How to Prepare Your Student for College
September 27, 2022
As a guardian, you've spent your student's life preparing them for the next steps. Now it's time to prepare them for the biggest step yet: going away to college.
In this article, we're going to discuss the do's and don'ts of preparing your student for success in college.
The Do's of College Preparation for Students
Going to college is an exciting time. Your student might be a little nervous, and that's okay. If your student is already eager to fly the nest, it's time for you to get in on the excitement as well.
Either way, it is time to help your student get ready for college. Here are six tips you can follow to guide them through this process.
1. Address Their Concerns
The transition from high school to college is a big one. Because this transition is also your student's first step towards adulthood, you may feel like your job as a parent is coming to an end. However, your student needs you now more than ever.
Going away to college can be intimidating for any student. Now's the time to help address any of your student's concerns – whether it's around finances, moving away from home, making new friends, or addressing other anxieties. You can help them put their mind at ease and go to college with confidence.
2. Talk About Their Academic Choices
Your student may be thinking about what major they want to choose at their new college. The world is truly their oyster! There are tons of options available, making this a time for exploration.
Encourage your student to learn about various academic programs, majors, electives, clubs and more. There should be no immediate pressure to choose a major right away. Reiterate that they have time to make this decision and even have the freedom to change their mind over the course of their college career.
3. Have a Chat About Finances
College is a crucial time for building healthy financial habits. Help your student understand how to create a financial budget that accounts for their income or allowance and their expenses.
Also, encourage your student to be smart about credit, because credit cards are readily available once a student turns 18. Make them aware of the risks of overspending and credit card debt.
4. Start an Open Discussion About Mental Health
Although college can be a very fun time, it can also be an extremely stressful time. Moving into a residence hall with people you may or may not know, managing a hectic schedule and assuming greater personal responsibility can be a lot. That's why it's important to open up the discussion about mental health.
Let your student know that there are tools available to help them through any struggles that they may face. Discuss therapy as a preventative option, even if they're feeling okay. Because many campuses offer counselors, it is a good idea to take advantage of those resources.
5. Talk About Safety
Your student's safety is an important concern, especially now that they may be going away to college for the first time. College opens the door to many exciting experiences, but it's still important to have a conversation about safety as your student navigates this new environment.
Some safety-related topics to discuss may include:
- Staying safe at social gatherings
- Safe substance use
- Safe sex and consent
- The dangers of driving under the influence
These topics might feel a bit uncomfortable for some parents, but it's important for your student to be educated and aware so that they can protect themselves in different situations. A little bit of education and awareness can go a long way.
6. Reiterate the Importance of Time Management
High school is a very structured experience. Students have a schedule that was given to them, and they are shuffled from one period to the next with the rest of the students. In college, this is not the case, so time management and effective scheduling become key.
Remind your soon-to-be college student the importance of these things. Suggest working on building these skills over the summer. If your student doesn't have a summer job, suggest some chores and activities that they can do on their own terms to teach them how to build and stick with a schedule.
The Don'ts of College Preparation for Students
The tips we discussed above are important, but there are also a handful of things that you should not do as you prepare your student for college. Here are a few things to avoid throughout the process.
1. Don't Instill Fear
Even if your soon-to-be college student is excited about the next step, they're likely at least a little nervous or scared. Facing the world on your own is a scary thing, and as the guardian, it's helpful for you to aid your student in keeping the fear at bay.
Remind your student that they are equipped for the next step and that you're here to offer support along the way. Don't instill doubts or worries because there is really no need. Keep things positive whenever possible.
2. Don't Pressure Them to Choose a School
Even though you feel like you have your student's best interest at heart, don't try to sway them to choose one school because of your personal preferences.
Whether you want them to carry on your legacy at your alma mater or if you want them to stay close to home, remember that it is ultimately their decision. Avoid bribing your student to choose your top pick or making them feel guilty for wanting to go away to school.
3. Don't Make it About You
This is an exciting time for your student. As much as you may want to relive your own college memories, it's important to make this experience more about your student rather than your own expectations.
For example, if you have regrets about never getting that studio arts minor, resist the urge to insist your student studies the fine arts. Or, if you have anxiety about your student leaving home, try to resist making them feel guilty about this decision.
There is no right way or wrong way to “do” college. We know you want to set up your student for success, but part of them finding success is confidently making their own decisions and experiences along the way.
Prepare Your Student Like a Pro
You've played a huge role in your student's journey to college, but it's still just the beginning. They're on the cusp of a chapter that will change their lives in many ways, and they'll continue to look to you as a source of guidance and support.
Need a little more help to guide your student through this time? Check out some additional resources for the guardians of soon-to-be college students:
