7 Ways to Prepare Your Senior for College

For parents with a young adult headed to college this fall, it’s natural to worry that they’re not 100% ready for the major life transition. While it’s certainly true that some 18-year-olds are more mature and prepared for the abrupt shift to independence, there are things you can do to help—and to alleviate some of your own anxiety. Here are a few recommendations to prepare your senior for college:

#1: Practical life skills

Although some adolescents have grown up doing their own laundry and at least helping to cook a few family meals, not everyone has the knowledge or experience. Although dorm rooms will limit the appliances you can bring, most living spaces will have a small kitchen for students and on-site laundry. 

Use the summer to teach them some basics, such as how to use a coin-operated washer and dryer (e.g., sorting whites from darks, how much detergent to use) and prepare basic but healthy meals (e.g., pasta, omelets, stir frys). This is also a good time to teach them how to plan meals, read labels, understand food expiration dates, and shop on a budget. 

#2: Budgeting

Speaking of budgeting, food isn’t the only out-of-pocket costs students need to consider. They’ll need to consider things like public transportation (to get off campus and come home over the breaks), toiletries, entertainment, haircuts, books, school supplies and other unexpected expenses (think: fixing their e-bike). 

Teach them how to open a bank account, understand credit scores and use a debit or credit card responsibly. You’ll also want to ensure they understand their financial aid package (loans, grants, scholarships) and how it will be disbursed. If you haven’t done so, take some time to learn what on- and off-campus transportation is available so they don’t blow through their budget on Ubers. 

#3: Important documents

Most schools will provide freshmen with a list of items to bring to college, such as extra-long sheets, a hamper with wheels, medications, and shower shoes for the communal bathrooms. But it may fall on parents to help gather and organize essential documents. Here are a few to consider now so you’re not scrambling to find them the night before your graduate leaves for school:

• Immunization records
• Social Security card
• Health insurance information
• Financial aid documents 
• Birth certificate or passport

#4: Discuss safety

Sure, there’s a potential for a few eye rolls when you try to talk to your student about safety, but you’ll sleep better at night knowing you had the conversation. Not sure where to begin? Start with these ideas: Always let someone know where you’re going to be—even if it’s just a short trail walk through a public park. Don’t leave your drink unattended. Ask a friend or campus security to walk you home from the library at night. Always have a sober companion among your group—even if no one’s driving—to ensure that someone has a clear head to help you all stay safe until you get back to your dorm. 

#5: Identify on-campus support

Your student will probably get a basic briefing on the various support services that are available to them, including financial aid, the library, tutoring, and career services. But when it comes to their physical and mental health, you’ll want to ensure that they know where to go in the moment. 

Take some time to point out where they can access free counseling, peer-to-peer support, reproductive health, urgent care, and pharmaceutical services on campus. 

#6: Coping skills and self-care

Even the most mentally healthy high school student is sure to face new stressors and challenges once they get to college. While independence can feel fun and liberating, there are times in which most students get homesick (or literally sick) and crave parental nurturing. If you haven’t already done so, now is the time to teach your young adult some coping skills for stress, anxiety, anger, and overstimulation. 

These could include anything from breathing exercises and medication to physical exercise or spending time in nature. Along those same lines, talk about the importance of basic self-care activities for both mental and physical wellness. Getting enough sleep, eating healthy, engaging in hobbies, and spending time with friends, for example, can all boost resilience against depression, anxiety, and burnout.

#7: Personal brain training

Most parents understand that getting into college doesn’t necessarily mean their student will excel.  After all, making the honor roll in high school doesn’t always translate to higher education. The newfound independence, paired with plenty of fun distractions, surging hormones, and a much more difficult curriculum can create significant challenges for even the most disciplined student. If you’re concerned about their teen’s ability to keep up with a college course load, time management, and study skills, consider enrolling your teen in a personal brain training program over the summer. 

Unlike tutoring, which reteaches academic information that was missed the first time, personal brain training is designed to improve core learning and thinking skills. These programs are designed to help students improve the foundational cognitive skills that help us think, learn, read, and remember, making it faster and easier to complete classwork, studying, projects, and exams.

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Your young adult is about to venture out into the world on their own. While it might feel scary to let go, the best thing you can do is prepare them well.  

Looking for more resources for this new season of parenting young adults?

Check out this interview on the Brainy Moms Podcast about launching young adult children and fostering independence—without severing your connection with them.