Leaving the nest and going to college is both exciting and scary for your teenager. But it’s also stressful for parents. What should you pack and how much? What will it really need and what can be thrown away? These logistical decisions are usually minimal compared to separation anxiety that inevitably follows a major change in a teenager’s life.
Here are some helpful tips for reducing the stress of moving to college.
Packaging Tips
It’s a good time for your teen to take inventory of his clothes. Anyone sitting in the back of the closet for more than 6 months – donate to a charity. The peasant blouse of last season will probably not come out of the closet at the university. Then consider the seasons and plan for the future. Will she need winter clothes? If so, put them in a box (not a suitcase). They can be kept in the school closet or storage locker and come out in good weather.
Make sure you do not organize and pack everything for your university-related teenager. This only leads to emails and phone calls asking “Where is …?”. Avoid this scenario entirely by packing together.
Think about the new room
Contacting the new flatmate by email or Facebook is simple if the school has provided the information to your student and can save you a lot of trouble. Both can introduce themselves and know who brings the mini-fridge, the television, the pear chair, etc. This first quick contact prevents doubling the number of devices and makes their first meeting less difficult.
Organizers – the thing that makes the difference!
Everyone knows that dormitories are often limited. Help your child stay organized throughout the semester by purchasing wardrobe organizers, shoe racks and a basket.
D-day.
If the school has an orientation program, you may have received a welcome package by mail. Alternatively, find a map of the campus online, which should indicate the location of the dormitory and the nearest parking. Create a small folder containing this information, as well as an orientation program, and email it to your teenager’s smartphone. This will in any case avoid paper files that are lost and facilitate the arrival on campus. Helpful Tip: You can usually contact the campus Housing Management Office in advance to inquire about obtaining power cards and parking cards.
Do not ask, just bring it.
Lysol wipes: Dormitory floors can be vacuumed, but in the absence of summer, desks and shelves can be dusty as a result of a summer of neglect. Wipe everything, then move your child. This could be the only time the room would be wiped off throughout the semester. First Aid Kit: Your teenager can make fun of you, but bumps, bruises and scars from campus parties will be easily solved if they have a first aid kit. It can be hidden in their closets and be sure to include Tylenol or Advil, cold compresses and a disinfectant. Laundry Detergent and Antistatic Sheets: They are usually sold at a higher price in on-campus stores and your teen will not realize that he needs Tide before he has more underwear.
Earplugs and Sleep Mask: The new roommate can be in heavy metal or stay awake playing Halo until 6:00 am. Having noise and light cancellation options will be essential to maintain peace between two strangers.
