Took My Kid to College - Happy But Hard Day

My Son in His Dorm Room at UNC Chapel Hill

I've heard parents talk about waiting for the day they get their kid or kids out of the house. Maybe they were just joking around. I know I've never thought about or said I wanted my kids to move out. I knew they would eventually, but I was sure not counting the days.

Yesterday I did take my oldest up to college - UNC Chapel Hill.

He worked really hard through high school to get in, and I was sure proud of him. His grades were high, he earned Eagle Scout, swam on the swim team and worked at the YMCA.

He had the early check in, so we got Bojangles biscuits on the way. He really loves those biscuits, and I haven't seen a Bojangles close to UNC. He may find one, but freshmen can't have cars.

We picked up his dorm key and unloaded all his stuff. It didn't seem like he took a lot, but the Xterra was packed to the top. It took around an hour to get everything in and put away.

I discovered that guys pack funny. He must have had 50 pairs of socks and only one change of underwear. Scratching head. I'll be mailing more underwear tomorrow and also hangers.

We ate at Top of the Hill for lunch. That's on Franklin Street and on the top floor where you can see the town. I wanted to take him somewhere nice while I was there. He has a meal plan and some flex dollars to eat on campus. He's used to home cooking, but I'm sure he'll be fine.

I went around with the kid to make sure he was signed up for the meal plan and had some money on his One Card. We also picked up his textbooks. College textbooks are sure expensive, but I guess everyone knows that.

I wanted to meet his roommate who had a later check in, but there's not much parking at UNC and especially on move in day. So I guess I will meet him later. My kid did email and say his roommate and his family were really nice. That was good to hear.

On the way home, I stopped at Trader Joe's. We don't have one around here, so that was a treat and something to take my mind off leaving my kid at college. I got treats for my younger son and for my Mom who were waiting to hear all about the big day in Chapel Hill.

It was a good day spending time with my son and talking. It was hard to leave him, but I'm glad he got in his first choice college and know that he'll have a lot more opportunities than he'd ever have here.