What should I/we make sure to do before child leaves for college?

[Anonymous]

This is my first time. Other than shopping for supplies is there anything else we should be thinking about? Perhaps that is all there is, but just wondering. Thanks

[Anonymous]

Meningitis vaccine

[Anonymous]

Things we did:
told the kids to expect to lose their voices/get colds within the first month of arriving. Sent them with honey, tea, hot water kettle thingy, mug
showed each (boy and girl) were nearest planned parenthood was. gave DD Plan B.
arranged for twice-weekly check-ins, and once weekly family Facetimes.

We brought each kid to school and helped them set up their dorm rooms. We then took them out for a meal, and then left.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Things we did:
told the kids to expect to lose their voices/get colds within the first month of arriving. Sent them with honey, tea, hot water kettle thingy, mug
showed each (boy and girl) were nearest planned parenthood was. gave DD Plan B.
arranged for twice-weekly check-ins, and once weekly family Facetimes.

We brought each kid to school and helped them set up their dorm rooms. We then took them out for a meal, and then left.

Things we did - just bold part.

[Anonymous]

Make sure you have right to kids medical records,

[Anonymous]

Talk to them about alcohol, sex and bad decision making. Make sure they understand consent is best obtained when both parties are sober.

[Anonymous]

Condoms

[Anonymous]

HPV vaccine

[Anonymous]

Well too late now, but I hope you have sent them away on overnight enrichment camps that simulates going off to college or a summer abroad. This makes the transition a bit easier I think. I disagree with the parents who want to dump and leave at drop off for college. I think it's nice to go a few days early and explore campus and the surrounding area together. Let them know where the restaurants, drug stores, grocery and coffee shops are. If they don't feel quite so disoriented then they are more likely to go out and explore instead of staying in a pattern of the same dinning hall and same smoothie shop for a whole year. Make sure they get on the freshman FB page and ask if anyone is from their area. Make sure they reach out to roommates before the start of classes. Get a nespresso.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Well too late now, but I hope you have sent them away on overnight enrichment camps that simulates going off to college or a summer abroad. This makes the transition a bit easier I think. I disagree with the parents who want to dump and leave at drop off for college. I think it's nice to go a few days early and explore campus and the surrounding area together. Let them know where the restaurants, drug stores, grocery and coffee shops are. If they don't feel quite so disoriented then they are more likely to go out and explore instead of staying in a pattern of the same dinning hall and same smoothie shop for a whole year. Make sure they get on the freshman FB page and ask if anyone is from their area. Make sure they reach out to roommates before the start of classes. Get a nespresso.

This I like.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Well too late now, but I hope you have sent them away on overnight enrichment camps that simulates going off to college or a summer abroad. This makes the transition a bit easier I think. I disagree with the parents who want to dump and leave at drop off for college. I think it's nice to go a few days early and explore campus and the surrounding area together. Let them know where the restaurants, drug stores, grocery and coffee shops are. If they don't feel quite so disoriented then they are more likely to go out and explore instead of staying in a pattern of the same dinning hall and same smoothie shop for a whole year. Make sure they get on the freshman FB page and ask if anyone is from their area. Make sure they reach out to roommates before the start of classes. Get a nespresso.

Most of this is what the college students/young adults should figure out on their own. Really!?! Mom and dad have to help the kid find a drug store??? This is called growing up, being on your own, being responsible. If your kid can't find a coffee shop on their own or with their new friends maybe they're not ready for college.

[Anonymous]

Birth control.

[Anonymous]

Sounds like you've got the stuff part down, but a trip to Target or Walmart or IKEA after they've settled in can really help them suit up for what now know they need but didn't know before.

As a PP mentions, cold meds and health care supplies. Maybe one tupperware of important stuff.


Talks about sex/budgeting/time management/making good choices. Make sure they know numbers for cab companies, etc... and that they're thinking proactively about how to protect themselves.

[Anonymous]

And stop thinking of him/her as a "child."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Well too late now, but I hope you have sent them away on overnight enrichment camps that simulates going off to college or a summer abroad. This makes the transition a bit easier I think. I disagree with the parents who want to dump and leave at drop off for college. I think it's nice to go a few days early and explore campus and the surrounding area together. Let them know where the restaurants, drug stores, grocery and coffee shops are. If they don't feel quite so disoriented then they are more likely to go out and explore instead of staying in a pattern of the same dinning hall and same smoothie shop for a whole year. Make sure they get on the freshman FB page and ask if anyone is from their area. Make sure they reach out to roommates before the start of classes. Get a nespresso.

A proud "dump and run" parent here. And that was because both my DCs were thrilled to finally be at college and the last thing they wanted was mom and dad hanging around. Unpack, shop for whatever else is needed, out for a meal, a hug and a kiss telling them how proud we were and that we're available any time they need us.