If there’s one thing lots of University of Virginia parents agree on, it’s that students should only pack half as much clothing as they think they will need.
Michele Taylor, whose child is a rising fourth-year student, put it this way: “Charlottesville is definitely a warm climate until December.”
As first-year and transfer students prepare to move in beginning Aug. 21, UVA Today asked experienced parents for their top tips – from packing smart to parting with a heartfelt “see you soon” instead of “goodbye.”
“My best advice is to take the time you and your student need. No two families are alike,” said Kathy VanYe, whose son graduated from the School of Engineering and Applied Science in 2021 and earned a master’s degree in systems engineering in 2022. “Some parents may know that they will see their student sometime in the next few weeks, perhaps (at) a football game, perhaps a quick trip just because; others may not see their student until family weekend, which was our case; or even winter break.”
VanYe, a West Coast parent, said some students will want parents to be on their way as soon as possible. “Others will appreciate having their parents around a bit longer,” she added.
