Moving to College

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The Great Move: Packing, Decorating, and the Bittersweet Goodbye”

The day has arrived. The car is packed, the checklist double-checked, and emotions are running high. Whether it’s your first child heading to college or your third, the experience never feels routine. For students, this is the launchpad to independence. For parents, it’s a moment of pride, nostalgia, and maybe a few tears. From packing the essentials to saying goodbye at the dorm room door, here’s your ultimate guide to navigating move-in day—and the beautiful chaos that comes with it.

You’re not alone in sending your kids to college – It’s not easy for any parent. Here, Ree Drummond shares about her experience. More parents share here. Here is a heart felt letter that Rob Lowe wrote to his son as he left for college and here are a lot of others (famous) parents in the same boat as those of you sending your kids to college soon.

Packing Smart: The College Essentials You Actually Need

Let’s face it: Target, Amazon, and TikTok packing lists will have you bringing half of Bed Bath & Beyond into a 12×12 dorm room. But here’s the reality: Less is more, and functionality wins.

🧳 The Essentials:

Bedding: Twin XL sheets (2 sets), comforter, mattress protector, pillow(s), throw blanket
Bath Supplies: Shower caddy, flip flops (non-negotiable), towels (2–3), robe, toiletries
Laundry: Pop-up hamper, detergent pods, dryer sheets, a roll of quarters (yes, some machines still need them!)
Clothing: Think layers. Campuses go from sweltering August heat to polar vortex real quick. Don’t forget your go-to hoodie, comfy joggers, and at least one semi-formal outfit.
Electronics: Laptop, chargers, surge protector, headphones, desk lamp (with USB ports = bonus!)
School Supplies: Notebooks, pens, highlighters, command hooks, sticky notes, scissors, tape
Medical Kit: Band-aids, pain relievers, allergy meds, thermometer, cold/flu relief
Kitchen Items: Reusable water bottle, microwave-safe bowl, mug, utensils, snacks (lots of snacks)

💡 Pro Tip:

Most dorm rooms are small and shared. Pack in bins or collapsible bags (skip the cardboard boxes), and label EVERYTHING. Think “easy to unpack, easy to store.”

Dorm Decorating: Making It Feel Like Home (Without Violating Fire Code)

Dorms can feel sterile and cookie-cutter, but a few creative touches make a big difference.

🖼️ Must-Haves:

Peel-and-stick wallpaper or decals – add personality without damage
Photos from home – nothing eases homesickness like friendly faces
Lighting – string lights, battery-powered LED lamps, or under-bed glow strips
Rug – softens the look and feel of tile floors
Under-bed storage bins – organize while maximizing space
Throw pillows and cozy textures – even the hardest bed feels a bit more welcoming

Encourage your student to express themselves. Let them create a space that feels cozy, functional, and theirs. It’s the first time many students have total control over a living space—let them have fun with it.

The Bittersweet Goodbye: Saying Goodbye (For Now)

There’s no easy way to do this part. One moment you’re making the bed together, and the next you’re standing by the car wondering how time flew by.

For Parents:

It’s okay to cry. It’s okay not to. Every family does this differently. What matters is showing your support and belief in your student’s ability to fly.

For Students:

Say thank you. This goodbye is tough on both sides, but your family has been your launch team. A heartfelt hug goes a long way.

💬 Things to Say:

“We’re so proud of you.”
“Call us anytime.”
“You’ve got this.”
“Don’t forget to eat something with vitamins.”

After They Leave: Dorm Etiquette & the New Normal

This is when the real adventure begins. After the parents drive off and the room starts to feel more like home, a few key tips will help your student ease into dorm life.

🙋‍♂️ Roommate 101:

Introduce yourself early. Ask about boundaries, sleeping habits, shared items.
Use headphones. Always.
Respect quiet hours. Even if they’re optional.
Clean up after yourself. Dorms are tight quarters.
Be kind, but don’t feel pressured to be best friends.

🎯 Social Etiquette:

Keep your door open the first few days. It invites new friends.
Don’t hide in your room. Go to orientation events—even the cheesy ones.
Exchange numbers with your RA. They’re more helpful than you think.
Join a club, study group, or campus event within the first two weeks.

Words for the Road: For Parents & Students Alike

To the parents:
This is not the end. It’s a beginning. You haven’t been “replaced”—you’ve equipped your student with wings. And while they may not need you to do laundry or wake them up anymore, they will always need your support, your voice of reason, your love.

To the students:
Be brave. Be curious. Say yes to opportunities, and no when it matters. Remember, everyone feels a little awkward at first—you’re not alone. Give yourself time to grow into this new version of you.

Final Checklist Before the Drive Home:

✅ Leave a note on their desk
✅ Take a family photo in front of the dorm
✅ Don’t rearrange the room one last time
✅ Let them walk you to the car
✅ Cry (or don’t)—but smile

Because this moment, right here, is one of life’s biggest milestones—and you just crossed it.

Students, the next part is on you.

Building Your Village: How to Find Your People After the Parents Leave

The moment the car pulls away and the dorm room door clicks shut, reality sinks in—you’re officially on your own. But here’s the secret: you’re not alone.

College is more than classes and credits—it’s where you start building your community. Your people. Your support system. The ones you’ll laugh with, cry with, cram for exams with, and maybe live with next year.

If you’re wondering what to do after your parents leave… start here:

🤝 Say Hello First

It might feel awkward, but everyone is looking to connect—be the one who breaks the ice. Knock on a neighbor’s door, ask someone where they’re from, or compliment a cool dorm setup. You never know what friendships are waiting on the other side of “hi.”

🚪 Keep Your Door Open (Literally)

For the first few days, keep your dorm room door open when you’re home. It sends a simple signal: “I’m friendly and open to meeting people.” It’s amazing how many friendships start with “Hey, I love your poster.”

🎉 Go to the Awkward Events

Yes, the icebreakers are cheesy. Yes, the free pizza is a little cold. But YES—you should go. Orientation events are designed for connection. Everyone is nervous. Everyone wants to meet someone. Say yes to something even if it’s out of your comfort zone.

📱 Join Group Chats and Campus Apps

Most schools have official or unofficial group chats for dorms, majors, clubs, or campus events. Join them. Start the conversation. Ask if anyone wants to grab lunch or go to the bookstore. These little moves create big networks.

💡 Take the First Step (Then the Second)

Invite your roommate or someone from orientation to go grab coffee or find the gym together. Be the initiator. You don’t have to find your lifelong best friend in the first week—but you do have to take the first step to find them.

🏓 Find Your Thing

Whether it’s intramural volleyball, student government, worship nights, theater, or tabletop games—college has a place for everyone. Go to club fairs, try out meetings, and follow your interests. Community often begins around a shared passion.

🧘 Don’t Rush It

You don’t need a best friend by Week 1. Some friendships grow fast; others grow deep over time. Be kind to yourself in the quiet moments and trust that your people will come. They always do.

This season of life is about more than independence—it’s about connection.
So take a deep breath, open the door, and say yes to the first of many friendships waiting just outside.