With only about a month to go before your child heads off for their first day of college there are some important things to know. Here are some things that a student can do to be prepared before arriving on campus.
Explore their college website
Prepare for class registration. Make a list of potential classes, but also have some backup options
Surf their learning management system. Does their college use Blackboard, etc?
Browse clubs and activities that the college offers. Explore their passions or interests
Complete required online mini-courses, some colleges require you to do these?
Choose a planner
Clean and organize your computer. Take out any of your high school work
Check out your campus map
Take care of necessary doctors appointments
Make sure your accommodations are completely arranged
Colleges also have a list of things that they would like students to do to be successful on campus.
Check your email every morning and night - this is the official mode of communication between students and the university
Don't ignore action items in your email - in particular items from the Registrar or Bursar
Parents-Don't be fixers. Practice how to listen and make recommendations. Help guide by asking questions
Parents- Talk about signing FERPA waiver, this allows you to have conversations with staff and faculty at your child's school
Know how to use the services at your college. writing centers, tutoring, group study sessions, recitations, faculty office hours. These services are offered to all students, not just students that are experiencing challenges.
Be prepared to share a room with at least one other person. Sharing will require good verbal and written communication about cleaning space, having guests over, quiet time and so much more.
Participate-fully-in Orientation activities. It's a great way to connect with fellow students.
Check you accommodations and have a plan in place
Remember, you may not like your new home every day. Who does? It can take time to adjust.
Become financially literate. Understand how subsidized and unsubsidized loans work, how to set realistic weekly budgets, know the difference between a debit card and a credit card.
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