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A well-prepared college student is a successful college student, but parents can’t assume what their children will need without speaking with them first. Parents should talk with their kids early and often about what they want out of their higher education experience, if it is indeed what they want.
survival guide
to acing a college transitioN
Story from
College is an epic journey for students, signifying the transition from childhood to adulthood with plenty of ups and downs along the way. But it’s also a journey for parents, who have challenges of their own to deal with as their children take their biggest step toward independence yet.
Here’s what parents should know to help students embark on their quest for higher education in 2021 and beyond.
The ultimate college survival guide (for parents)
By College Ave Student Loans | Produced by GET Creative
the ultimate
for parents
Most parents have been preparing their children to be independent little by little since birth. For those with kids moving away for school, now is the time to make sure students have the know-how to feed themselves, get around on their own, take care of household chores, and manage their time, work and finances.
survival tip #1
Communicating will include having frank conversations about a family’s financial situation and what is feasible when it comes to covering costs. Remember, there are plenty of options including scholarships and federal and private loans, like those from College Ave Student Loans, that can help students get where they want to be and understand the repayment process.
survival tip #2
Passing down life skills
Getting around
If attending in person, how will your child be getting to class? Parents should make sure their children understand the campus and neighborhood geography and know how to travel safely.
eating & shopping
Parents can identify simple recipes, share shopping tips and give their kids the reins to the kitchen for practice. In addition, they can help work out a feasible budget for food, entertainment and everything in between.
Money management
If they haven’t yet, parents can set up a bank account with their children and discuss how they can take charge of their finances by budgeting smart, finding work-study opportunities, paying down debt and more.
Chores
Run through the basics of sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, making the bed, doing dishes, washing laundry and more. Parents can also make sure they know how often is appropriate and how to split up chores with roommates, if need be.
Remember that your child’s college experience may be a bit different than they were expecting following the COVID-19 pandemic. Give them plenty of room to process these changes and help them as best you can to look forward to their education as things return to normal.
pro tip
Self-care & safety
Mental and physical health are both important. Emphasize the importance of self-care, regular exercise, healthy eating and relaxation and teach simple ways to prioritize wellness and avoid risky behaviors.
Managing time, stress & workload
College can feel like a full-time job, so parents need to prepare their kids to balance everything that comes with it by emphasizing routine, creating a schedule and ensuring there’s time to study and rest.
College Ave Student
Loans offers resources that can help both you and your kid get your financial ducks in a row.
pro tip
This is a critical time for parents, too, and it’s natural to feel stressed or emotional when a child embarks on their next big adventure – especially following a year like 2020.
survival tip #3
Discuss the frequency and method of contact you’ll have with your child
If a child is moving out for school, now is the time to discuss how often check-ins make sense and create a loose plan that will allow for both independence and regular contact.
Re-invest in yourself
When kids become adults it’s important for parents to pay attention to their own needs. This could mean making time for hobbies, self-care or perusing other ambitions they might have put on hold.
Talking with your child
Preparing yourself
Connect with others
Spouses, friends, family and other children are all worthy candidates for a parent’s excess energy, love and attention. Set aside time to strengthen these relationships or find new people to connect with.
Look at the big picture
It’s OK to feel melancholy, but chin up — it’s a sign of parental success when a child takes this step. Looking at the big picture will reframe the situation and highlight all the good to come with this transition.
Staying in touch
Even if a child is moving across the country for school, for parents, it’s not goodbye. It’s just “see you later” and “talk to you soon.”
survival tip #4
Stick to the plan
If the plan is to speak twice a week, stick to this plan unless there are extenuating circumstances. Use this time to fill your child in on what’s happening at home and hear about how school’s going.
Care packages
An onslaught of calls and voicemails may not be appreciated by a young scholar, but a care package almost certainly will be. Parents can show their kids that they care by sending essentials like snacks and sentimental
reminders of home.
Respect their needs
It can be difficult to anticipate whether a child will take to their new life immediately or need a bit of hand-holding, so it’s up to parents to gauge their needs. If they want to visit home more often at first, make moves to arrange this (and savor it). If they need space, do your best to respect this, too.
Keep the line open
They may not always know how to ask for it, but college students are likely to need advice, stress-relief, guidance and support for some time to come. Make sure they feel comfortable reaching out to you if they need or want to – and have someone else to turn to if they aren’t.
For more resources on surviving and funding your child’s college education, visit collegeavestudentloans.com.
resources
pro tip
resources
pro tip
Parents will feel better prepared when asking their kids about their expectations and plans for the year. Here are three questions to ask, courtesy of College Ave.
pro tip
Parents will feel better prepared when asking their kids about their expectations and plans for the year. Here are three questions to ask, courtesy of College Ave.