Transitioning to College Life// What Seniors and Parents Need to Know
The summer before college feels like its own little season. One minute you’re watching your senior walk across the stage in cap and gown, and the next you’re helping them pack their life into storage bins and a suitcase. It’s exciting, emotional, and maybe a little overwhelming. As a mom of littles, I’m not quite in this season yet, but I can feel how fast it’s coming. I already catch myself imagining the day my own kids head off, and just thinking about it gets me misty.
For seniors, this next chapter is full of possibilities. College is a time to grow, meet new people, and discover who you are outside of the comfort of home. While that can feel empowering, it also comes with a lot of changes. The best way to ease into it is by building some simple habits now. Try getting into the routine of keeping a calendar, doing your own laundry, and setting a basic budget. Learning how to cook a few easy meals never hurts either. Starting early makes the adjustment feel less overwhelming once you’re living on your own.
Parents, I know this is a big shift. You’ve spent years guiding, teaching, and loving with everything you have. Now you’re stepping into a new role that feels a little less hands-on. But just because your child is heading off to college doesn’t mean they need you any less. They’ll still call, still ask questions, and still look to you when life feels a little too big. This isn’t the end of your parenting story—it’s just the beginning of a new chapter.
It helps to talk through expectations before move-in day. Discuss how often you’ll check in, what kind of support feels helpful, and how to handle moments of homesickness. Seniors, your parents want to give you space to grow, but they’re also going to miss you in the deepest way. Creating a plan for staying connected helps everyone feel a little more at ease during those early weeks apart.
I always suggest bringing a small reminder of home. A favorite blanket, a framed photo of your fam, or a note tucked into a suitcase can go a long way. When the world feels unfamiliar, those little things bring comfort. They remind you that home is not going anywhere, and neither is the love that comes with it. Don’t forget to capture this season while you’re in it. Your senior year and that big leap into college only happen once. Whether it’s your official senior session or a few meaningful photos on move-in day, take the time to document the in-between. One day, you’ll be so glad you did.
If you’ve been thinking about senior photos (incoming seniors, it’s never too early to book!) and haven’t picked a date yet, I’d love to help you make it happen. Let’s celebrate everything you’ve worked for and create something that truly reflects who you are right now.