<p>I took a different route to above. Left western Chicago ‘burbs ~7 am, took 355 to 80 to 57 (avoiding IN altogether) all the way to 24 into Kentucky. There were some pockets of construction on 57 (both directions), but nothing to cause much of a delay, if anything. Took 24 to 65, and decided to brave the bridge work (how bad could it be?!)…well! Watching the GPS count up every second as another minute until arrival is disheartening, to say the least. It took about 20-25 minutes to get past the puniest of ‘construction’, which wasn’t even on a bridge anyway - just a couple of guys leaning on shovels, from what I could gather. I digress. Continued 65 South all the way to 59. Arrived at hotel at ~7.30. We had 4 stops - lengthy for lunch, 2 petrol, and 1 pee break. The thunderstorms were terrific - at one point all traffic was slowed to 45, with flashers on, full-on windscreen wipers, and even then it was probably unsafe to be driving at that speed…
Coming back today, left at 11.40, and got here (795 miles to the dot) at 11.20; same 4 stops, but much shorter dinner break. Much quicker coming home - no construction whatsoever, except just a few annoying bits on 57 -you have to slow for them, but no delays.
Best of luck to everyone traveling.
There is a FANTASTIC rest area in northern border of Tennessee - think it is called Whitehall or something like that - an historic old building which is well worth a stop. Extremely clean - like, I could not fathom how clean it was compared to every other stop I have ever been in. I had such a great experience that I stopped on the way back through, even though I didn’t have to ‘go’ (which is a 5 minute detour through several turns/twists over the highway), but well worth it, again. The workers take such pride in that particular spot - they had picked fresh flowers from the garden, and put them in an Ale 8-1 bottle (very old soda brand). Made me think I was back in the 50s or somethin’. Now I know you’re all gonna stop, right?! 
Be sure and sign the guest register so they keep it open.</p>
<p>Re move-in, in Riverside (and I suspect in the other dorms which are shaped similarly, like the new ones), the storage closets out in the hallway are very generous - about 10 or 11 feet tall, and easily will fit all of the leftover stuff/boxes that people want to keep for move-out. Also, I was very pleasantly surprised that Riverside (and other dorms with that layout) have very generous storage cupboards throughout - even though the kitchen looks small on the blueprint, there is so much space for stuff. (not much counter space, but tons of cupboard space) Ditto in the bath and in the shower areas.
I can say, as advice, the Riverside dorms are pretty stark - the hallway is long (not split like in RCS) and the bathroom sink areas are cavernous - bring tons of posters and stuff to decorate with - even if you have boys - there is no way that anyone would have brought enough stuff to fill up the dorm.
And, lastly, for those planning on buying everything down there…hmmmmm. Walmart was pretty picked over and barren when we went through (Saturday afternoon and later that evening), as well as Target. Fortunately, I had packed about 90% of stuff he needed, including all toiletries and cleaning supplies except the bulky paper goods…and he forgot his pillows, so that was really all we ‘needed’, but ended up spending another $200 on ‘stuff’. I can only imagine that next weekend will be SUPER busy, and expect long lines to check out and pay for stuff. At 11.30 pm on Saturday night, I spent a good 20 minutes in line, despite a dozen cashiers open.
Be sure to have kids check out their dorm rooms thoroughly (including insides of ovens, fixtures, drawers, etc.) for damage and stains. There is form you fill out recording everything, and they kind of pressured son into completing it quickly, yet we discovered tons more ‘damage’ when putting things away throughout the day. Suggest you try to keep that form until you are done w/ putting everything in its place. You have to leave your license as collateral.
More later under different posts/threads. Thanks, everyone, for all of the advice and support. Happy to return the favors to future parents! ;)</p>