Your child leaving for college is a major transition for the whole family, so getting ready for this moment includes more than figuring out what to pack.
With the proper preparation and attitude, you can skip the stress and focus on celebrating change.
To start, check out our favorite college tips for parents below.
Before you start shopping, research the dorm details of your child’s university to better understand furniture availability, shared-space appliances and features, and room size and layout. This way, you can plan for exactly what’s needed.
Common essentials include:
Compare prices and look for back-to-school sales and dorm-specific product sets at retailers like Target, Walmart, IKEA, and Amazon.
Among the most essential college tips for parents is ensuring your child is ready to manage their finances independently. Are they prepared to hold up their end of financial responsibilities? Consider:
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 independent retailers, or sites like Fanatics before buying a pricey item that catches their eye.
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:
Buying every supposed college "must-have" can break the bank. Fortunately, there are ways to save and make your money work for you, like:
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 campus is a Barnes & Noble! Looks like her books are going to help send her younger brother on the band trip this year!"
Planning to send care packages isn’t just about supplying your kid with homemade cookies and clean socks. Rather, you can use care packages as a way to stay connected and give them a boost.
Consider including a:
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
This can be an emotionally overwhelming time, so one of the best college tips for parents is to take care of yourself. Consider:
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:
A nonprofit you're passionate about
Not familiar with RaiseRight? It’s a simple way to earn money for the organizations you care about. Participants can purchase gift cards, shop online, or dine at participating restaurants to earn up to 20% back for your cause. Thousands of families across the U.S. use 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: