College parent check in

[mysteriouswife]

How is it going? DD leaves three weeks from today. I’m a mess

We unofficially got confirmation she was accepted to study abroad next spring. It’s mini- semester program. She will be hanging in the rainforest collecting samples for insects and plant life.

We need a few odd and ends to finish off her dorm list.

[katfco]

DD leaves in 16 days. She's stressed, it's such a big change. I feel like right now for prep, we're at the point where it seems like we should be doing more than we are. I can't think what I'm missing.

[mysteriouswife]

katfco I agree. I fee like we have forgotten something major. I keep reminding myself there are stores and we can ship anything we forget.

[definitelyO]

2nd year move in is Friday 08/22 - new apartment - still need to get all the kitchen items, but emotions are stable he's taking his car this year so will see how that changes visits, etc...

and yes - you can ship anything that you forget...

[rootbeerfloat]

DS starts mid-Sept, so we still have some time. He picked his room this week and connected with his roommate. We're coming from out of state, so I mostly have items on lists to order/ship before we leave.

He's never liked sleepovers or been away from us for more than a week, so the fact that he's more excited than nervous is (somewhat) reassuring.

[cjcouple]

DS is heading into sophomore year. 1st tuition installment has been made.

He actually got an apartment for this year so moving him in soon. He can move anytime.

He doesnt know how to cook despite me asking him to learn some basics from me. He says he would rather google recipes and learn as he goes. Im worried he wont be eating much due to pure laziness of food prep. But he is 19 and will figure it out I guess.

[leahcar]

DD1 is headed for her 2nd year and will be in the dorm again.

We took too much last year. You can always ship things or have your student go to a local store. My guest room is still covered in what she brought home in May. I told her we aren't buying a thing until she organizes that.

Other than buying her consumable products, I don't think we need much. She's debating getting a tv this year since she'll have a little living room. Otherwise- I'll get her snacks and cleaning stuff after she makes her way through the guest room mountain.

[mysteriouswife]

Jul 31, 2025 12:08:12 GMT -5 leahcar said:

DD1 is headed for her 2nd year and will be in the dorm again.

We took too much last year. You can always ship things or have your student go to a local store. My guest room is still covered in what she brought home in May. I told her we aren't buying a thing until she organizes that.

Other than buying her consumable products, I don't think we need much. She's debating getting a tv this year since she'll have a little living room. Otherwise- I'll get her snacks and cleaning stuff after she makes her way through the guest room mountain.

Tell us what we should avoid buying

[leahcar]

Jul 31, 2025 12:11:09 GMT -5 mysteriouswife said:

Jul 31, 2025 12:08:12 GMT -5 leahcar said:

DD1 is headed for her 2nd year and will be in the dorm again.

We took too much last year. You can always ship things or have your student go to a local store. My guest room is still covered in what she brought home in May. I told her we aren't buying a thing until she organizes that.

Other than buying her consumable products, I don't think we need much. She's debating getting a tv this year since she'll have a little living room. Otherwise- I'll get her snacks and cleaning stuff after she makes her way through the guest room mountain.

Tell us what we should avoid buying

Especially if you have a girl- decor.  She was overwhelmed with having all of us in the dorm to help her, but wasn't skilled enough to handle all the nonsense to get things to stick to those walls solo.  So those gorgeous curtains, framed photos, etc mostly didn't get used. (Most boys seem to have limited decor anyway)  

limit the amount of cooking stuff you send.  My DD has Celiac so I thought she'd cook more than she did.  She didn't like going to use the community kitchen so either ate at the dining hall or snacky stuff in her room

Be realistic on cleaning supplies.  You know your child best here, but it's unlikely they'll....mop, for instance.  

This isn't a buy as much of a pack- but they'll need less clothes than they think.  My kid took most of her wardrobe and then re-wore the same few things most of the time.    Based on when your child expects to come back home- you could limit sending seasonal wardrobes that way.  Something we did find useful is having ONE interview/award ceremony/etc outfit and a pair of shoes to go with those. THREE of her friends borrowed her dress shoes for interviews first semester.

[orval]

DS moves in on the 21st (we leave on the 20th). He is mostly done gathering stuff for his dorm. Wraps up his summer job tomorrow. Just got the bill today!

[penelope]

Jul 31, 2025 11:58:19 GMT -5 cjcouple said:

DS is heading into sophomore year. 1st tuition installment has been made.

He actually got an apartment for this year so moving him in soon. He can move anytime.

He doesnt know how to cook despite me asking him to learn some basics from me. He says he would rather google recipes and learn as he goes. Im worried he wont be eating much due to pure laziness of food prep. But he is 19 and will figure it out I guess.

And they do figure it out!  They won't go hungry, they'll learn either from youtube or roommates, etc.  Mine had no clue and he came home after the first year and I was actually impressed on what he picked up on.  

[cjcouple]

Jul 31, 2025 12:35:42 GMT -5 penelope said:

Jul 31, 2025 11:58:19 GMT -5 cjcouple said:

DS is heading into sophomore year. 1st tuition installment has been made.

He actually got an apartment for this year so moving him in soon. He can move anytime.

He doesnt know how to cook despite me asking him to learn some basics from me. He says he would rather google recipes and learn as he goes. Im worried he wont be eating much due to pure laziness of food prep. But he is 19 and will figure it out I guess.

And they do figure it out!  They won't go hungry, they'll learn either from youtube or roommates, etc.  Mine had no clue and he came home after the first year and I was actually impressed on what he picked up on.  

Yeah, I know he can fry!! Lol

He works for a local dairy shack and works the fryer. He said he can grill a burger too. Except he has no grill or fryer in his apartment 🤣🤣

[devonpow]

DS1 leaves in 2 weeks He’s excited and ready, I am not lol. He has his class schedule set and has already talked to a few fraternities because he wants to rush. His dorm doesn’t have AC so that’s his biggest worry (and it will be brutal the first month I’m sure). His roommate is on the crew team so will also be interesting to deal with the crazy early wake ups he will have - hopefully he’s quiet!

He and DH are doing the 15 hour drive and DS2 and I are flying so there is plenty of room in the car. I express my anxiety through organization so I already have everything except his clothes and shoes packed lol. I’m doing a pre run of packing the car this weekend so I know if we need to ship anything but I think we are good to fit it all. I used all those big ikea esque bags everyone recommends everything is packed and stacked in the office. Each bag labeled with his name, dorm room, and what’s in the bag. Last night my anxiety dream was that we forgot to bring any clothes for him lol.

[1confused1]

My son moves to the dorms in about 2 weeks. He is so ready to go. I am so excited for him but it will be so weird at home without him.

I have some stuff in my Amazon cart I need to buy for his room. I think we are set otherwise.

[mysteriouswife]

leahcar DD has gone way overboard on pillows. We keep telling her it’s too many.

[Bad Dingo]

DD moves out in a little over 2 weeks. She said she has most of her things packed except the stuff she is still using. Luckily she'll only be 35-45 mins away so we can easily bring her things or bring back things she ends up not needing.

She'll be in a suite, 2 doubles with a common room. Her room is only 104 sq ft (we're guessing 8x13 based on the floor plan pics online). I'm guessing the beds will definitely have to be bunked which she's not that excited about.

I am going to miss her SO MUCH.

[rooster222]

We moved my oldest into her apartment over the weekend. She is not officially moving for 2 weeks, but the big stuff is done.

Youngest dd goes in 17 days. We are almost done shopping. She's excited and a little anxious but mostly excited.

I'm starting a new job next week so that has kept me somewhat distracted from the emotions and I know I'm going to be super busy with work.

Both of my kids are at the same school and we bought season tickets for football so it's nice knowing we will see them every few weeks through Nov.

[definitelyO]

Jul 31, 2025 11:58:19 GMT -5 cjcouple said:

DS is heading into sophomore year. 1st tuition installment has been made.

He actually got an apartment for this year so moving him in soon. He can move anytime.

He doesnt know how to cook despite me asking him to learn some basics from me. He says he would rather google recipes and learn as he goes. Im worried he wont be eating much due to pure laziness of food prep. But he is 19 and will figure it out I guess.

we got DS (2nd year - apartment) a small meal pass.  5 meals per week in the cafeteria - easy so he doesn't have to remember to pack a lunch and can grab lunch on campus.  

[jillybean222]

I'm off to a great start - I set up a payment plan for half the balance and planned to make a lump sum payment for the other half but the payment sites look SO SIMILAR and I accidentally paid off the payment plan when I was trying to make the other payment. So now I called both ends and nobody can help so I have to set up another payment plan and hope the first one makes it where it is supposed to go. So annoying!

My kid leaves 8/15 and I am not even close to ready. She's an athlete;te so she moves in earlier that the rest of the freshman so that will give us some extra time to figure out everything we forgot to get and also give me an excuse to take a ride to see her!!!

[cjcouple]

Jul 31, 2025 15:05:24 GMT -5 definitelyO said:

Jul 31, 2025 11:58:19 GMT -5 cjcouple said:

DS is heading into sophomore year. 1st tuition installment has been made.

He actually got an apartment for this year so moving him in soon. He can move anytime.

He doesnt know how to cook despite me asking him to learn some basics from me. He says he would rather google recipes and learn as he goes. Im worried he wont be eating much due to pure laziness of food prep. But he is 19 and will figure it out I guess.

we got DS (2nd year - apartment) a small meal pass.  5 meals per week in the cafeteria - easy so he doesn't have to remember to pack a lunch and can grab lunch on campus.  

I offered that or even just a 50 or 75 meal plan but he doesnt want it. He barely ate it the 2nd semester as it was and its located on the other side of campus from his apartment. It woild actually be cheaper to buy take out as it is.

He will likely just be making a lot of sandwiches and soups. 🤷‍♀️

[katfco]

We haven't even started packing. We just have a staging ground where stuff's been thrown for now.

[formerlyak]

Moved my sophomore into his apartment in June. He's been in his college city working and taking classes this summer. He's loving it. I miss him, but I am not as sad as I was last year. I think seeing him so happy thriving is why.

Good luck everyone.

[definitelyO]

Jul 31, 2025 15:45:50 GMT -5 formerlyak said:

Moved my sophomore into his apartment in June. He's been in his college city working and taking classes this summer. He's loving it. I miss him, but I am not as sad as I was last year. I think seeing him so happy thriving is why.

Good luck everyone.

agreed - I'm not dreading move in like I was freshman year and highly doubt I'll collapse in a sobbing heap like I felt like doing last year (okay I was sobbing, but didn't collapse - LOL)

[MrsAxilla]

My kid has nothing and refuses to let me take him shopping! “I don’t need anything, mom! And Amazon exists!” It’s breaking my heart! I think he’ll start getting serious soon, but he’s kinda right; he doesn’t really need much. Bedding, towels and shower stuff. We bought him a scooter to zip around campus. He’s only 45 mins away, though, so he may take me up on shopping once he’s moved in a discovers what he needs.

[mysteriouswife]

Aug 1, 2025 10:16:39 GMT -5 MrsAxilla said:

My kid has nothing and refuses to let me take him shopping! “I don’t need anything, mom! And Amazon exists!” It’s breaking my heart! I think he’ll start getting serious soon, but he’s kinda right; he doesn’t really need much. Bedding, towels and shower stuff. We bought him a scooter to zip around campus. He’s only 45 mins away, though, so he may take me up on shopping once he’s moved in a discovers what he needs.

This is the reaction I’m getting from a lot of the boy moms in my life. The girls are going over the top.

[cjcouple]

Aug 1, 2025 10:16:39 GMT -5 MrsAxilla said:

My kid has nothing and refuses to let me take him shopping! “I don’t need anything, mom! And Amazon exists!” It’s breaking my heart! I think he’ll start getting serious soon, but he’s kinda right; he doesn’t really need much. Bedding, towels and shower stuff. We bought him a scooter to zip around campus. He’s only 45 mins away, though, so he may take me up on shopping once he’s moved in a discovers what he needs.

This was my son. He honestly didnt need a lot outside of bedding, a fan, shower stuff, laundry needs and school supplies. Oh and cold meds. Send his preferred ones. They are sick for months in a dorm.

Once he was there, he went shopping with his suitemates for decor and he sent me a couple amazon links.

[katfco]

I posted this in randoms, but DD got a notification that her official transcripts were never sent in! She moves in in 15 days. The guidance counselor emailed it to her and suggested she email it to them and "see if that's okay."

Pretty sure that's not how official transcripts work, dude, but okay.

[bex1973]

Aug 1, 2025 14:31:12 GMT -5 katfco said:

I posted this in randoms, but DD got a notification that her official transcripts were never sent in! She moves in in 15 days. The guidance counselor emailed it to her and suggested she email it to them and "see if that's okay."

Pretty sure that's not how official transcripts work, dude, but okay.

To ease your mind this is probably fine. For our students they have to get them in before they can register for the next semester. We understand that it's not always in their control. YMMV!

[marie]

Aug 1, 2025 10:16:39 GMT -5 MrsAxilla said:

My kid has nothing and refuses to let me take him shopping! “I don’t need anything, mom! And Amazon exists!” It’s breaking my heart! I think he’ll start getting serious soon, but he’s kinda right; he doesn’t really need much. Bedding, towels and shower stuff. We bought him a scooter to zip around campus. He’s only 45 mins away, though, so he may take me up on shopping once he’s moved in a discovers what he needs.

I am 2 years out from sending my oldest, so I have time, but how does Amazon work for colleges now? I went to college a good 25 years ago and the mailroom was definitely not equipped for that 😆

[bex1973]

Aug 1, 2025 15:11:54 GMT -5 marie said:

Aug 1, 2025 10:16:39 GMT -5 MrsAxilla said:

My kid has nothing and refuses to let me take him shopping! “I don’t need anything, mom! And Amazon exists!” It’s breaking my heart! I think he’ll start getting serious soon, but he’s kinda right; he doesn’t really need much. Bedding, towels and shower stuff. We bought him a scooter to zip around campus. He’s only 45 mins away, though, so he may take me up on shopping once he’s moved in a discovers what he needs.

I am 2 years out from sending my oldest, so I have time, but how does Amazon work for colleges now? I went to college a good 25 years ago and the mailroom was definitely not equipped for that 😆

For us packages are stored in the res hall and a note put in their mailbox to pick up