What to do when dropping your freshman off at college:

1. Actually be there? I know we’re adults now but moving into a 9 story dorm with one working elevator and no AC isn’t a one man job.
2. Try not to be too much of a mom. So don’t pinch our cheeks and unpack our freshly ironed underwear right there in the parking lot. Please. 
3. Get the number of your child’s roommate’s parents. I can’t tell you how important it is to throw parties with these guys while you both have one less child in the house
4. Get hype.
5. Get sad.
6. As much as they’d probably like this, don’t bring booze. That’s the student’s job.
7. Be prepared to go to Target. Twice. Just kidding, you’ll have the floor plan of that store memorized by the time your freshman is officially moved in.
8. Let them eat dinner without you. It’s not that they don’t want you around (oh god are we tired of your advice), it’s that we know we need to explore on our own.
9. Don’t worry. We’ll be fine. Aside from the crazy parties, no sleep exam weeks, mesothelioma, and the possibility that we won’t call home every night like we promised.
10. Goodbyes hurt, but not having them hurts more.

We’ll be home soon, we promise.