I still remember dropping my son off for his first day of kindergarten. I was nervous – wondering if he’d make friends, if he’d enjoy school, and if he’d miss home.
Fast forward to this summer, and we were doing it all over again – only this time, instead of a small backpack and a packed lunch, he had big suitcases and a one-way ticket to Southern California. Moving him into his college dorm brought back those same feelings: excitement for his next step, pride in how much he’s grown, and that little ache in my heart knowing home life would look different from now on.
Ethan is attending Biola University, a private Christian college in southern California. He’s part of the Torrey Honors College, which meant he moved in a week early for an additional orientation.
Flying with College Gear
Flying to college instead of driving took a little planning. Each of us checked a large moving bag packed with clothes, shoes, and whatever else Ethan needed – thank you, Alaska Airlines Visa, for the free checked bag perk.
We also shipped a few items ahead of time, such as sheets, bedding, and a mattress topper. The on-campus store would hold packages until we arrived, which was really handy. This saved us from carrying everything through the airport and made move-in day much smoother.
Target Run and Hotel Stay
We stayed at a hotel close to campus, which gave us time to get organized before move-in. The day before, we made a big Target run to pick up everything else Ethan needed:
- Pillows and towels
- Laundry supplies
- Snacks
- Cleaning products
- Mini-fridge
It felt like a rite of passage, pushing a cart full of dorm basics and last-minute items while Ethan checked things off his list.
Move-In Day
The move-in process was well organized, especially with the smaller group of Torrey students arriving early. We helped unpack, set up his room, and made his bed. His roommate was friendly, the RA stopped by, and by the time we were done, the dorm already felt more like home.
Family Orientation Events
Biola did a great job supporting families during this transition. They hosted orientation events for parents, including info sessions, Q&As, and chances to meet professors and staff. It helped us understand what life would be like for Ethan and connect with other parents going through the same experience.
Final Goodbyes
While Ethan was busy with his orientation, the rest of our family took a little getaway by taking a Royal Caribbean cruise. You can read more about that here.
Before we headed home, we returned to Biola for the official new student and family orientation and said our good-byes. In just five days, we saw a big change – Ethan had made friends, learned his way around campus, and was already enjoying college life.
Just like that first day of kindergarten, my worries quickly faded. Watching him step into this new season of life gave us peace – knowing that, once again, he was ready for the next adventure.
College Shopping List
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