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Tips on preparing for college

Many college freshman can be clueless when it comes to taking care of themselves. A few basic life skills (like how to do laundry) will help them on their way.

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By Laura Houser, Staff Writer Updated 11:57 AM Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Before heading off to college, it’s important for high school graduates and their parents to get a few things in order.

Financial essentials

Consider getting a credit or debit card, but teach graduates the importance of staying out of debt and paying bills on time. College students can easily fall into credit trouble. Mom and dad may have been able to monitor spending in high school, but not anymore. Make sure students know how to create a budget so they avoid blowing cash every weekend. The ability to stick to a budget is also important for fostering long-term financial responsibility.

Go school shopping

While most campuses have plenty of computers available in labs and libraries, new college students will most likely need their own computer. Laptops are the most popular, especially as more schools become wireless-accessible. Check out the campus bookstore for good deals.

For dorm shopping, keep a few important tips in mind. When considering your list, start with the essentials and then build from there. It’s easy to splurge on dorm essentials so your child will feel comfortable, but keep in mind what your child will actually have room for and what the school allows. Also, talk to your child’s roommate about what items they’ll share (refrigerator, microwave, TV and futon).

Learn basic life skills

Even if your child grew up doing chores, many college freshman can be clueless when it comes to taking care of themselves. For that reason, give your college student a tutorial on basic life skills so they won’t be left in the cold — and with no clean clothes — when you drive away.

Make sure laundry is high on the list, including a lesson on lights and darks and how to distinguish between detergent, fabric softeners and stain-fighting products. Remind them that sheets do need to be washed, and that ironing skills will come in handy.

There may not be much cleaning in a dorm; however, a few cleaning products will help keep dust and dirt levels down. Your student may not have a car their first year either, but if they do it’s important they know the basics of car maintenance like watching oil levels and changing a tire.

Sit down and talk

Drinking, drugs and sex are a fact of life on many college campuses, but they don’t have to be dangerous for your student if they take proper precautions and are aware of their limits. Educate them on what they can expect. Have another sex talk before they leave your house as well — they’ll be more likely to make mature decisions in the long run.

Maturity and independence

College is the time to strike out on one’s own, so wean your students-to-be into independent living. Have them schedule their own doctors’ appointments and begin looking at job options on campus — a campus job not only teaches responsibility, but the extra spending cash will keep them out of your coffers. If you’re going to provide their spending cash, dole it out in smaller increments.

It’s also important for future students to be aware of the world they live in — encourage them to keep up with the news or looking into subjects in which they’re interested. It will help in the classroom and when picking a major.

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