Tips for new freshman parents

[Anonymous]

Some school's automatically enroll student in medical insurance. If student will remain on parents insurance be sure to opt out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Some school's automatically enroll student in medical insurance. If student will remain on parents insurance be sure to opt out.

This is a good one.

[Anonymous]

Command strips to hang things, get a bunch in all kinds of sizes. Share them.

Return the ones you don't use.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Plan to stay at least one extra day after move-in to make about 3 runs to target for pick-ups and returns

What?? No! Drop off and leave. Kid will figure out returns and how to get to Target.

A few extension cords and a bunch of command strips/hooks is a great thing to pack. But the most important thing is to leave quickly.

Nope. Terrible advice. And starts off the feelings of sadness and loneliness even quicker as a majority of kids have family hanging around.

I think there needs to be far more thought put into the start of college if parents want to prevent a mid semester cry to come home, mid year transfer, or just dropping out and coming home. This is especially true for students who go to out of state colleges.

Based on what I have seen, parents need to plan to stay in town after move in a couple of weeks and for out of state at least a month if they really want their child to be successful in adapting and staying put. Also college selection needs to start with the premise it’s 4 years of living in a different place and in the long run 4 years is a very short time so make the most of living there and not think of week you can just transfer

If a parent stays in the area this doesn’t mean the parent and child have to interact on a daily basis. It’s really the comfort for the child as they adapt to an overwhelming new everything and just the thought that “home” ie that’s what you as the parent represent is still available mentally helps. If your child does need a break and that connection with “home” meet up for an hour.

Giving your child a good start is priceless and can really make a difference. It’s nit about a coddling a child. These days the cost of college are very high and lots of the issues of first year students have can mean a financial impact for many families. 20-30 yrs ago - college was much cheaper. Staying an extra semester or year didn’t break the bank. Even if your child is the one getting loans don’t set them up for a lifetime of student loans .

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Plan to stay at least one extra day after move-in to make about 3 runs to target for pick-ups and returns

What?? No! Drop off and leave. Kid will figure out returns and how to get to Target.

A few extension cords and a bunch of command strips/hooks is a great thing to pack. But the most important thing is to leave quickly.

Nope. Terrible advice. And starts off the feelings of sadness and loneliness even quicker as a majority of kids have family hanging around.

I think there needs to be far more thought put into the start of college if parents want to prevent a mid semester cry to come home, mid year transfer, or just dropping out and coming home. This is especially true for students who go to out of state colleges.

Based on what I have seen, parents need to plan to stay in town after move in a couple of weeks and for out of state at least a month if they really want their child to be successful in adapting and staying put. Also college selection needs to start with the premise it’s 4 years of living in a different place and in the long run 4 years is a very short time so make the most of living there and not think of week you can just transfer

If a parent stays in the area this doesn’t mean the parent and child have to interact on a daily basis. It’s really the comfort for the child as they adapt to an overwhelming new everything and just the thought that “home” ie that’s what you as the parent represent is still available mentally helps. If your child does need a break and that connection with “home” meet up for an hour.

Giving your child a good start is priceless and can really make a difference. It’s nit about a coddling a child. These days the cost of college are very high and lots of the issues of first year students have can mean a financial impact for many families. 20-30 yrs ago - college was much cheaper. Staying an extra semester or year didn’t break the bank. Even if your child is the one getting loans don’t set them up for a lifetime of student loans .

You think that the parent should move to the town where the college is?? LOL

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Use the bed bath beyond store pick-up in the college town

Depends on location...this is a disaster near some larger schools with long lines and hour plus long waits for pickup. Only use if travel requires.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Plan a visit about 3 weeks after move-in

or....
Give your child the space he or she wants. Don't show up three weeks after move-in.

Every kid is different, so think about who your kid is and then choose which one of us is giving the advice for your situation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Use the bed bath beyond store pick-up in the college town

Depends on location...this is a disaster near some larger schools with long lines and hour plus long waits for pickup. Only use if travel requires.

Depending on where the school is, there might be other BBB a bit further away that are better stocked with fewer lines. Do some googling. Customer service will know.

[Anonymous]

BEFORE THEY LEAVE be sure to have your child sign a HIPPA/FERPA release forms, medical power of attorney, and durable power of attorney in the event of hospitalization. If they are over 18, many states will not give you medical info if your child is over 18. Forms vary by state and are free to download.


"Three forms—HIPAA authorization, medical power of attorney, and durable power of attorney—will help facilitate the involvement of a parent or other trusted adult in a medical emergency.

If a student attends college out of state, fill out the forms relevant to the home state and school state to avoid any challenges. If the school has its own form, sign that one too, Warsh says. “When the doctor or medical institution sees it, you want them to be familiar with it and recognize it,” she says."

Keep scanned copies of the executed documents on your phone.

https://www.consumerreports.org/health-privacy/help-your-college-age-child-in-a-medical-emergency/

[Anonymous]

Help them sign up for the on campus zip car prior to arriving

[Anonymous]

Expect the unexpected and be able to go with it.

[Anonymous]

Leave them with luggage to come home with. If flying, a rollon and 2 collapsable suitcases duffel bags that fit inside the rollon.

[Anonymous]

An overnight travel bag -- DD had a big suitcase, but didn't have anything for an overnight stay when she went home with her roommate for the weekend

[Anonymous]

Get a credit card on your account with their name on it for emergencies.

[Anonymous]

Tell you kid to hold off on buying textbooks until after classes start, often they are not needed.