Tips for new freshman parents

[Anonymous]

We have been told we will drop off DD, unload the car (to dorm room) and then leave. (COVID). They do not want parents hanging around campus. Parents part of orientation is being done remotely.

[Anonymous]

I’m a first time freshman parent, so take my tip with a grain of salt. BUT, I made my kid an emergency kit for Christmas: small sewing kit, first aid kit, small tool kit, good flashlight, and extra batteries. Before they leave, I will add an extra photocopy of their health insurance car, extra cold and flu medicine and a few K95 masks and surgical masks. I’m highly tempted to add condoms too, but probably won’t. It all fit neatly in a toolbox.

My kid may never touch it, but I felt better. And as it ended up, many of the items on the school’s list are there.

I got this first aid kit from Amazon, and LOVE IT. It has a card attached that walks the kid through what to take or how to treat various illnesses or injuries, and what in the kit to use.

https://www.amazon.com/College-First-Medical-Graduation-Essential/dp/B01E53NB9O/ref=sr_1_6?crid=2NE4MZSAZLOX9&dchild=1&keywords=first+aid+kit+dorm+room&qid=1592663918&sprefix=first+aid+kit+dorm%2Caps%2C252&sr=8-6

And this tool kit seemed good for a dorm room.

https://www.amazon.com/Cartman-Orange-39-Piece-Tool-Set/dp/B00RF9J8DY/ref=sr_1_2?crid=DVAX1FVF44D4&dchild=1&keywords=dorm+room+tool+kit&qid=1592664609&sprefix=Tool+kit+room%2Caps%2C238&sr=8-2

This should slip under the bed. Best case scenario, it comes home unused. If there is a minor emergency, I’m hoping what my kid needs is right there.

My kid is going to a rural SLAC. So getting something right off campus might not be an option.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Join the parent facebook page, but do not overshare or over ask questions.

This is so true. Seriously. Don’t come on there saying your kid is homesick, has lice, needs a tutor because they are failing chem, isn’t getting along with their roommate, etc. Word gets out.

Especially don't complain about roomate or floor mates -- I am always shocked at the details some give wondering the roomate has parents also on the FB page.

[Anonymous]

My list for my freshman:
Mattress topper, 2 sets of sheets, 1 duvet, 1 blanket, 2 pillows, 2 bath towels
1 Duffel bag worth of clothes for Fall weather. Light jacket, raincoat (Mostly jeans and T shirts and enough underwear and socks for 2 weeks)
Small trash can, desk lamp
Shower caddy and flip flops
Small cotton rug (dorm doesn’t have carpet)
Bed risers, Command hooks
First aid kit including thermometer, OTCs for fever, tummy ache, antibiotic cream etc
School supplies (Backpack, laptop, notebooks, Pens, index cards, stapler, scissors, paper clips)
Lockable box (mid sized cash box)
Laundry hamper, laundry bag, detergent, hangers, slim garment bag for suit
Masks, Clorox wipes, Purell
It already looks like too much stuff but I am not sure what to cut out.
Want to get a bedside caddy for phone, kindle etc. since the room will not have a bedside table.

[Anonymous]

What is a college student keeping in a lockable box? Curious, not snarky - was not planning on one for my child and wondering why they need it.

[Anonymous]

got to protect your stash.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What is a college student keeping in a lockable box? Curious, not snarky - was not planning on one for my child and wondering why they need it.

Cash credit card, passwords etc. Mine does not carry a wallet so that stuff just sits in the room which may or may not get locked everything. Mine is close to the CA border so he has his passport too. It is actually a gun safe...just about the right size.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:got to protect your stash.

Ok roll your eyes but it’s better to have money, computer, phone, etc protected rather than not.

[Anonymous]

To each his/her own, but I did not join a parents’ FB group for my child’s college. (Mine is a sophomore at a large public university fairly far from home.) Just seems inappropriate to me for parents to be involved at that level. A large part of college is supposed to be kids muddling through and figuring out things on their own. For those of you who joined, what value does it have for you that leads you to recommend it to others?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:got to protect your stash.

Ok roll your eyes but it’s better to have money, computer, phone, etc protected rather than not.

How did I survive college without a lockbox?

Not sure how I would shove a computer into one.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:got to protect your stash.

Ok roll your eyes but it’s better to have money, computer, phone, etc protected rather than not.

How did I survive college without a lockbox?

Not sure how I would shove a computer into one.

There are giant chests on Amazon.

[Anonymous]

Just use a cable lock for your laptop...

[Anonymous]

To each his/her own, but I did not join a parents’ FB group for my child’s college. (Mine is a sophomore at a large public university fairly far from home.) Just seems inappropriate to me for parents to be involved at that level. A large part of college is supposed to be kids muddling through and figuring out things on their own. For those of you who joined, what value does it have for you that leads you to recommend it to others?

I joined around this time last year - I wanted to see if anyone had any details on the particular dorm. I think I posted one question. Beyond move-in, I agree that it's not necessary to post your kid's exact grades, the names of professors they don't like, the symptoms they are having during an illness, random complaints about the cost or availability of a textbook, photos of move-in, move-out, visits home, etc. It's more of a curiosity at this point, sort of like DCUM.

Lockbox - I guess some students use these. College students don't carry cash. My DS has a phone case that holds his student ID and debit card. There were no marauding hordes of thieves roaming the halls of his dorm. I learned at move-out that he left $5000 worth of instruments in a lounge all year (with permission) and no one touched them. At most, I've heard of a sweatshirt or something disappearing from the laundry area.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:To each his/her own, but I did not join a parents’ FB group for my child’s college. (Mine is a sophomore at a large public university fairly far from home.) Just seems inappropriate to me for parents to be involved at that level. A large part of college is supposed to be kids muddling through and figuring out things on their own. For those of you who joined, what value does it have for you that leads you to recommend it to others?

I've joined my child's large university parents' page and have learned a lot. Parents ask questions like (note that some were pre-Covid),

"my student is sick. where is the nearest urgent care to xx dorms/apts?"
"how many days should I stay for move in?"
"should we do early move in?"
"my kid's car broke down. where is a good place to fix it?"
"do most parents come for parents' weekend? Another date better?"
"should we do the two-day orientation or the one-day?"
"has anyone's student rented at XYZ apartment complex? Is it safe/good mngmt, etc?"
"for those not on dining plan, how much does your child spend/mo on food?"
"trying to sublease my kids' apartment for the summer"

It's been incredibly helpful, although I could see by sophomore year not having as many questions. Yes, there are many things the kids should and do handle themselves, but since it is generally the first time our children are living on their own, and often in brand new cities and/or states, there is a lot of information that we can find out to make the transition and early months there easier.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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/

Where do I get the HIPAA form? I called the university health services with my request, was then transferred to the area hospital, and still have no form or information on how to get one. It would be fun to be doing this doing an emergency.