Dotsie,
Yes, my son is getting very excited. We just got back from vacation with many friends and family. He must have had numerous conversations with how he's excited and all the planning. He finds out his roommate and dorm assignments this week, so he's hoping for "good" news. He's an only, although not a typical only. The one characteristic that is coming out big time is how he'll cope with roommates; especially since he could end up with as many as 5!!
As for packing, I think we're going to take clothes, essential "school" items (computer, some books etc), some tolietries and mementos. Then my sister is meeting him in DC and can take him to Target for more essentials (laundry soap). I'll get the linens here and he can pick up there. This is the plan for now. Still working on the fact that he won't have a "decorated" room as such. The egg crate thing has been recommended to me buy others, along with feather bed toppers. My guess is they are lots more money.
That's all so far; it changes daily