12 Things College-Bound Freshmen Should Do BEFORE Leaving Home

Turning eighteen is an exciting milestone. However, with the freedoms that come with adulthood come real responsibilities. Simultaneously, parents of eighteen-year-olds will find that their power is vastly eroded and they can no longer act on their child’s behalf.

To avoid unnecessary surprises and ensure everyone is well-prepared for this next chapter, college-bound students should take these steps before heading to college.

ONE: ESTABLISH OWNERSHIP OF YOUR HEALTHCARE

1. Schedule a physical and ensure all vaccinations are up to date.

2. Set up an online account with your primary care provider.

3. Ensure you have prescription refills

4. Know the process for refilling controlled substances.
   
   

TWO: ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

1. Understand the breadth and scope of mental health services provided at your college.

2. If you see a counselor regularly, check and see if they can continue seeing you virtually.

3. If you need to find an alternative local counselor, identify one and set up an initial appointment

4. Refill medications and set reminders to take them consistently.

5. Solidify a plan to ensure medication is  taken as prescribed

6. Consider regularly scheduled check-ins with a parent or other trusted resource
   
   

THREE: PLAN DENTAL CARE

1. Schedule a cleaning before you leave.

2. Make another appointment for your first break back home.

💡 Tip: A June/December dental schedule works well.

FOUR: GENERAL WELL-BEING

1. Consider taking vitamins: College students are notorious for burning the candle at both ends!

2. Exercise: Get into the habit of taking care of your physical body

3. Nutrition and hydration: Pay attention to what you consume so that your mindfulness carries into freshman year

4. Practice buying groceries 

5. Learn to do your laundry, and make a college laundry plan that includes sheets and towels.

6. Pack a basic first-aid kit for your dorm room.

FIVE: PERSONAL FINANCES

1. Ensure you have a bank account.

2. Get a debit and/or a credit card (click HERE for Nerd Wallet’s list of best credit cards for students)

3. Create a budget 

4. Download and set up Venmo or a similar app for easy and free money transfers.

5. Get a summer job and earn some money

6. Make a realistic semester or year-long budget.

SIX: LEGAL DOCUMENTS, ID, FORMS, etc.

1. Collect key documents, such as social security and health insurance cards, and plan to store them in a safe place.

2. Sign a Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Waiver (allows colleges to speak with parents in emergencies).I am not suggesting that parents insert themselves in the college experience, but signing a FERPA waiver could be helpful in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

3. Complete a HIPAA Authorization (permits health providers to share information).

4. Designate a Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney for medical decisions. A Health Care Proxy/Health Care Power of Attorney allows a parent or other designated person to make medical decisions on a person's behalf if the person is unable to make such decisions due to being incapacitated.

5. Consider a Durable Power of Attorney for financial and legal matters. A Durable Power of Attorney gives a parent or other designated person the authority to handle financial and legal matters on the child’s behalf if the child is incapacitated.

6. Make a Living Will. A Living Will, also known as an Advance Directive, specifies preferences in the case of being in a persistent vegetative state, unable to communicate, or otherwise incapacitated. A Living Will also details preferences regarding end-of-life medical care. It may also address wishes concerning organ and tissue donation.

7. Insurance: Check whether belongings are covered under the family homeowners policy, or if renters’ insurance is needed.
   
   

SEVEN: PLAN FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS

1. If you have learning differences, submit updated documentation for accommodation.

2. Contact Disability Services and request accommodations at least four weeks before classes begin.

3. Identify and locate academic support resources, such as tutoring, writing centers, etc.

4. Have a time-management system that works for you in place(e.g., Google Calendar, iCal, planner, etc.)

5. If Academic and/or Executive Function coaching will be needed, make all arrangements at least three weeks before classes start.

EIGHT: DOWNLOAD A RIDESHARE APP

1. Download Uber and/or Lyft and connect a payment method.

2. Know how to use these apps in case of late-night emergencies or errands.

3. Click HERE to read rideshare safety tips from Uber.

NINE:  EXPLORE COLLEGE MAJORS AND CAREERS

Knowing your major isn’t essential. However, since college is SO expensive, it is smart to complete as much research as possible before starting classes. Click HERE for free tips and tools.

…. And, of course, no pre-college to-do list would be complete without a reference to social media presence.

TEN: CLEAN UP ALL SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS

Your digital footprint matters. Employers, admissions offices, and internship coordinators often check candidates' online presence. Remove content that doesn’t reflect your current goals or values and update your privacy settings where needed.

ELEVEN: BECOME FAMILIAR WITH CAMPUS RESOURCES

Familiarize yourself with campus resources like dining halls, libraries, gyms, career services, tutoring centers, the Writing Center, medical services, and counseling centers. Understand the location and hours of these facilities. All of this information is available on college websites.

TWELVE: FINALIZE MOVE-IN LOGISTICS

Ensure you have all you need for move-in day (click HERE for for a dorm room shopping and packing list). Confirm your dorm assignment, roommate contact info, and move-in time and coordinate shared items (mini fridge, microwave, etc.).

Final Note

Being prepared doesn’t mean having it all figured out. It means stepping onto campus with the tools, awareness, and confidence to face new challenges. These steps will help smooth the transition from high school to college and adulthood.

If you or someone you know could benefit from working with an expert college admissions counselor who also offers holistic transition support, feel free to reach out: kathy@fineeducationalsolutions.com