The first year at college is a learning curve for both parents and students. Here are five tips on what you can do over the next few months to help your child transition smoothly to university life.

1. Money Management

Student Financial Management: For most kids, this will be their first time managing finances. Have a discussion, collectively curate their college budget, and identify how much money will be required monthly for food, transportation, phone, and other expenditures.

Teach them how to cut cheques and pay bills. Create a shared Google sheet to keep track of finances and coach them on how best to monitor expenses. Help them set up a local bank account and discuss your family's views on loaning and borrowing money from friends.

Tip: Your university website will typically have a breakdown of the cost of attendance, giving you an idea of how much you should budget for.

2. The Art of Cooking

University Meal Preparation: In the first year at college, homesickness is often related to food. This summer, make prepping for meals a family activity; let them practice cooking and build their culinary abilities.

Begin with simple comfort foods, the kind they can prepare with easily available ingredients. Encourage them to cook a few meals weekly for the family. Make sure they are comfortable using the microwave and oven. Teach them about food storage and let them handle grocery shopping.

Tip: Invest in a college cookbook or cookery class that features three to five-ingredient meals that are quick and filling.

3. Make Connections

College Roommate Tips: Encourage them to reach out to future batchmates and roommates. It’s comforting to have a sense of familiarity with classmates or those they will be sharing living spaces with.

Remind them to connect with seniors who can provide insights on where to eat, differences in accommodation, and classes to take in the first year. Discuss any concerns or anxieties they (or you) may have. Plan family calls and correspondence details to stay connected.

Tip: Dorm rooms typically have limited space. Help your child determine who will be bringing which items and needed furnishings to the campus. Will they need a mini fridge or microwave? How about curtains?

4. Daily Chores

Life Skills for College Students: Teach them to do their own laundry, understand which clothes can be machine-washed, follow wash instructions, separate loads based on colors, and how to hand-wash items.

Remind them to get a haircut, and go to the dentist, and the doctor before they leave. They don’t need to stress about finding a place for a haircut or making sure prescriptions and vaccinations are up to date.

Tip: Help them learn how to make their bed, stack a dishwasher, and clean up after meals.

5. Read and Action All Correspondence from the University

Preparing for College: Check what documents your child needs to carry to college, including final grade 12 transcripts and insurance documents. Stay on top of important dates such as fee payments, accommodation deadlines, and student loans/scholarship logistics. Know the dates for moving in/out, the beginning and end of semesters, and school breaks. This will help you plan their academic year and travel itineraries.

Determine what supplies your child may require; for instance, does the college require a laptop with specific software?

Tip: Some colleges have a parent portal or support groups on social media where updates related to the college are posted. Sign up!

Familiarizing your child with these basic life skills for college students will make for a smoother transition to university life. Enjoy the time you have together; your confidence and support will allow them to make the most of this wonderful opportunity! Good luck!

Grishma is the Senior Career Counsellor at JBCN. She is also the founder of the company Open Canvas. She has guided learners for over 10 years, helping them achieve their academic and professional goals by evaluating their current profile, understanding their preferences and aspirations, carving their path forward and assisting them through the college selection and application process. Her students have gained admission to prestigious universities across the globe, including Ashoka University, the University of Pennsylvania, Columbia University, Cornell University, The University of British Columbia, Durham University, King’s College London and Nanyang Technological University.

Grishma was raised in Hong Kong, where she studied at an international school. She completed her undergraduate degree in Economics from the University of Warwick (UK) and her MBA from Carnegie Mellon University (USA).