Congratulations on starting your first year of college! With only a few more weeks (or days) left until move–in and your first day of class, I'm sure you're feeling a crazy whirlwind of emotions through that head of yours. I'm here to tell you about my own experience and some possible scenarios that can occur. But fear not! I also have some advice to offer that will hopefully ease your mind.
Let's tackle the topic of "move-in day." I'm not going to lie, this day can be stressful for everyone. Things are going to get messy in the room, so try to keep calm if you tend to be a very organized person. It may look like a bomb went off at some point, but in the end everything will have its own place. And if you happen to be moving in on the same day or at the same time as your roommate, it could possibly be a bit overwhelming.
Luckily, I was good friends with my roommate, and both of our parents knew each other well, so nothing was really awkward. However, if you don't know your roommate well, or if things feel a bit awkward, I always find that cracking a few jokes can serve as an icebreaker to clear the air. Not much of a jokester? You could also just put on some music that you and your roommate enjoy to groove while you move (too cheesy?). As long as you keep to your side of the room and show respect to one another, all should be well.
Another thing to keep in mind is that your parents might (unintentionally) take over a bit with the whole move-in process. The reason I warn you about this is because it's basically bound to happen. You're still a little baby in their eyes, whether you're the first to go away to college or not. Your parents still want to feel like they're needed. So let them baby you one more time before you're really on your own for a while. It'll make them feel better, and it's always great to have a helping hand.
So, after move–in, it's time for the dreaded "good-byes" to your family. No matter how close you may or may not be with your parents, this time can be hard for both parties. There might be tears. There might be a wave of emotions and thoughts immediately following your parents leaving your sight, even if you are a fairly independent person. I'm sure experiences may vary from person to person, but I assure you, no matter what you're feeling in that moment, everything will be OK. It's crucial to not think of it as a complete "good-bye" but rather as a "see ya later." Remember that they are your parents, and they will be there for you whenever you need them, even if they can't be there for you physically. They're always just a call, text or video chat away. And even with technology to keep you in touch, it won't be too long until you see them again with "parent weekends," random visits and holiday vacations.
I think the scariest part of starting your freshman year away at college is not so much the first day of classes, but that feeling of being lost as soon as your family is gone, and you're sitting in this new room just thinking, Now what? Maybe you won't experience that, or maybe you already have. But trust me when I say that it will pass. Of course, you're going to have a bit of an empty feeling after a stressful day of moving into this new place and suddenly being without the people whom you've spent your whole life with up until this point. It's completely normal to feel this way, and you won't feel it for long.
Don't be afraid to get to know your roommate more or even venture out to meet your neighbors. Speaking with others who are in a similar situation can help ease your nerves, and even create new relationships. Who knows? You just might meet a lifelong friend.