Your kid has been accepted! The deposit is in. You can relax…well, sort of. There are plenty of tasks to complete before moving your son or daughter into college in August, so don’t procrastinate. To avoid stress, stay on track with this handy guide for the poolside.
June
Finances: Have a frank discussion with your young adult about finances. Discuss all expenses and how they will be paid. Open a joint checking account with online access and debit/credit card options, and establish appropriate uses for them. Create a budget together and emphasize the importance of paying bills on time, avoiding interest charges and establishing good credit.
Schedule: Check your school’s website for essential dates: placement exams, orientations, move-in weekend, parents weekend. Make travel plans. Will you be driving, flying or taking another mode of transportation? Will you need hotel accommodations? Inquire about cancellation policies as well. Attend a New Student Orientation as soon as possible. Registration takes place at these events and classes tend to fill up. The earlier you attend, the more options your student will have. Take some time to tour the campus, visit the dorms and explore the new town or city.
Stay Informed: Sign up for your school’s email/text alert system and get on all lists to receive updates and important information. Join the parent Facebook page or other social media sites where parents ask questions and share information.
July
Finances: Research meal plans. Many have different levels and flexible options with varying price points. Make sure you understand whether or not unused funds roll over or if they are lost at the end of the term. Look for retailers and eateries in your college town that offer student discounts or accept “college cash.” Inquire about low cost storage units if you are considering storing items over the summer.
Shop: Organize your shopping list by category: books and school supplies, tech needs, room supplies and personal care items. Shop with a budget in mind. Consider renting or buying used textbooks as opposed to new ones. Purchase computers and other equipment from stores that offer student discounts and maintenance plans. If you plan on buying from Bed, Bath and Beyond, the Beyond+ program gives members 20% off every purchase and free shipping for a year, for $29. If your flying, you can make your purchases at a local BB&B and pick them up at store near or in your college town. Stores such as Target offer 5% off every purchase if you use the store credit card. Consider the savings!
August
Life Skills: Teach your teen a few skills: laundry, grocery shopping, mailing a package, and making doctor appointments. If you anticipate needing a specialist (beyond Student Health Services) know where those doctors are located. Some insurance plans offer online consultations with doctors and include prescriptions. This comes in handy if your child can’t get an appointment at the Student Health Center for over 24 hours.
Documents: Once your child turns 18, you will need specific documentation to obtain his or her medical and educational records and make medical decisions on his or her behalf. These include a Health Care Proxy, HIPAA Authorization, Power of Attorney, and FERPA Release. Once signed, make an electronic copy and keep originals in a safe place.
Safety: Consider campus safety. Discuss options available to students when walking on campus or in the surrounding areas. Many schools offer a safe ride system and security escorts for traveling between buildings on campus. Off campus, research whether or not rideshares such as Uber or Lyft are available in the area. To further put your mind at ease, consider purchasing a family locator app for your smartphone such as Life 360 or Find My Friends, but be prepared to be called a “stalker” by your teen. I’ve been living with that label for years…and it’s been worth it.
Move in: Arrive in time to participate in activities designed to help students connect. Recognize that this might feel awkward for some teens, but encourage them to stick with it. Belongingness is critical.
Hey Kids! Here’s Your Poolside Checklist:
- Sign up for notices from your school – freshman updates, new student activities, messages about housing.
- Join the Freshman Facebook page or other forums to connect.
- Find a roommate. Is it random? Can you request someone? Do you complete a survey and get matched up? Coordinate with your prospective roommate and decide what each person will bring.
- Explore your school’s website and familiarize yourself with clubs and organizations. There may be literally 1000 clubs to choose from. If you do a little homework, you can avoid feeling overwhelmed at the club fair.
- Discuss a communication plan with your parents – how often will you call, text etc. This separation can be emotional on both sides. You will all feel better with a plan in place.