College move-in day has been brought up in so many conversations over the years with your parents, teachers, and friends. Yet, no matter how many times it was discussed, I couldn’t help but wonder what it was really all about. My older friends have tried to explain it me, but I just didn’t get it until it was my turn.

The best way to describe it is a wave of emotions from beginning to end. Exciting because of the new and independent lifestyle. Sad because you’re leaving behind the people you’ve grown up with and the home you’ve grown up in. Stressful as you unload everything you own in the hot August sun and pray you didn’t forget anything at home. A sigh of relief as your room finally comes together and the bland concrete walls feel a little bit more homey.

You meet so many people, you couldn’t possibly remember every name. As you move in, you leave your door open and wave hello to everybody who walks by. It’s a whole new world full of friendly new faces and unfamiliar places. You prayed for months that your roommate would be as normal as they seemed, and then all of a sudden, you’re meeting the person you’ll be living with for the next year.

As you put the final touches on your room and hang up pictures of your family, you can’t help but get all emotional again. It seems surreal that everything has changed so much and you’re about to embark on a new adventure on your own. After your mom fluffs up your pillows and your dad hangs up the last picture on the wall, your stomach begins to sink because you know what’s coming. It’s nearly time for them to head back home and leave you by yourself.

The final meal with your family -- or “last supper,” as my dad called it -- will make you anxious. You can try to prolong the lunch and avoid the inevitable, but, before you know it, you’re wrapped in your mom’s arms and she’s mumbling incoherently because you’re both crying too hard. Your dad is probably cracking dad jokes and then you’re watching them walk to the car. I could barely speak as I said goodbye and watched my favorite people walk away.

You’ll probably cry and wonder how you’ll be able to do it by yourself, but you’ll quickly realize that your parents had been preparing you for this moment since you were born. Everyone around you is going through the same thing and making friends is easier than it seems. As unprepared you feel, you’ll learn that you actually know what you’re doing. College is said to be the best time of your life, so here’s to a great four years for my fellow freshmen.