College Kids & Campus Life

Driving away from the university campus and the dorm was not the soppy, tearful event I thought it would be when Scott and I left our oldest son at school. Throughout the day he’d look at me, smile, and ask, “You okay Mom?” I was, really I was. For me, it was a whole lot easier than the kindergarten bus! Later that month it hit me. That’s when homesickness hit him too.

As parents we spend 18 years preparing our kids to launch from the nest. Some take a short leap to work or higher education while living at home. Others vault out of the home to a college or university campus, the military, or a service learning opportunity. Regardless, it’s change for the parent and the child.

Preparing kids to be independent begins at birth. There’s a reason why little children love the word “No” and run soon after they learn to walk. “I can do it by myself,” becomes a common phrase. The goal is to move from dependence on Mom and Dad to independence to dependence of God.

Getting the College Freshman Ready

• Pray with and for your child: friendships, roommates, purity, discernment, work ethic, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being

• Consider College Boot Camp. Stone Foundations of Learning, Inc. offers a great preparatory camp for students. Click HERE for more information.

• Packing early and thoughtfully makes life a whole lot easier. Include a first aid kit for minor injuries and illnesses, medications, sewing kit, iron/compact ironing board, alarm clock, and desk lamp. Linens such as bedding, towels, and a rug for the floor. Clothing for just the season. (Not many dorm rooms have the space for summer and winter wardrobes.) Stationary and stamps to say thank you for care packages. Grandma is likely to mail another package if her efforts are appreciated. A microwave, coffee maker, and refrigerator are nice to have as well. And don’t forget a power strip! Include a Bible, a devotional, and uplifting posters for encouragement.

• School Supplies A planner is mandatory. Choose what was used in high school and works for the student. Purchase pencils, pens, notebooks, and a calculator. Textbooks will be available at the school bookstore, including codes for online books and resources. Electronics such as a laptop will be a necessity too. Discuss the pros and cons of a printer.  Many schools have printers available for student use with a prepaid card. This is a good option as other students will not be stopping by to print homework and papers in your child’s room, at all hours.

• Have your child check to see if all forms have been filled out and turned in. Discuss the option of having access to online grades. Some families find this helpful to keep the student accountable. Others would rather have the student be completely responsible. Signing a release for medical records is helpful if there is a medical emergency. Talk about banking needs too. Will you have access to the account? Will tuition be directly deposited?

Be excited for your child! It’s a big step to move into the next chapter of life. Encourage him, just like when he started preschool. Your confidence in his abilities will help bolster his confidence and calm his heart. And that’s a winning combination.

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you;
he will never leave you nor forsake you.
Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
Deuteronomy 31:8

©2014 Becky Danielson. All rights reserved.

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