One of the funniest things about parenting is how long the days are and yet how quickly it all seems to go by. With that in mind, we decided to poll some empty or soon-to-be empty nesters for advice they would give parents on what everyday skills students need before leaving for college. One bit of advice they all seemed to offer: start preparing your child now for the day that they will leave home for college! How college-ready is your child?
Bedroom
- Make the bed and change the sheets
- Keep room and belongings organized
- Fold and put away clothes
Laundry
- Wash or dry clean
- How to use washing machine and dryer
- To bleach or not to bleach
Financial Management
- Manage debit card/credit card accounts
- Write a check
- Set up/use automated or online banking
Health
- Use of health insurance card
- How to fill/refill prescriptions
- Assess doctor’s office/make appointments
Travel
- How to arrange air, bus or train travel
- How to use taxis or shuttles
Cars
- Experience driving on highways
- How to use GPS/navigation systems
- Check tire pressure, change a tire, jump a car battery
- Assess roadside assistance such as AAA or OnStar
- What to do in case of an accident
- Where to locate car registration
Personal Records
- Copy of driver’s license, passport, health insurance card, credit and debit cards
- Numbers to call if lost or stolen
- Internet passwords
- Health and academic records
Tipping
- Taxis
- Restaurants
- Personal service such as barber, hair or nail salon
Personal/Social
- How to ask for help
- Time management
- How to set boundaries with roommates or friends
Before you know it, high school graduation will be here and you will be preparing your student for the next chapter of life. With a little time and preparation, your student will be college-ready! View more information on our admissions officers and how AdmissionsCheckup can help get your college application ready to submit.
