Early Bird Gets the Worm

August 20th, 2019

Today is the day I moved to college, the day I started a new chapter of my life. Today is the day I moved to college, the day I left my hometown for a fresh start. Today is the day I grew up a bit.  

For background, Presby Hall is suite-style housing for freshmen, located about two blocks west of the Main Quad. Therefore, the rooms occupy five to six individuals, complete with bathrooms and a central kitchen and living area. Shopping for dorm rooms is stressful and time-consuming, but adding kitchen utensils and extra pillows, etc., to the list made for a tight car. My thoughts of bumper-to-bumper traffic and overwhelming luggage directed my decision to move in two days early.

This morning, Mom, Dad, Ty, Taylor (best friend), and I all piled into the van to journey down to campus. Upon arrival at Presby, we loaded carts, emptying the car repeatedly until the trunk was clear. The building was virtually vacant at this point, which made unpacking the car seamless. Then came time for unboxing. 

With all of the kitchen utensils, bathroom necessities, bedding, etc., unpacking the physical bags and putting together storage units took up the majority of our time (about five hours). Move-In Day would have been chaotic with parents, siblings, friends, and roommates running around. When I moved in, the rush and chaos were absent; we had all the space and time in the world to unpack and organize at our pace (plus, on Move-In Day, I will have the time and energy to help my roommate and suitemates where need be). 

After we stopped for a Joe’s burger and an inaugural Walmart trip, we walked back to Presby to arrange the finishing touches. Dad and Ty sat on the couch (yes, that came with the room) and watched Netflix. Seven o’clock forged the final goodbye, and Mom cried as any mother would. Ty cried too, as any younger brother would. Taylor didn’t cry because she was enthusiastic over my new adventure, as any best friend would. My dad reminded me to stay hydrated and to attend class, as any (financially-conscious) father would. With that, they were off. I received a text from my mom about an hour later saying she was still crying. But my tears never came. All that came for me was joy. 

Why? Because today is the day I moved to college, the day I started a new chapter of my life. Because today is the day I moved to college, the day I left my hometown for a fresh start. Because today is the day I grew up a bit. 

Kaitlyn

Kaitlyn

Class of 2023
I am studying in the Gies College of Business. Growing up in Naperville, Illinois, I feel that my transitions to and experiences on campus may be familiar to incoming students. Through my blogs, I hope to demonstrate my passions of business, Greek Life, and campus life to serve as a navigation tool to prospective students and incoming freshmen.

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