How to Prepare Your Child for College

Going off to college can be a daunting experience for both kids and parents alike. If your child is moving a considerable distance, you may feel that there is little you can do but drive them there and try not to cry before you are back on the freeway. However, the weeks before college can be an important point in a teenager’s life and you can get involved in this process by making sure they are as prepared as they can be for the experience by following this guide. 

Go Shopping

Your child will need lots of accessories to help them settle in at college and you can enjoy a fun shopping trip to help you bond and pick up the supplies they will need. College dorms often provide lists of things students will need such as bedding, crockery, and cooking utensils as well as the more obvious books and tech. Check this list or make one of your own to ensure your child has everything they need to settle into college life. 

Help Them to Budget

College is often the first time an adolescent has to consider what they are spending their money on.  However, you have probably had years of experience managing a household budget so your experience will be invaluable. Start by recording what money they will have to spend and where this will come from. Your child may have several sources of income such as family support, loans, grants, savings, and any employment they have. You can help them balance this against their outgoings. Don’t forget to check what is included in their accommodation costs such as food and bills. That way you can avoid budgeting for it twice.

Alleviate Concerns

Your child may feel anxious about moving away from home and starting college and it is imperative to keep the lines of communication open so you can help to alleviate these concerns. Common concerns are making friends and keeping up with the workload. There is a lot of publicity around hazing currently; this is when an initiation ceremony causes embarrassment or ridicule to a new student. Many students fear this most of all and talking through their concerns and letting them know that you are only a phone call or text away can make a huge difference to the way they feel about starting college. 

Hide Your Anxiety

Naturally, parents are anxious about this new phrase too. After all, it only feels like yesterday that you were changing diapers and now they are going to be totally independent in a new town or state.  Stay positive and upbeat for them; you can always get stressed or look up the name of a great hazing lawyer in private if you need to. 

Getting into college is a huge achievement and progressing into this new adventure is an experience that few students or parents forget. Follow this guide to help your child prepare for college life and get the best they can from the experience.