We Did It! What Made College Drop-Off Easier This Time Around

It may feel far off, but one day you’ll be packing for college move-in. Here’s what helped us celebrate the milestone with more ease and less overwhelm.

Our son Dylan is officially a college student, and I’m happy to report the transition was much easier than I expected this time around. The boxes, the Target runs, the dorm setup…it all came together. Now a month in, he’s loving his newfound independence and the first call we got was not to immediately say “I miss you” but “the food is so good, can I increase my meal plan?” We joke that he’s going for the “freshman 50” instead of the typical 15lb bulk up that typically happens during the first year of college.

I’d been bracing myself for the emotional rollercoaster, but what carried us through was a mix of planning, laughter, and a few small supports that made all the difference. Every family’s journey looks a little different, but since this was our second time around, we found some things that really helped shift the energy from overwhelming to positive.

The Day Itself: Organized Chaos

Move-in day was equal parts efficiency and chaos. Fortunately, the university had things very dialed in with specific move in times, signs and people to help answer questions at every corner. We were able to briefly meet his two roommates (thankful they connected over the summer so it wasn’t a complete surprise) and their parents which helped as we compared notes on what the boys may need after seeing their TINY dorm room. Somehow we missed that toilet paper wasn’t included?? 😉

A Sibling’s Gift That Hit the Mark

The summer before he moved into college, Mia gifted Dylan a copy of a book called The Naked Roommate—a funny, real-deal guide to all things related to college life. From roommate quirks to navigating new independence, the book covers it all with humor and honesty.

Dylan dove right in, laughed his way through, and said it gave him a better sense of what to expect. It wasn’t just practical…it made him feel more prepared while also reminding him not to take every bump too seriously. If you are looking for gifts for incoming college freshmen, this is a good one to consider.

As a parent, I loved that his sister played such a thoughtful role in the transition. It was one of those moments where you see your kids looking out for each other, and it made the day even sweeter.

Staying Connected from Afar

Of course, the move-in is just the beginning. I already know there will be days when Dylan needs a little extra boost from home. We left an envelope full of cute encouragement cards for him to open when he needs a little pick me up message (and included a bit of cash which will probably be the bigger pick me up for him!) We also took advantage of a service called SWAK (Sealed With A Kiss) which enables parents to easily send goodie packages to their college students. Think snacks, study supplies, or self-care items…all the things that could brighten a tough week. The online ordering process was simple and we were able to preorder a care package to be delivered for the week before finals. Note: their website indicates they are starting to take orders again starting Nov 1st for anyone interested in using the service this year.

Celebrating this New Chapter

So when it’s your kiddo’s turn to take this leap, the best gift you can give is preparation — whether that be life skills, perspective or information that helps them adapt with confidence. Because at the end of the day, moving into a dorm isn’t just logistics, it’s about celebrating the start of a new chapter of independance with a dose of humor, heart, and a little support along the way.

Thanks for reading & sharing!