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.

Orientation at UNC Chapel Hill Went Fine

My Son Getting to Know His Campus - UNC

My kid made it to and back from orientation at UNC Chapel Hill without any problems. He enjoyed the visit to campus and got signed up for his classes. He got everything he wanted except for Spanish (which he may be able to pick up next month).

He also picked up his laptop computer. They want all the kids to have the same one and service there on campus, but kids can bring their own (but can't get help on campus if they do that).

The other thing they do at orientation is get a One Card. That's through Wachovia bank (with no fees) and is basically a debit card from what I can tell.

I had planned to drive my kid up to UNC but not to stay. Back when I went to NC State, no one (but no one) had parents at orientation. Apparently most parents do go with kids to college orientation now (in case any parents are wondering about that). It really wasn't an option though, because I had jury duty the day he left for orientation.

The kid-o is home safe and sound. He got iTunes loaded on that new laptop and also set it up with fingerprint identification. Pretty fancy - that.

I did mention that it would be a problem to have the computer locked with fingerprint ID if he ever got in an accident (can we all say - mother hen). The kid says, "Just bring it to the hospital and stick my finger on it." I asked him which finger, and he said I could just try them all (-:

I think this "going off to college" thing is harder on parents than kids.

The Kid Made it Up to UNC - That's About All I Know

Big Old Tree Behind My Son's Dorm at UNC Chapel Hill

My kid got up and out this morning about 5 a.m. and called me about 8 to let me know that he arrived at UNC. I did ask him if he was actually parked. Yes - Mom. And, I asked him if it was a legal space. They don't mess around up there about that parking. Put the car in the wrong spot, and it is tow city.

I had to go on to jury duty. I can't tell you a thing about that. That is the law. I see, hear, and speak no court case until I am picked or not and done.

When I got home I tried to call the child out of the nest. He is either very busy at UNC or he did not remember to take his cell phone charger. This is probably a toss up, so I will not worry on it.

The younger son and I ate some pretty gross heat up chicken nuggets and seasoned frozen fries that were not much better. I'm thinking to hit a fast food joint on the way home from jury duty tomorrow, because that heat up dinner just did not do it. I'd rather cook from scratch and may, since I have a lot of time to sit and think while waiting to do my duty to my country on the jury - though I may not need to. It just depends on how the dice roll tomorrow.

Off to UNC Chapel Hill in a Couple of Weeks

Visiting My Son's Dorm at UNC Chapel Hill

My older son graduated from high school this year and heads to UNC Chapel Hill in a couple of weeks. That was his top pick college, and he was excited to get in and looks forward to being a Tarheel.

Today is my kid's orientation. I was a bit nervous about him driving up by himself, but I have jury duty later today (my first time). He did call when he got there, so I guess that worked out fine.

We've visited UNC a couple of times. In fact, we dropped by last week on the way home from the beach to see his dorm. It's right on Franklin Street. Ut oh! It is a small dorm though, so it should be easier to meet and get to know new people.

College is a big adjustment. I remember! Having a child go off to college will be a big adjustment too I think. I'm excited for my son, but I'm sure going to miss him.