Sending your kid to college is one of the biggest transitions your family will go through, and getting ready for it takes a bit more than figuring out what to pack.
It's natural to feel a little stressed, but with the right preparation and mindset, you can spend less time worrying and more time celebrating the college send off.
To help ease the transition, here are our top college tips for parents.
1. Talk about budgeting
Is your child is ready to manage their finances independently? Are they prepared to hold up their end of financial responsibilities? Consider:
- A plan for meeting deadlines related to school funding
- Their understanding of borrowed funds that will need to be repaid
- Setting reminders for paying bills
- Using gift cards to track and limit recreational spending
If you haven't talked to your child about basic budgeting skills, consider reviewing tips from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and sources such as NerdWallet's Budget Guide.
Your college student should understand how to track spending, how credit scores work, and how to make wise choices on discretionary spending. For example, talk to them about comparing prices on branded university merch between school stores, local retailers, or sites like Fanatics before buying a pricey item that catches their eye.
2. Set expectations with communication
One of the most practical college tips for parents is to set clear communication expectations early. If you’re expecting a daily call but they’re anticipating checking in the next time they see you in person, then irritation and hurt feelings will set the stage for your conversations.
To avoid this, discuss:
- The realistic frequency of phone calls, text messages, or visits
- What type of situations warrant immediate contact
- How to balance each of your needs for information, connection, and agency
3. Plan before you shop
Before you start shopping for dorm room essentials, do a little homework:
- Check what the school already provides. Most dorms include basic furniture like a bed frame, desk, and dresser. Some buildings also have shared laundry rooms or communal kitchen appliances.
- Talk to the roommate first. Coordinate on shared items like a mini fridge, microwave, or vacuum so you're not buying extra items.
- Know the room's measurements and constraints. Look up square footage, bed size (usually twin XL), and outlet placement so you buy things that'll actually fit and get used.
- Wait on the "maybe" items. Things like extra storage bins or a second lamp are easy to add once your kid is actually living in the space and knows what's missing.
Once you know what you actually need, it's easier to shop smart instead of overspending.
4. Shop mindfully
Buying every supposed college "must-have" can add up fast, and not everything on those lists ends up getting used. Here are a few ways to save and make your money work for you:
- Asking friends who've gone through the same process what's truly essential
- Sharing a gentle wish list on your socials for items your friends might be looking to unload
- Shopping for freebies or low-cost goods on sites like Facebook Marketplace, Buy Nothing, or OfferUp
- Buying what you need with RaiseRight gift cards or shopping online through RaiseRight to save money and earn funds for other activities or programs
Consider this real-world example: Becky, who's been earning with RaiseRight for three years, followed the last bullet point when her daughter went to college. She said, "I just found out the bookstore on her campus is a Barnes & Noble! Her textbooks are going to help send her younger brother on his school's band trip this year."
5. Send care packages
Care packages aren't just homemade cookies and clean socks—they're a way to stay connected and give your kid a boost when they need it most.
Consider including a:
- Note sharing a favorite memory
- Copy of a childhood photo
- Tangible items from home, like a pinecone or pressed flower
- New-to-them story from your own late teen years
Handmade crafts or drawings are another personal touch (the sillier, the better). Head to your local Michaels and do your worst at family portraits, retro zines, or crocheted monsters.
Read more: Our Favorite Gifts for High School Graduates
6. Take care of yourself
The college send off can be an emotionally overwhelming time, so one of the best tips for parents is to take care of themselves. Consider:
- Seeking support from close friends, a partner, or a professional
- Acknowledging grief for your role as a parent to a younger, dependent child
- Identifying how your day-to-day life will change and planning new habits
- Celebrating new free time with socializing, hobbies, desired business pursuits, or volunteering for a cause you're passionate about
7. Keep the momentum going
As you rediscover how to spend your time and energy, you might find yourself looking for new ways to stay involved or give back.
If you were using RaiseRight to earn money for your child's school or activities, this next chapter doesn’t have to be the end of your fundraising journey. This is your opportunity to shift your time, efforts, or fundraising dollars toward something new. Consider starting a free RaiseRight program for:
- Another child's school, music program, or sports team
- Your church or religious community
-
A nonprofit you're passionate about
Not familiar with RaiseRight? It's a simple way to earn money for the organizations you care about. Purchase gift cards, shop online, dine at participating restaurants, or book travel to earn money back for your cause.
Thousands of families across the U.S. are using RaiseRight to earn thousands of dollars a year, without spending extra out of pocket.
Learn more about how RaiseRight works, or enroll for free today:
