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The Daily Dish Back to School

Gia Giudice Has an Emotional Farewell as She Leaves for College

Teresa Giudice's daughter is ready to begin her freshman year at Rutgers University this fall.

By Laura Rosenfeld

The time has come for Teresa Giudice's eldest daughter, Gia Giudice, to leave the nest. The 18-year-old is leaving home to begin her freshman year of college at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

How to Watch

Watch The Real Housewives of New Jersey Season 14 premiere May 5th at 8/9c on Bravo and stream next day on Peacock.

The Giudice family kicked off the sendoff festivities on Wednesday, August 28 with a celebration for Gia and her cousin, who is also getting ready to start her college career. "Congratulations to my beautiful daughter and niece on their new chapter in life," Teresa gushed on Instagram. "I’m so excited for both of you to follow your dreams and take what life has to offer you."

Gia Giudice with Her Cousin

Then, the big day finally came on Thursday, August 29. Teresa documented her family getting ready for Gia's move in her Instagram Story, showing Gia's uncle Joe Gorga packing up his truck with all of her necessities for college while also seeming to simultaneously wonder why she needs so much stuff. Who can relate?

Joe Gorga Packs Niece Gia Giudice Up for College
Joe Gorga Packs Niece Gia Giudice Up for College

But as excited as Gia is to start her next chapter, she is also sad to say goodbye to her loved ones. In another video captured by Teresa in her Instagram Story, we see Gia get emotional while bidding a fond farewell to her dog Bella. "Mom, get out of here!" Gia can be heard saying in the video while hiding her face as she tears up.

Gia Giudice Says Goodbye to Dog Bella as She Leaves for College

Teresa, who sounds like she's able to keep it together so far, can later be heard noting that "Bella's gonna go into depression" over Gia leaving home. We imagine Bella won't be the only one feeling sad about Gia's absence.

Once Gia steps on campus and gets settled in, we know she'll love living that #CollegeLife. Why, The Real Housewives of New Jersey daughter has barely been able to contain her excitement over becoming a Scarlet Knight ever since she announced her college pick last spring.

However, we can also understand why Gia wouldn't want the summer to end quite yet. Her last summer before college has been pretty amazing, after all, with gorgeous days with family at the Shore, a stunning modeling gig, and even skydiving.

We know big things are on the way for Gia.

Watch Teresa and the rest of the RHONJ crew open up about Joe Giudice's pending deportation, above. 

Teresa dishes more on all of her daughters, below.

Teresa Giudice's Daughters Are All Grown Up

Photo: Teresa Giudice/Instagram

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