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Sending your kid to college? Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, nothing truly prepares you for the emotional, logistical, and “oh-my-gosh-how-did-we-forget-a-fan?!” reality of freshman year.

In this solo episode, Elissa shares the unfiltered truth about getting ready for college move-in—what to buy (and what’s a total waste), how to handle the summer anxiety spiral, what really happens on move-in day, and the roommate, friendship, and academic adjustments no one warns you about.

Drawing from her daughter Ava’s freshman year experience, Elissa dives into the emotional side of the transition for both students and parents, offers practical tips for packing and prepping, and even reveals the silver lining of life with a “temporary only child” at home.

Whether you’re a parent bracing for goodbye or a student gearing up for your first semester, this episode delivers the mix of humor, honesty, and useful advice you won’t find on Pinterest. Grab your coffee, take a deep breath, and let’s make this milestone a little less overwhelming.