Auburn University {Sophomore Year Move-In Diary}

College move-in week can feel like a whirlwind… boxes, beds, and a hundred little decisions… but it’s also a chance to soak in the start of a new chapter. I learned last year, by chance, how nice it is to take time to do it my way. This year, I had the joy of helping John settle into his sophomore year apartment at Auburn, and I’m sharing all the highlights from four days of coffee, laughter, firsts, and a few tears along the way.

Day 1: Easing Out

With all of the electrical problems at home, I ended up with a bit of an extended stay in Auburn – and it was truly balm for the soul. Not only did I get to fully fluff and settle John into his first apartment, but it was good for me too, to ease out gently rather than ripping the Band Aid off. We did this last year as well, and I’ve decided: I won’t ever do college move-in differently if I have the choice.

John left for Alabama after his send off supper Tuesday night. I got Whit to school Wednesday morning and then hit the road for Auburn, where I checked into the stunning Laurel Hotel. It’s truly one of my favorite hotels anywhere (full recap coming soon!). My room was ready upon arrival, so I settled in with a glass of bubbles and caught up on a little work before meeting John and two of his friends for lunch at Hey Day Market. It’s always such a delight to meet his college crew and see him in his world.

While John and the boys headed off for some rush events, I lingered at The Library inside The Laurel with a book on a drizzly afternoon. Later, Honey drove over to join me, and we set off for a little date night at the amazing 1856 Culinary Residence. This teaching restaurant is part of Auburn’s hospitality program, with students working alongside acclaimed chefs. We enjoyed the eight-course tasting menu, and it was the perfect, memorable (and luxe) way to kick off move-in week.

Day 2: Move-In Madness

Armed with copious amounts of coffee and a hot breakfast at The Laurel (included, and delicious), I was ready for the big day. John picked up his keys at the leasing office, and I’ll be honest – I was pleasantly surprised by how nice the apartment is. I’d signed the lease in a bit of a frenzy, sight unseen (finding housing at Auburn is basically the Hunger Games), so this was a relief!

Two of John’s high school friends met us, and before I even finished snapping “before” pictures, both cars were unloaded. We spent the morning arranging and rearranging his room until the layout felt just right. I had packed thoughtfully, and we unpacked carefully, making sure everything had a place.

Honey worked remotely most of the day, but took a break to assemble furniture and set up the TV. John grabbed us a takeout lunch from Mama G’s, a local favorite, and we loved meeting his three roommates, their darling apartment pup Maurice, and all of the other parents. Everyone was so kind and it made the whole process so much easier.

By late afternoon, John’s room was completely settled, and Honey and I slipped away for happy hour at Walt’s on the Roof at hotel. I discovered their margaritas come printed with custom images. Naturally, I chose one of Elsa Belle. It was almost too cute to drink… almost.

That evening, one of the moms had snagged a dinner reservation at The Hound, so the parents and boys gathered for dinner, drinks, and toasts to a fantastic year ahead.

Bedroom Highlights

• Full-size bed with an upholstered headboard – upgraded from last year’s twin
• Thoughtful layout after hours of arranging, rearranging, and arranging again
• Desk set-up includes John’s chair, neon War Eagle sign, and all the essentials (post-its, pens, highlighters, surge protectors)
• Nightstand doubles as cube storage system
• Fun tip: The desk may get more gaming than studying… but that’s part of college experience, huh?

Bathroom Wins

• Tiger shower curtain set the bold tone for the room
• Muted orange towels and bathmat tie in Auburn colors
• Gray canvas basket holds daily toiletries (the one item salvaged from freshman year!)
• AU basketball champs poster and letterpress print from The Old Try add personality
• Stocked with essentials: Clorox wipes, toilet cleaner, and a daily shower spray that may never see actual use 😉

Closet & Laundry Closet

• Walk-in closet = huge upgrade, room for clothes, protein powder, camping gear, sheets, towels, and blankets
• Laundry closet stocked with detergent, dryer sheets, and supplies – stay tuned to see if it ever gets used!
• Extra humor: Expect “souvenirs of the smelly kind” heading home this year

Den, Kitchen & Porch Chaos

• Four sofas sourced from older fraternity brothers, plus donated rug and recliner
• Mysterious coffee table, TV, and TV table arrived from unknown sources
• Porch doubles as “outdoor living room” despite sofas not being designed for outside
• Kitchen fully equipped with donated bar stools and essentials
• TV stand saga continues – second TV in the works, per John
• Blackstone grill for the porch = ultimate success

Day 3: Settling In

With Honey back in Atlanta, I enjoyed a slower morning… coffee and breakfast at The Library, laptop open but with no sense of “work” weighing me down. Somehow even emails feel different when done in a beautiful place.

I retreated to the rooftop pool at The Laurel for a morning of spectacular views and a delicious book.

John and I checked off a long standing list item with lunch at The Irritable Bao, and it did not disappoint. From there, we stocked his kitchen with all the essentials (and some extras, because let’s be honest, protein powder counts as décor at this point).

He was off for more college life adventures, so I retreated to the spa at The Laurel for a lazy afternoon of pampering.

That evening, my friend Mary drove over and joined me for dinner at Walt’s on the Roof. Once again, the puppy-print margaritas made an appearance – this time with Anna Dasher staring back at me and Mr. Wu on hers. We lingered over dinner, soaked in the most spectacular sunset, laughed ourselves silly, and ended the evening at her daughter’s apartment. She’s a senior fresh off rush duty, and it was such a treat to peek inside the girly side of Auburn life for a change.

Day 4: Bittersweet Goodbyes

The final morning brought coffee and breakfast with Mary, this time lingering a little longer, with no laptops or work in sight. It felt like the perfect exhale.

I packed up my things and scooped John for a farewell lunch at our collective favorite, Acre.

I’ll admit… the drive home was hard. The tears came, as they always do, but I held it together better than freshman year. John, in his gentle, understanding way, made it easier. He’s thoughtful like that, which only makes leaving harder and sweeter at the same time.

I know he’s going to have a spectacular sophomore year.

Make good choices.
Go to class.
And always call your mama.

War Eagle, Son! 💙🧡

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