<p>Every kid has different needs. My very independent D was okay with flying cross-country by herself, checking into her hotel for the night, and handling move-in by herself the next morning. What she could not carry on the plane, we shipped or she bought there. On that first night prior to move-in, she had made plans with her two roommates, one of whom was with parents. We talked (a lot) those first few days and I was at her disposal by phone, but the $1,000+ we saved sure helped. AND I was able to cry in the privacy of my own place rather than embarrass her! PS D had traveled by herself as a HS senior for audition trips on several occasions so she knew how to maneuver airports, cabs, hotels, etc. This might not work for a less seasoned traveler, but it worked for us.</p>