The time has come. Your teenager is finally going off to college. You may have been imagining this day for years, and now it’s finally here. Feeling overwhelmed and sad is normal, but you’ve got this!
Your college student has a lot of things to prepare, but material things are not the only items your teen should be packing for college. They need to be emotionally and mentally prepared as well — and you do, too! Here are some tips on how you can help your teenager get packed and ready for college:
Pack the Necessities
You know teenagers. They will want to pack everything they own, but that’s not practical. They need to be able to fit their things into their dorm and avoid lugging a bunch of unnecessary stuff to classes. Try to help them pare down their belongings to the essentials. They’ll thank you later!
- Clothes and shoes
- Toiletries
- Medications
- First-aid supplies
- Laundry supplies
- School supplies
- Electronics
- A few decorations
- Documents
Prioritize the basics! If they’re struggling to let go of things, remind them that they can always come home for a visit and grab what they need or you can send it to them in a care package. The goal is to keep them comfortable in their new home away from home without making them feel overwhelmed with clutter
Pack just enough
How long will your teen be gone? A semester? A year? If they’re only going to be away for a short period, there’s no need to pack their entire wardrobe. Dorm closets have limited space, so bringing only what they need most is best. They can always do laundry while they’re away or rely on you to send them a things now and then. Just make sure they have enough clothes to get themselves to laundry day.
Make lists together
Most teens want to be independent, but this is one area where you can help them out. Make a list of everything they need to pack and check it off as you go. This will help ensure that they don’t forget anything important.
Talk about your expectations
Do you expect your teen to call home often? What are you expectations about them checking in with you? Now is the time to have these talks. You need to be on the same page about what’s safe and what’s not. They’re going to be far from home, and you want to ensure they’re staying safe.
It’s also important to talk about your expectations for their academics. College can be more challenging than they’re used to, so give them some grace. You don’t want them to feel extremely pressured, but let them know that you expect them to do their best. After all, college can be a lot of fun, but it’s also there to help them prepare for their future.
Prepare emotionally and mentally
This is probably the most important tip of all. Your teenager will be leaving home and everything they’re comfortable with. It can be a big adjustment, so it’s important to talk to them about what to expect. Encourage them to reach out to you if they feel homesick or have any other problems. They need to know that you’re there for them and that you’ll support them through this transition.
You should also prepare yourself for your teenager leaving home. It will be tough at first, but you must remember that this is a positive step for them. They’re going to grow and learn so much while they’re away. They’re ready for this big step!
