The SAT’s are done, the college visits are done, the applications submitted, the acceptances received, the deposit paid.  Your student is headed off to college in the fall.  It’s a wonderful – and a stressful – time for everyone.  The time between high school graduation in the spring and arrival at college in the fall goes by quickly and yet may seem at times interminable.  There is a lot going on.

There are some things that you, and your college student, can do during the summer to make the transition to college go much more smoothly in the fall.  This is the beginning of your new role as a college parent – that of a coach or mentor.  Summer is a great time to try out the new role.

Understand that this is a stressful time for your student.

Although the stress of the application process and waiting for admission is over, the prospect of heading off to college now seems very real to your student.  This will be a summer of tensions and emotions as your student wonders about the unknown, worries about their path, says goodbye to close friends, and tries out their new independence.  Be patient and expect a tough summer. Expect meltdowns. Expect testing of limits. Expect the temper, or the tears, or the silence, or the anger.  Your student may take their conflicting emotions out on you. This is a necessary part of the separation process.   Be patient.

Read all of the material from the school.

Start early in the summer to read all of the material that you and your student will be receiving.  You probably felt the need to be organized around the application process and you will continue to need that sense of organization this summer.  Make lists of paperwork your student will need.  Make necessary appointments early in the summer.  Fill out required forms.  Start lists of things to pack. Take note of what is or is not allowed in dorm rooms.  Be sure that you don’t go buy a microwave just to discover later that the letter from the school says that they aren’t allowed. Of course, your student may, and should, take care of much of this, but they may need your help to keep on top of everything.  Help your student get started on the right foot.

Help your student prepare what they can early in the summer.

Will your student need a health check-up?  Have they made the appointment? Do they need to visit the dentist?  Do they have copies of any necessary prescriptions?   Do they have a bank account?  Do they know how to balance a checkbook?  Will they get a credit or debit card?  Have you discussed with your student the best way to use the card and who will be paying the bill?

Have some important conversations with your student about expectations.

The transition to college may be easier if you and your student are clear about expectations.  Are you both clear about expenses?  Who will pay for textbooks?  Will you be giving your student spending money?  Have you and they agreed on spending limits?  Credit card limits?  Will they be taking a car to campus?  Are there any restrictions about using or loaning the car?  Do you have any expectations about grades?  Will you expect to see them?  Are there consequences if grades are poor?  Should your student call home each week?  Will they be coming home often?  Have you discussed the tough subjects: alcohol, drugs, sex?  The more clear you and your college student can be before they head off, the fewer issues may come up later.

Attend a summer orientation session if one is available.

If your student’s college offers a summer orientation experience, encourage your student to attend.  Some schools require orientation.  This will be an ideal opportunity for your student to connect with other new students, learn important information, get a feel for the college, and begin to feel like part of the community.  If the school offers a parent orientation session, you should also try to attend.  You will learn about expectations, meet other parents, meet key administrators and faculty members, and have a sense of the place where your student will be spending the next several years.

Encourage your student to begin to connect with their new colleagues.

In this age of the internet and social tools such as Facebook, Instagram, blogs, text, and Twitter, students are more connected than ever.  Summer is an ideal opportunity for students to get to know other new freshmen through these tools.  By the time students go to campus in the fall they have an entire circle of friends.  Students will probably receive roommate information by mid summer.  Your student can contact their roommate and begin to decide who will bring what and to make some plans for their room.

Be patient with your student – and with yourself.

Don’t be surprised if your student procrastinates about getting things done such as planning and packing.  Things may feel overwhelming.  Actually tackling the physical act of packing makes it all seem very real.  Many students wait until the very last minute.  Try to be patient and understand.  Be patient with your student’s emotions – and with your own.  Remember that this is a transition time for you as well.  With some patience, and some planning, and a sense of adventure for a new chapter in both of your lives, you can both enjoy this summer.

Related Posts:

Your Role As a College Parent: Sideline Coach – Part 1

Twelve Things You Can Do To Help You Listen to Your College Student

Ten Conversations Parents and Students Should Have Before the First Year of College

Should My College Student Have a Car on Campus?

Why Summer Orientation Is Important for Your College Freshman