The applications are done, the fat envelopes have arrived and the big decision has been made. Now all that’s left are the piles of paperwork, frantic dorm shopping and plenty of anxious excitement – in short, four months worth of prep work, from doctor's appointments to roommate questionnaires, promissory notes, and orientation. Here’s a countdown to get you through the process and keep everything on track.
1. May: Sign Up for Campus Housing
Photo by Jackie Burrell
Some colleges guarantee housing for all four years, some for freshman year only, and still others take the first x number of housing applicants and everyone else is on their own, scrambling to find an apartment or room rental off campus. So your family's first priority after getting that college acceptance, should be filling out that housing application. Here are answers to parents' most frequently asked questions about college housing, as well as tips on going to college while living at home.
2. May: Reserve an Orientation Spot
Photo by Jackie Burrell
College orientation is more than a cursory introduction to a university. These one to two day sessions give new freshmen and transfer students - and their families - an overview of what to expect as a new college student. Signing up early for college orientation is a good way to get your child's college career off to a good start. Here's why.
3. May: The Doctor's Visit
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Your college-bound child just sent in his deposit for freshman year. Now the deluge of paperwork begins. First up, make an appointment for your teen to visit his doctor and get all his immunizations updated in May of senior year. But you'll have other things to discuss too: prescription refills, emergencies and why the concept of "fresh start in a new school" doesn't mean "stop taking your meds."
4. June: High School Transcripts & Test Scores
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Two key pieces of high school paperwork need to be part of your family's college countdown in June and July, high school transcripts - and an explanation for any academic plunges or course disappearances - and advanced placement paperwork. Here's the how and why.
5. June & July: Dorm Shopping
Photo by Jackie Burrell
When it comes to outfitting the college dorm, you can ignore those glossy shelter magazines with the fabulous dorm layouts. Here’s what you actually need to buy, plus a handy downloadable list to take along.
6. July & August: Orientation & Off-the-Grid Tours
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Headed for college orientation? Maximize your time there. Go off the grid and find answers to these questions about prepaid textbooks, birthday cakes and dorm room measurements too.
7. August: Choosing a Dorm Meal Plan
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Unless your child is attending a commuter college, chances are he'll be living in the dorms and eating in the dining hall. Here's how to keep your college kid well fed, without spending too much on dorm meal plans.
8. August: Cars at College
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Wondering if your new college freshman should take a car to school? Here are five things to consider, from pricey parking passes to automotive alternatives.
