Preparing for your first child to leave for college is both an exciting and emotional time for the student and the family. It’s normal for parents and students to feel a mix of joy, grief, and anxiety. Parents should get ready to honor and promote their child’s independence. Think about what you can do in your own life to fill the void. Be sure to think about the new family dynamics and how it may affect the family.
In the midst of all of the excitement, things can be forgotten or overlooked. Before the frenzy of heading off to college, here are some things to consider:
Academic and Administrative Preparation:
| Know when student is expected to arrive on campus | Know when student orientation is happening |
| Is the housing secured? | Is student registered for classes? |
| Has the tuition been paid? | Have grants, loans and scholarships been secured? |
| Is the meal plan in place? | Are the FAFSA and other documents completed? |
| Do you have access to your child’s grades? | Does your child want you to have access to their grades? |
| What are the FERPA rules? | Does the school provide health care? |
Financial Readiness and Responsibility:
| Does your child have a bank account? | Does your child have a credit card and know how to use it responsibly? |
| Does your child know how to budget, save and spend money? i.e., priorities | Does your child use mobile banking? |
| Be sure your child is aware of scams. | Is your child eligible for work study? |
Packing and Planning
| Coordinate with roommate(s) to avoid overpacking | Do you need to make travel arrangement? i.e. flights, hotels, rental car, etc. |
| Be sure to pack all of your technology needs? I.e., chargers, printers, laptops, etc. | Do you need to ship any items? |
Emotional Preparation
| Discuss communication frequency. | Discuss the responsibility that comes with independence. |
| Let them know how to handle stress. Be sure they know where to go when feeling overwhelmed. | Discuss campus safety. |
| Discuss consent. No means no. | Brainstorm roommate issues and how to handle them. |
DON’T WASTE A GOOD SUMMER
Balancing relaxation and productivity over the summer is totally doable with the right mindset and plan. A productive summer doesn’t mean being busy all the time — it means being intentional. Rest well, grow a little, and enjoy the season.
Get Some Rest
| Decompress after a busy school year. | Take naps, journal, read, walk, do nothing |
Set Goals
| Find a part time job | Learn a new skill: coding, cooking, video editing, etc. |
| Read one or two books | Take advantage of free online course: Khan Academy, YouTube |
College and Career Prep
| Contemplate your future. Journal or meditate everyday | Visit a college: in person or virtuallyl |
| Check out website like Fastweb, Going Merry for free scholarship information | Get to know terms like student loans, parent plus loans, subsidized and unsubsidized loans |
Have Fun
| Visit family and friends | Go to an amusement park, beach, street fair, parade or other free summer events. |
| Try a new food | Ride a bike or learn to ride a bike |
IS COLLEGE RIGHT FOR ME? WHAT ABOUT TRADE SCHOOLS?
When I ask students to contemplate his or her future, what I’m really asking is what do you want to do? What do you see yourself doing in the future? A trade school can be a smart alternative to traditional college, depending on a student’s goals, learning style, and family’s financial situation. A trade school provides focused learning on a specific skill for a specific career often times with hands – on learning and practical application. Trade schools offer a faster entry into the workforce and can sometimes be a cheaper alternative to a traditional college. Here is some information to consider regarding trade schools:
Faster completion time
- Some programs are completed in two years, some even less time
Cost
- The tuition is typically lower than traditional 4 year colleges
Strong Job Demand
- Many trades are in high demand, especially in fields like healthcare, construction, and technology
Well Paying Jobs
- Some trades help with certification and can lead to $40K–$80K+ annual salaries, often with little or no student debt
Clear Career Path
- Some Trade schools offer externships and job placement
Limited College Experience
- Fewer extracurriculars, campus life activities and networking opportunities compared to traditional college
Salary Ceiling
- Some salaries level off without additional licensing and/or management skills
Less Career Options
- May feel stuck. Switching trades will require additional schooling
Scrutinize Carefully
- Not all trades schools are good. Watch out for scams. Do your research on the school of your choice and be sure they have a reputable program and reputation.
For more information or to answer any questions you have, email us at [email protected]. All Four Years College Coaching is a designed to work with families all four years of undergraduate school. We can also work with a student for up to 9 months after graduation or completion of a certificate to help them secure their first job. Check out our website: allfouryears.com.
