1) Attend Orientation With Your Kids

Orientation allows students to visit with counselors and advisors, set their schedule, meet other new students, and tour the campus. Parents have the opportunity to meet faculty, brainstorm, and bond with their kids. If you haven’t been involved in the decision process by now, Orientation is a great opportunity to get started with the transition.
2) Help Students Move In.
Whether they’re lucky enough to have their own apartment or are moving into a dorm the first year, they’re going to need your help. The experience can be overwhelming enough, so why not bring someone along (like you!) who can make sure all the paperwork is signed, clothing is packed, and trip is properly mapped out? Every parent has had to move at some point in his or her life, so consider taking time off of work to lend a hand.
3) Let Them Call You.
It will be difficult not to pick up the phone and dial your student’s number every five minutes just to “check up.” But resist the temptation! You and your student can make plans to call regularly once or twice each week, but give them at least one full week to adjust to college life alone. This time is crucial, for they are expected to start friendships, classes, social activities, and adulthood all at once. Believe me, if they need you they’ll call. If not, be proud of your great parenting skills and wait patiently.
4) Don’t Convert Their Room to a [Insert Your Master Plan] Just Yet.
As much as I don’t like to admit it, some college students will fail their first year (for whatever reason) and need to return home. If you want to give your college student’s room to a younger sibling, that’s fine. Just make sure there’s a guest bed or an item of sentimental value left for the college student when he or she returns home on vacations. Show them that out-of-sight does not mean out-of-mind when it comes to family. After they’ve had a successful year of independence, you can go ahead with the spa/game room/entertainment center plans you had in mind.
5) Conquer That “Empty Nest” Feeling.
Even if you still have young kids at home after your college student is gone, it will feel like there’s a big, gaping hole in your home life. So get involved! Drive the younger kids to practice or help them plan for college. Reconnect with old friends. Check events in your city and make it your goal to try something new every week. And if all else fails, speak to a friend or counselor about your feelings. You aren’t the first parent to go through this experience, and you won’t be the last.
6) Send a Care Package.
Ask your college student when his or her mid-terms and final exams are scheduled, and send a care package that will arrive while they’re studying. The surprise can be homemade or purchased from a care package company. Either way, they’ll know it came from the heart.
7) Visit During Vacations.
Whether you go to them, they come to you, or you both meet somewhere, it’s always nice to see the family for Thanksgiving and winter holidays. Kayak.com is a wonderful, free online service that checks multiple airlines and hotels for a given destination, ensuring the cheapest price for you and your family.

source: about.com