D is all moved in! We had a 12-hour day starting with final check around the hotel rooms and all bags, boxes and bins. Then breakfast. then drive to school, to make sure we were in the “green line” and that all was turned in, signed, filled out, etc. Then we got the keys and a room tour and we were ready to move in. D’s school provides both huge bins and carts plus strong upper classmen to help you move in. As it happened, her room is right opposite the elevator, so it was actually easy to get things from the car to the room. We had to make a second trip from the hotel because the rental car just wasn’t roomy enough for big bags and bins. But it took up surprisingly little room once unpacked and hung up or folded and/or loaded into drawers. D did not need any of the luggage for storage, just a couple of the flat rolling bins.
D’s roommate arrived late but unpacked fast by heaving everything into a pile in her closet. Meanwhile D’s closet could be in a magazine. Who is this neat child and what have they done with mine?? But the girls coordinated their colors (gold and black) and are just thrilled with the way things look so far.
We left D after a last run to the Kroger for snacks and will have a full day of parent-student activities tomorrow. Then Monday we’ll be sorting out the book situation. They are not for sale yet and it looks like Chegg online can beat them at every turn. But it also appears that there are proprietary codes for two classes and I want to get that cleared up before I order anything anywhere
D was kind of sad tonight and that made me sad. But she thinks that once classes start and she find activities to do and a church to join (quite a few in the immediate area will pick up the kids and take them back to the dorm, and feed the lunch first) that she will feel less stressed.
One fun thing at the school dinner tonight-the RA’s broke out in step dance to several different songs being played at dinner. D got a huge kick out of it and her roommate even joined in. Had we not been in the middle of a thunderstorm, this would have all happened outside and there would have been competitions between step groups.
I’m not as sad or broken up as I thought I would be. I am more concerned for D and hope she finds her footing soon. Plus I get to see her again tomorrow and Monday.
They must have heard about her makeup and shoe collection when they assigned her her room @sseamom . They didn’t want any back injuries toting all those bins way down the hall. I’ll be sending happy thoughts you families way. 2 weeks from tomorrow is D day for us.
Oh, the make up! My SIL got her a hanging organizer with all these little clear packets that perfectly fit D’s make up. AND brushes. She ended up leaving some of it home as she doesn’t use it much. But the Container Store had this organizer that folded in thirds and fit nicely in the luggage. She also brought fewer shoes, for which we’re all grateful!
I’ve listened to D16 when she answers people saying to her, “So, you’re probably really excited about heading to college.” D16 consistently replies that she is both “excited and nervous.” I wish I could just calm the nervous part or learn more about what she is experiencing.
To be honest, I have to remember that freshman year might be a wonderful success or a horrible failure/disaster, or anywhere in between. I think I’ll have to run through a few what-if scenarios for this coming freshman year. What if the academics tank? The social aspect? The emotional aspect? The physical, even?
Earlier this year, we examined the question of “what if” freshman year resulted in dismissal or losing the full tuition scholarship. We discussed moving back home, transferring to an open admissions college, and seeing how that goes.
I don’t think “what ifs” jinx the future. For my D16, they calm her down, as they show her there are options.
@dyiu13 I think a little nervous is actually a good thing . To me , it reflects that she is taking a responsible , realistic approach to her future. We have also talked about the “what ifs” so that son knows there are options.
Yes, I always say nerves can fuel successful efforts. Like the nerves someone might have before public speaking or performance. Also, anyone entering a major life transition without nerves might not have a pulse. Think about getting married, having a baby or adopting, etc.
@dyiu13 You just did your sweet girl a blessing by letting her know that should she make mistakes…she is not the sum of those mistake. You love her unconditionally and completely. Kids need to here this especially at such a critical juncture in their lives. =D>
Very good thoughts. My S is quiet about everything so hard to get a read on the nerves thing. But we went to the send off for kids in the area yesterday. It was at the home of an incoming sophomore so there were 3 or 4 sophomores there and 12-15 incoming freshmen. We were one of the earlier arrivals and the kids congregated and started talking. I looked up to see my introverted S standing there chatting with 3 girls. Then they all got their phones out and were exchanging emails. I was very happy to see this. As more kids came, the girls and boys ended up in separate groups talking but that was fine too. Lots of nice parents and two representatives from the school had come in from St. Louis. I think it made things real for S. I told him later there would lots of situations like this his first semester - introductory social events where he will meet people.
And today my DH is taking S’s box to be “shipped” to school with their trucking service. By “shipped” I mean the student run business will be in our area and the box will get put on a UHaul truck. LOL But it will be there when we get there.
@sseamom Glad the move in day went well. I’m sure your D will settle in and it will find her comfort zone.
@PAO2008 I’m so that glad your send off went well. It’s always good to see your child making new friends. We had a similar experience at ours . It certainly made me feel more comfortable about how he’ll do at school .
Beds can’t be lofted in DS16’s dorm. Even it was an option, he wouldn’t be doing it. A few extra feet of space is not worth the risk of it can be avoided . When it can’t , rails are a must imo
The beds in my dorm have adjustable heights but most aren’t too high off the ground-not at lofted level. Mine won’t be for sure- I have a fear of heights!
H and I are in the airport waiting to go home. It still seems like we have only dropped.D off for a summer class and that we’ll see her soon. She is tired…there have been late night activities every night well past her bedtime. But she’s having fun, learning to step dance/stroll, meeting kids from her group chat and she’s even just posted photos for a campus contest.
We took her to lunch today and went back to Target AGAIN for a few last things, then dropped her off. I gave her a letter I wrote and told her to read it when she wanted to, no pressure. We had someone take our picture, then said our goodbyes. I was choked up , but the emotional parting ceremony last night was much more intense.
It’s time now for everyone to begin their own adventures.
Have a safe flight @sseamom ! The events way past my bedtime should prove to be interesting- the posted schedule shows things going on until 11:30 at the latest but to atleast 10:30 every night. I’m definitely not used to those hours!
