothpaste, blankets, comforter, iron, mini-fridge, etc. with you. Just get all that stuff when you get there. Besides, your kid needs to see for his or herself that the big screen tv, fridge, and PlayStation that they all swear they need, really won’t fit into that tiny space that they will share with someone else.

My brother and parents surprised my son by driving up from Connecticut just in time for dinner. I have to say, my brother is the best brother ever. Even though he lives in California and we live in Brooklyn, I don’t think he’s missed any major event in my children’s lives ... my daughter’s numerous dance recitals, my son’s high school graduation, some major holidays ... and he made sure my parents were able to be in Syracuse for their grandson’s move in day.  That’s love!  Thanks man!

We dropped my son off back at his dorm and I went to my Airbnb. Alone.  That was hard. But, I know this is hard on him too. This is the start of a new chapter in his life. Its both scary and exciting for him at the same time.  Now, more than ever, he needs to know that I am always here for him to be a sounding board, to offer advise, to give him encouragement, or whatever it is he needs. 

When your kids go off to college, join the military, or move away from home, just know that this is a period of transition for both of you. All you can do is prepare for it the best you can, let them go, and pray. 

So, now you know, and you can ... Consider Yourself Warned!

For those parents who’ve been through this before, what advice do you have for first time parents dropping their kid off to college?