NCEA scholarship results were announced this week, a timely reminder of how soon the new university year begins.
In a few short weeks, university gates across the country will open and students will flood the quads, lecture theatres and, if we're being completely honest, the uni bars.
From personal experience, I suspect hundreds of Rotorua students have been eagerly packing, unpacking and repacking their bags ready to leave their home and city to experience their newfound freedom.
Some will be leaving Rotorua to live with relatives or family friends, some will be trying to go it alone in a pricey apartment but the majority will be taking up residence in the university halls.
This can be a harrowing thought for parents watching their baby leave the nest for the first time.
Mum and dad, it may be a small comfort but I hope to reassure you that your babies will be okay.
If they haven't already, they will learn to iron their clothes, cook semi-nutritious meals (or at least not buy takeaways every night) and manage their money.
They will come home during the holidays with new ideas and opinions and show you how mature they have become.
No, I'm not being sarcastic, if there's one thing the big move to uni guarantees, it's that your teenager will grow into an adult.
I'm not saying after six months they will have developed the mental maturity of a 30-year-old but the stimulating, thought-provoking environment of university definitely fosters personal growth
Students, I know it can be a scary, unsure time starting uni. You don't know where you'll fit in, if you'll make new friends or whether you'll like the degree you've chosen, but trust me, once you get there all those fears and uncertainties will disappear.
I'm sure you've got that university checklist down to a tee, so now's the time to relax, enjoy your last two weeks off and look forward to O-Week.
* Schools, if you have content you would like to be included on the Schools Page, email me at stephanie.worsop@dailypost.co.nz. All content needs to be submitted before Tuesday 5pm to make it onto that week's page.