<p>This thread pretty much sums it up.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Try to make sure if they are across the country they are still near to several major airports:). That way your fares will be lower, travel time less, and options in case of weather increased</p></li>
<li><p>Ship a bunch of stuff you know they will need that is not too big, i.e. tools, picture frames, EC quipment like pointe shoes, ground Fedex or UPS or whatever. Get boxes and bubble wrap from UHaul at a good price.</p></li>
<li><p>Pack the rest of personal stuff into suitcases. Usually one really big one, one suiter-size, and one o’night duffle type will be useful now and going forward. L.L. Bean makes good stuff you can have monogrammed, not too expensive and comes in pink if you have a pink-loving D:).</p></li>
<li><p>Before you go, locate the nearest BB&Beyond, Target, Walmart, Costco etc. When you get there - this assumes you go for dropoff and rent a car - drive out to said place and purchase that stuff that is too cheap and too bulky to ship, i.e. cleaning supplies, mops, shower caddies, the doormat you didn’t know you needed etc.</p></li>
<li><p>If you can see their room online and they are in touch with the roomate, order stuff like lamps/rugs/tvs online and have them shipped to the school to be there during the time you are there.</p></li>
<li><p>Assume the kid will need some extra $$$ for those first days of realizing what they need, whether you give it to them or they earn it.</p></li>
<li><p>Bring your handkerchief and prepare to have your eyes, at the very least, well up. It helps to have things you have to assemble to keep you from crying so much you embarass your kid.</p></li>
<li><p>Make sure their cellphone will work on the campus they are going to.</p></li>
<li><p>Make sure you have signed up for IM and know how to use it.</p></li>
<li><p>Summer storage is sometimes provided by the school.</p></li>
<li><p>Get a puppy or prepare to get to know your other kids better. Or your spouse.</p></li>
</ol>