The big day has arrived! You're all packed up. It's moving day. You're ready to head off to college. Are you ready? Sure you are!

Everything you need for the next 3.5 months is boxed, bagged, labeled and stuffed into the back of the car. Don't start thinking you've forgotten something. If you've left something behind, other than the kitchen sink, someone can ship it to you later.

Parents and students, write Margo Bane Woodacre and Steffany Bane, have much to go through in this transition phase. Before you slide behind the wheel, take a moment or two. You're leaving behind your old life and starting something new. Yes, you can go home again; but, your perception of "home" is likely to have changed. It's okay to be a little nostalgic. You'll miss home, but everyone at home--family and friends--will miss you to. Try to be positive. This is a new chapter in your life, and in your family's life. Things are changing, but you will adjust.

As you leave, think about the times ahead and focus on the positive aspects of this change. You're taking a chance, stretching your wings, learning to fly. Once you're on campus, unpacked and settled in, you'll find your niche. It might take a little while, you might have to put a little more effort into this school adjustment, but that's okay.

You'll do fine. You'll do just fine!

If you would like more insight on the "Off-to-College" transition, take a few moments and read Margo Bane Woodacre and Steffany Bane's book I'll Miss You Too: an off-to-college guide for parents and students (2006) Sourcebooks, Inc.: Naperville, Il. It's a terrific piece about students and parents coping with change and staying connected.



Until next time!

Lynn Byrne

Preparing for college admissions? Trying to find direction? Need a little help with the planning? Check out my college planning series:

• College Planning Made Easy--the planning and preparation workbook for the take charge, college-bound student,
  
• Paying for College Made Easy--a college financing guide designed to assist students and families in preparing and planning for higher education expenses; and
  
• The Great Scholarship Search--my guide for students and parents researching and applying for scholarship funding.