Before you send your son or daughter off to college without a backward glance, check out this list of ten things you should probably do before they take off for college.
- Check up on your child’s computer. Be sure your child’s computer has all the proper programs needed for classes such as Microsoft Office. Some schools require a specific computer with certain specifications for each student, so double check with your child’s college for any details.
- Have your child find out a little about their soon to be roommate. Have them find out some of the basics like where they’re from, what they like to do and what they are planning to study. This will ease the transition from home to college dorm.
- Get all your needed dorm room essentials at a discount department store. Make sure that you coordinate with the other roommates on who is bringing what, that way you won’t end up with two microwaves and no TV.
- Secure the semester’s class schedule. Ensure that your child gets into the classes they want to take by reminding them of the enrollment deadlines. Nothing ruins freshman year more than having a full schedule of classes you have no interest in.
- Create a budget. Living away from home for the first time can be very hard for some students. Establish a budget with your son or daughter so that they can start off on the right foot with managing their money.
- Visit the school’s web site. Get more information about the school traditions, campus, classes, and the social life by checking out the website of your student’s college. Having your child know more about the school may help them feel more comfortable.
- Get packing. Don’t put off packing to the last day! There is always going to be something your student forgets to pack or never thought to pack, so make a list early on and remember to double check before they take off.
- Put together a tool kit. Things are bound to break or need some tuning up, so put a small tool or emergency kit together so your student is never stuck without a way to fix a problem.
- Get protection. Talk to your son or daughter about safe sex and making smart decisions.
- Allow your student to hang out with their high school pals. Your student is not only going to miss home, but also the friends they have spent the last four years making memories with. You will be in their life forever, but some of these friends they will lose touch with, so be sure to let them spend some time saying goodbyes and making the last few memories they can.
These suggestions came from Lauren Joffe, of The Real College Guide, and you can read the full article here.
