<p>Because I am the op, I thought I would add my two sense to some of the responses. I’m not an expert. Please continue to add your two sense.</p>
<p>No need to worry about what to buy for the dorm (I’ve sent three to college-- but do remember the anxiety w/ the first). Schools supply lists, stores (such as B,B& B) supply lists and you will find lists and suggestion here on CC. Most stores do not start to have “college” stuff (x-long twin sheets, etc) for a month or two from now.</p>
<p>Computers? We bought each of our three a notebook computer for college. We bought different brands and our #3 child has vista. None of our kids have complained about their computer. (D1 is a computer science minor) We did have to replace D1 computer battery. We also had to replace S’s hard drive. He is our oldest kid and his computer is the oldest. It is interesting to see prices come way down and memory go way up.</p>
<p>Waitlist folks–you probably sent in a deposit to somewhere. Relax! If you do not get an offer off of waitlist, you are going to a school you (or your kid) applied to. You (or kid) will most likely be very happy.</p>
<p>Emotional preparation for what’s to come? There is no down time for this ever!! I was really sad for awhile when all three kids left. I get sad when they are all home and leave to go back to whatever. It’s tough, but it is the circle of life.</p>
<p>I’m not a parent but on the rare occassion my parents have free time, my dad likes to either play golf or take our dog on a long walk through the woods. My mom likes to read and learn how to use her new iPod!</p>
<p>Down time? My mind is now on figuring out when to get D’s wisdom teeth pulled such that any bad reaction (the term “dry sockets” just makes cringe) doesn’t interfere with the prom, graduation, or the start of her camp counselor job; arranging for the updated evaluation of D’s ADHD and learning disability that’s required by the college’s disability services office–an expensive and time-consuming proposition; and figuring out how D can attend certain freshman events that seem to occur at the same time she should be bidding farewell to the campers and collecting those nice tips from their parents. I also have the insane idea that I will get D to clean out her room and the playroom so her vast accumulation of crap dating back to elementary school doesn’t sit in a petrified state for the next four years, as my son’s did.</p>
<p>And right now I’m trying to find some poor sap to take on my time-sucking school volunteer job (D is the last kid and my school volunteer days are at an end) and spending quite a lot of time killing the ants that invade the kitchen every spring because the exterminator can’t get here till Wednesday…</p>