Taking your child to college marks a monumental moment in their life—and a significant transition for you as a parent. It’s a day filled with excitement, emotions, and plenty of stress. To ensure everything goes off without a hitch, being prepared and adaptable is crucial. By now, you should have gathered all the necessary items (stores like Target provide excellent printable checklists, and Bed Bath & Beyond has online lists tailored to various colleges) and had vital conversations about roommates, friendships, campus safety, health, drinking, and yes, S-E-X.
Having helped two kids move into dorms 5,000 miles away, we’ve learned what works and what doesn’t. Despite the challenges, we look back at those days with fond memories—and you will too.
The Dos
- Encourage your child to reach out to their roommate via email or social media. This is a great time to discuss who will bring shared items like a refrigerator or TV. As a parent, try to refrain from making judgments about their roommate based on social media—comments like, “He seems like trouble” or “Wow, she really loves to party” can be unhelpful.
- If possible, arrive a day early to familiarize yourself with the area, pick up any held purchases, and make last-minute buys.
- Get a good night’s sleep before move-in day, and enjoy a hearty breakfast. Arriving tired can negatively affect your mood and energy, which won’t create a good impression on your child’s new roommate.
- Have all move-in directions, schedules, and maps printed and handy. Familiarize yourself with them in advance—consider it your military strategy!
- Pack healthy snacks and plenty of water; save the wine for after the heavy lifting is done. We found having a case of water in the dorm room was essential.
- Don’t forget cleaning supplies like paper towels and disinfectant wipes to give the room a quick clean before unpacking. This might be the only thorough cleaning the room gets all year.
- Swap emergency contact information with the roommate and their parents, but remember this is not an opportunity for snooping.
- Pack some small family photos for personal touches, even if they insist they don’t want them. Once they see their roommate’s photos, they might feel left out. For those wanting to display a variety, consider WeMontage’s removable photo wallpaper, perfect for dorms.
- Include a small first aid kit with essentials like pain relievers and a thermometer; illness can happen, and you’ll want to know how they are doing from afar.
- Earplugs, headphones, and a sleep mask are great to bring along for undisturbed sleep or TV time.
The Don’ts
- Avoid packing everything for your child. Involve them in the process so they know where their belongings are. They might still call to ask for help, but one day, those calls will be less frequent—so cherish them.
- Don’t bring their entire wardrobe. Dorm storage is limited, and shipping items can lead to long lines at the post office, so check the hours ahead of time.
- Resist the urge to take charge of unpacking and decorating. This is their space, and they should have the chance to set it up as they wish—chances are they’ll rearrange everything after you leave anyway.
- Keep the door open while unpacking to encourage neighborly interactions. You’ll be amazed at how many students drop by to chat about all the stuff you brought.
- If conflicts arise during move-in, let your child handle it. They’ll be living with their roommate, not you.
- Bring tissues but try to stay composed. This is a significant moment in your child’s life, but it’s also a time for celebration and pride in their accomplishments.
- Capture as many photos as possible, and squeeze in hugs and kisses—just not in front of their new roommate.
- Don’t skip the orientation programs. They may seem boring, but they provide valuable information about the school and opportunities for your child to meet new people.
- Surprise them with a small treat in their suitcase and plan to send a care package with their favorite snacks a few weeks later.
- Avoid hovering. Check in with a text or call, but resist the temptation to micromanage their life. They’ll manage their responsibilities—like brushing their teeth—eventually.
Best of luck on this exciting journey!
For more insights on home insemination options, check out Cryobaby Home Intracervical Insemination Syringe Kit Combo. For authoritative information, visit Intracervical Insemination, and for a wealth of knowledge on fertility, explore Science Daily.
Summary
Preparing for college dorm drop-off involves careful planning and adaptability. Encourage your child to connect with their roommate, pack wisely, and take care of themselves during this emotional transition. Balance your involvement with giving them space to establish their independence.