11 Tips to Help You and Your Teen Prep for Freshman Year

Between college visits, applying to schools, filling out the FAFSA, waiting for the acceptance email, and saying “Yes” to the school, the past few months have probably been a whirlwind for you and your teen. But now the wait is over, and a decision’s been made. It won’t be long before you drop them off for their first semester of college.

Before you pack the car, here are some steps you and your teen can take to prepare for their freshman year of college.

Organize your finances

Summer’s a great time for earning extra income and bolstering financial resources. The funds you save can help cover unexpected costs, reduce reliance on student loans, and help you transition smoothly to college life.

If you’re borrowing via a Federal Direct Student Loan, complete the entrance counseling and sign the Master Promissory Note. Your college’s financial aid office can help with these steps. If you’re taking out private student loans, compare interest rates, repayment terms, and additional lender fees. 

Open a bank account at a local branch near your college to streamline financial transactions and avoid unnecessary fees. A local account makes it easier to deposit financial aid and paychecks, pay bills, and access funds.

Finalize housing and meal plan

Usually, you apply for student housing online, specifying your housing preference (e.g., single, double, suite-style) based on your options. Things to consider may include factors like room size, roommate preferences, location, and amenities.

Once you’ve got your housing, choose a meal plan aligned with your dietary requirements and lifestyle. Some colleges offer flexible meal points you can use as you see fit. Other universities may offer a combo of two or three daily meals.

Keep in mind the costs associated with your room and board, including additional fees or charges. Make sure you adhere to your school’s housing and dining policies, including deadlines for applications, payments, and cancellations.

Address health requirements

Before arriving on campus, you may need to complete a physical exam and update your vaccinations — both important for maintaining a healthy campus community. Vaccinations are especially important for preventing the spread of infectious diseases on campus, where close quarters and shared spaces can facilitate germ transmission.

Most colleges and universities also have their own health centers staffed by medical professionals. These centers offer a variety of services, including:

• Routine checkups for physical exams, vaccinations, and preventive care.
• Illness treatment for common sicknesses like colds, flu, and stomach viruses.
• Mental health counseling to address stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns.
• Health education and information on topics like nutrition, exercise, and sexual health.

Sign the waivers

Many colleges require students to have health insurance. If you’re staying on your parents’ plan, your college may need a health insurance waiver confirming you have adequate coverage. Check your school’s website or contact their health services for more information.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) obligates colleges to protect student privacy. If you’d like your parents to have access to your college records — billing statements, grades, and other personal information — you must sign a FERPA waiver. This waiver authorizes the college to release specific information to your parents.

Attend orientation

Don’t miss out on orientation, which is a great opportunity to familiarize yourself with the campus and surrounding area, meet new people, learn about extracurricular activities and clubs, and potentially meet your advisor and register for classes.

Many colleges also offer orientation programs specifically for parents. These sessions provide valuable information on financial aid, academic support, campus safety, and student resources. Attending orientation can help ease the transition to college and provide parents with tools to support their students’ success.

Finalize classes

Before you come to orientation, you should have a general idea of the courses you’d like to take. But don’t worry if you haven’t finalized your plan. Many students start college undecided about their major and explore different interests — especially freshman year.

If you’re not sure about your major, consider taking a variety of intro courses to help discover your passions. You’ll likely meet with an advisor to discuss your academic goals and recommend specific majors. Remember: it’s perfectly normal to change your major or academic path at least once (or more!) in college.

Connect with the new roommate

Most college students share their dorm room with one or two more people. Before school starts, reach out to your roommate and take time to get to know each other, discuss expectations, and set some ground rules. You might set specific times for studying and cleaning or discuss preferences for noise levels and visitor policies. You could also talk about who’s bringing what — or whether to make joint purchases for a mini-fridge, microwave, or other shared appliances.

Shop for the dorm room

Your college may offer a list of recommended items to bring to campus. The list typically includes the essentials (bedding, toiletries, electronics) and non-essential items to make your room feel more like home (posters, decorations, snacks, stuffed animals). You can also check Pinterest for boards on dorm room “must-haves” and packing lists for inspiration.

Another consideration if you’ve picked your classes? Getting your textbooks early. You can purchase them online or rent them from sites like Chegg, VitalSource, and CampusBooks.

Research part-time or work-study opportunities

Got a work-study grant? Fantastic! Review your college’s instructions for finding a job that qualifies. You can look online, attend on-campus job fairs, or work with your college’s financial aid office to find your best option.

If you’re seeking regular part-time work, use the same approach! Check out your college’s career services office, which can offer help with job searching, resume writing, and internship opportunities. Research local businesses within the community, like restaurants and retail stores, to see if any are hiring, too.

Check out campus resources

College and university campuses offer many services to support students’ academic and personal well-being. Taking advantage of these resources can help you thrive during your college years. Explore your school’s website to learn about available resources that may include:

• Student disability services
• Tutoring center
• Counseling services 
• Health center
• Wellness center 
• Career services

Watch your timeline

Ensure a smooth transition to college by staying informed about important deadlines and dates. Staying informed and organized helps you navigate the academic calendar and maximize your college experience. Check your college’s website for information about:

• Registration and payment deadlines — to avoid late fees and potential course drops
• Move-in and move-out dates if you’re living on campus
• Semester start and end dates
• School breaks

College is an exciting new chapter — and it’s normal for parents and teens to experience some anxiety as everyone adjusts to this new phase. Proactive preparation can help alleviate some of those first-day jitters and stress. You’re not alone with your feelings, either. Many families begin to feel anxious as move-in day nears. Talk to each other about your feelings and take advantage of campus resources, too. And have a wonderful first semester of college!