Sending Your First Child to College Is a Whole New Season

Sending your first child off to college is more than a milestone—it’s the beginning of a brand-new season for both of you. When my daughter packed up and moved into her freshman dorm, I had no idea how much we would learn together. Whether you’re preparing for freshman move-in or you’re already a few semesters in, I hope these thoughts offer encouragement—and a few helpful college tips for moms.
From decorating her dorm and later her rental house to choosing formal dresses, this journey was full of small, everyday decisions that became lasting memories. Now that she’s graduating, I’ve been reflecting on everything we experienced along the way.

Pick Up the Phone—Even When You’re Busy

One of the tips I can offer for college moms is to always try to pick up the phone when your daughter calls. Those quick chats as she walked to class often turned into our most lighthearted conversations.

We talked about what formals were coming up, which dress to pick for sorority events, and how classes were going. None of it seemed like a big deal at the time—but looking back, those little moments brought us closer. I never imagined I’d treasure those quick phone calls so much.

I’ve linked some helpful iphone accessories below- that helped my daughter and also gave me peace of mind that here phone and accessories were ready to go and she could get in touch when needed.

Tips for College Moms: College Clothing Must-Haves for Class, Studying, and Campus Life

When it comes to everyday college wear, investing in quality pieces truly worked for us. My daughter reached for her Lululemon leggings and athletic shoes almost every single day. She wore them everywhere- class, the library, and hanging with friends. Although they were a splurge, they held up incredibly well and proved worth the cost. She often paired them with tanks, sweatshirts, or pullovers. As a result, her outfits stayed comfortable and looked put together.

In addition to the higher-end pieces, she also added affordable basics from Amazon. These worked perfectly for layering and filling in gaps. Because everything mixed and matched easily, she didn’t have to think twice about what to wear. Most importantly, everything washed well and stayed in great shape.

Ultimately, when clothes are comfortable, versatile, and easy to grab on a busy morning, they get worn on repeat. That’s exactly what you want for college life.

Building a Wardrobe She’d Actually Wear

One thing I learned early on was how important it was for her to have a few versatile pieces she could wear more than once. She bought several dresses, simple heels, and classic jeans that were worn again and again—to church, dinners with friends, sorority events, and even internship interviews. This is one of my biggest tips for college moms- don’t rent everything!

Here are a few classic wardrobe must-haves she loved: floral dresses, classic earrings, a great-fitting pair of jeans, and a stylish everyday crossbody bag. I’ll share a few of our favorite finds below that she still wears again and again.

College Clothes- When to Rent and When to Purchase

A huge tip I have for college moms is to consider paying for a clothing rental service. It’s perfect for special events and saves money. When it came to formals and themed parties, renting dresses was a lifesaver. Most of those outfits were only worn once, so renting gave her the chance to try different styles without cluttering her closet.

Finding that balance—renting for the one-time events and owning staples she loved—saved us both money and stress. It also helped her build a wardrobe that really fit her life and her college experience.

Help Her Create a Home Away from Home

Decorating her dorm and then later on her apartment and rental home was such a sweet part of the journey. We kept it simple but also cozy, prioritizing pieces she’d use every day. My daughter chose almost everything herself when it came to decorating her college apartment and rental house. She always ran things by me, and together we decided what was worth the splurge and what was better to skip.

Dorm Life

Some dorm essentials that made a big difference were pretty decorative pillows, quality bedding, and practical organizational items. We also found that storage bins for extra clothes, framed photos of family and friends, desk organization, make a huge difference in making the room more like home.

Decorating Her First Apartment

When she moved into an apartment, she took the lead. She saved up and chose a few pricier items herself—like pretty lamps and framed art. She found great deals on Wayfair and Target. These were perfect for filling out the space with personality and function. But keep in mind that some pieces are time-consuming to assemble, so it’s best not to overdo it.

Here are a few of our favorite dorm and college apartment items that can make a college home feel special and personal.

Make Groceries Easier With Simple Systems

Groceries can be one of the first things to fall through the cracks during busy weeks. She used our family Shipt grocery delivery app, which saved time, cut down on impulse buys, and helped her stick to a budget. It also freed up her mental space to focus on classes and life.

Packing a simple starter kitchen kit with a good quality skillet, reusable containers, and some pantry staples is also incredibly helpful. These little setups made independent living so much easier for her.

Check In About School—Even With Studious Kids

It’s been a real learning experience, and I feel so blessed my daughter is dedicated to her studies. She always had that part figured out. But I learned it’s still important to check in about her classes. Even high-achieving kids need space to talk about upcoming projects, share what they’re learning, or just vent about group work and deadlines.

Those quick check-ins helped us stay connected and reminded her she wasn’t carrying it all alone. I’ve linked some helpful products below to support your student with time management, studying, and staying organized—without feeling overwhelmed. Whether your college student is thriving or gets a little stressed, these small tools can make a big difference.

What to Pack for Sick Days in College: Cold and Flu Essentials for Students

My daughter was sick a few times during college, and it was so hard not being there to take care of her. I sent grocery delivery orders with soup, medicine, and Gatorade when I could, just trying to help from afar. Looking back, I wish we had pulled together a few must-haves ahead of time. I highly suggest setting your student up with everything they might need for a sick day—it makes those tough moments a little easier for both of you.

Celebrate the Friendships That Matter

College friends shape so much of who they are becoming. Encourage her to build friendships that feel like home. Friends who support her, cheer for her, and show up when it matters. Ask about their names, their hometowns, and how they met. Those conversations build connection and show her that her relationships matter to you, too.

This Season Is Special

As you navigate this season, remember that the goal is to strike a balance, offering support and guidance while giving them the space to grow, make decisions, and become confident, independent adults. We definitely weren’t perfect at this, but over time we found our rhythm, and it worked well for us. I hope these tips are helpful to you as you find what works best for your family.

These college years have shaped my daughter in so many beautiful ways. I’ve watched her become more confident, and sure of who she is. While I miss the little girl with the giant bow in her hair and big pink backpack, I love the young woman she’s becoming.

Whether it’s packing dorm bins or picking the right dress you’re doing more than managing logistics. You’re showing her that she’s loved. That’s what she’ll carry with her most.

I’ve rounded up all the things that helped my daughter throughout her college years—these are our favorite products below. Wishing you and your college student all the best this year!