Tips for Moving into College
Helping your child prepare for attending university is a big step — not just academically, but emotionally, legally, and practically. Here is a checklist to guide you through this next big step in your child’s life:
Legal Preparation
If your child is over 18, they are legally an adult — even if you are paying their tuition and they are living in your home on breaks. In North Carolina, parents lose the automatic legal authority to make decisions for their child once they reach adulthood.
Here is why many families set up powers of attorney (POA) for college students:
Medical emergencies: A healthcare power of attorney lets you speak with doctors and make medical decisions if your child is incapacitated. Without it, HIPAA privacy rules block you from accessing their medical information. Some universities have HIPPA and FERPA Authorization forms which can be signed
Financial or legal matters: A durable power of attorney allows you to help with things like banking, signing documents, or managing bills if your child is abroad, sick, or otherwise unable to handle them.
Peace of mind: Emergencies are rare, but having these documents avoids frantic scrambling and legal roadblocks if something happens.
Most families have these documents prepared as part of college prep, like setting up a will or renting an apartment. It is usually inexpensive to have them drafted and notarized.
Healthcare Preparation
Many students overlook their health needs. Before heading to university, it is smart to do thorough health preparation prior to moving so that your student does not run into surprises away from home.
Review Health Insurance
Ensure that your child’s coverage applies in their college town. If not, consider student health plans which are generally inexpensive and provide on-site medical care.
Schedule Medical Appointments
Go ahead and get your student’s eye exam, dentist, physical, and any mental health check-ins before they go.
Prepare a Health Kit
Help your student prepare a health kit with their prescriptions, basic medications, health insurance card, and instructions.
Financial Preparation
Helping your student get their financial ducks in a row before heading off to university can save a lot of stress.
Open a Bank Account
Help your student choose a bank with low fees and good ATM access near campus. There are many online banking options as well.
Discuss a Budget
Talk with your student about spending, saving, and credit cards. You may want to consider setting up alerts or shared access. Your student is going to be bombarded with credit card offers, encouraging your student to go into debt. Now is the time to prepare your student.
Set Up Direct Deposit
If your student is working, encourage your student to set up direct deposit for their campus jobs or outside work.
Practical Stuff
Let us talk about the practical, must-have items for university. Whether your student is living in a dorm or an apartment, this list will help you get started.
Dorm Essentials
Your student will need bedding, towels, surge protectors, storage bins, laundry supplies, etc. Most universities provide a move-in packing list to help, too.
Technology
Of course, every student needs their electronics: laptop, chargers, software, and backups (cloud or external drive).
Clothing
We are blessed to have very mild winters in Wilmington, North Carolina. But we can have snow every few years. So, in addition to being prepared for the southern heat, pack some sweatshirts and coats as well. Your student should also have some professional clothing for job interviews and school presentations.
Academic & Campus Preparation
Your student has successfully completed their academic requirements. However, now the real studying and career preparation takes place. Good preparation and attention to details will make the transition so much smoother and less stressful.
Know Important Deadlines
Contact your university or check the website for housing move-in, orientation, class registration, etc.
Textbooks
Many professors now provide online access to curriculum; make sure you have the access codes and have tested the access on your electronics. If you have to purchase textbooks, check to see if there are used books that you could purchase (ensure it is the same edition).
Campus Resources
The university wants your child to excel. Thus, the university provides many on-campus resources such as academic advising, tutoring, mental health services, and student organizations. Locate these as your student needs to use these on a regular basis to succeed.
Emotional Readiness
Academic preparation is important, but emotional readiness is just as important for a smooth transition. University life is exciting but also a big adjustment.
Talk About Independence
Some of the most important steps are the ability to make decisions, manage time, and problem solve. Your student is adulting for the first time.
Mental Health Support
Discuss with your student how to ask for help and familiarize them with on-campus counseling services.
Stay Connected
Your child’s next step in life is very exciting, but you will miss your child as they set off on this new adventure. Set expectations for how and how often you will check in. This will vary with each student, but frequent family contact and encouragement is necessary for your student’s success.
Now that you are prepared for the upcoming transition, enjoy these last few weeks with your child!
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