There's nothing quite like college. There are so many incredible things to look forward to: football games, intellectual debates, fraternity parties, late-night study halls and pizza runs, group projects, service rallies and a newfound liberation that comes with fleeing the nest. While all of these experiences are exciting and fun, they can also be scary and anxiety-inducing for parents and incoming freshmen. As the fall semester nears, establish some common ground between you and your freshman-to-be to make the transition easy and successful for everyone.
Alicia on "Creating Financial Freedom":
Determining whether or not to let your freshman manage his or her own finances can be a tough call. It's natural to want your freshman to be autonomous, but these days, college campuses are crawling with credit-card companies offering lots of credit to young, naive students. The thought of them racking up ridiculous amounts of debt is scary. Whether your student relies on you for income or is paying his or her own way through school with a job, parents should set up some ground rules before they head out on their own.
If you open a credit card that has both of your names on it, establish solid rules about spending limits, what kind of things can be charged to the card and who makes the payments. Take this opportunity to talk to them about the long-term consequences of credit-card debt in order to deter them from opening additional cards. If they are taking out student loans, encourage them to try a work/study program to lessen their debt burden. Experts are saying that college is going to become increasingly expensive. The more students can pay their way while in school, the less they will have to pay in interest and capital later. Also, it's not too late for scholarships. Keep an eye out for local and regional scholarships that come up for first and second year students.
Sarah on "Sending Them Off with Personal Freedom":
You have been the primary source of advice on everything from what to wear on the first day of kindergarten to the dress they wear to prom. They have lived in your home under your rules for 18 years, and now they are venturing off on their own with complete freedom. How do you cut those strings with the confidence that they'll stay on track? It's really tough, but the best approach is by being an informed and calm parent.
For example, your son knows you have high expectations for grades, but you don't need him to update you every day on his progress in each class. If you feel you absolutely must track their grades, ask your student for updates halfway through the term for the first semester. Be sure they know you won't be upset if they show you poor grades, and that you will happily help pay for a tutor or provide assistance if they need it.
Remind your children that you are not trying to run their academic life, you just want to get them off to a good start. Then back off during the second term. They are going to have to learn some mistakes on their own. Now that they are adults, they need your support more than your discipline.
Here are a few more tips to start them off on a wonderful college career:
1. Suggest internships, jobs and fellowships right away.
Unfortunately, the university experience isn't what it used to be. By the time your child graduates, the economy will hopefully be in better shape, but it's never too early to start establishing contacts, references and job skills that will get them into the work force upon graduation.
2. Encourage them to join clubs, groups and volunteer organizations.
Ashleigh Sonnenfield, Buttoned Up's marketing associate, was hired fresh out of college because her sorority adviser at Alpha Chi Omega was a close friend of Buttoned Up's co-founder, Alicia. The saying is true that what you know is important, but whom you know also opens lots of opportunities.
3. Shop smart for dorm gear.
You can always find great deals on college gear like towels, shower caddies, etc., at places like Organize.com, Bed Bath & Beyond and Target. But try searching for items like furniture, lamps, televisions and calculators on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace and eBay for discounted prices. Facebook Marketplace even has items listed by college so you can pick up goods around move-in time from other students. Just be sure you see lots of pictures of the items ahead of time.
(The writers are co-founders of Buttoned Up, a company dedicated to helping stressed women get organized. Send ideas and questions to yourlife(at)getbuttonedup.com. For more columns, go to scrippsnews.com.)
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