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College bound!
Tips to help you prepare your child for the big move
By Deanna Adams • Today's Family Writer
 Helping your teenager get ready for his or her first year of college can be both fun and frustrating. There is so much to do, so much to think about, so much to organize. It can also be your last chance at preparing your teenager for life as a full-fledged adult. There’s still so much you want to tell them and so little time.
But first things first.
Here are some tips to make this busy month of August a little less stressful, and help your child successfully navigate that first year of college.
COMPUTER/LAPTOP
Nowadays a computer is mandatory for college. Fortunately, laptops have become more reasonably priced. Yet as with everything else, you’ll need to do some homework. The popular Apple MacBooks, which just three years ago cost around $1,800 for a model with decent memory, now sell for as little as $899 (with a student discount of $100) and come with better memory and upgraded features. The company has a current promotion that includes a free IPod Touch (a $200 value), and wireless printer ($99 value) with every MacBook purchase.
“We gave our son, Dan, a MacBook Pro computer for a graduation gift,” says Today’s Family Publisher, Kim Miller. “Macs are easy to use, reliable and virtually virus free. Our first one went six years before it needed servicing. That’s a fete that our PCs have never come close to matching.”
If you are not a Mac person, check first to see what the college offers for a PC notebook. Many times, they can give you the best deal.
Once the computer has been decided, it’s important to educate your child about “free” downloads. Despite more public awareness, downloading music remains a common practice, and in some cases, still considered unlawful. In addition, many “free” downloads can prove costly and cause problems with the computer—even producing a system crash. For more information about downloads as well as protecting against viruses, see www.defendingthenet.com.
WHAT TO TAKE, WHAT TO LEAVE
This is often the million-dollar question. As most learn on those college visits, dorm rooms are extremely small, especially when considering there’ll be two teenagers sharing it.
When mom, Sue Grabnar, and daughter, Maria, began packing for her first year of college, they thought they had covered it all. Which was the problem. “I took way too many clothes,” admits Maria, a chemistry major at the University of Dayton. “And even though my roommate and I coordinated who would bring what, we still had a hard time fitting everything in.”
Above all, consider what the college will allow. Every university can have different rules, so it’s best to check their website for details, or call the residence services office.
Protect your property: While you may not like to think about it, theft is an unfortunate reality at any college. Purchase locking devices for your child’s laptops and be sure your child’s computer has the capability to be locked to the desk. Also, credit cards, cash, digital cameras, and other valuables should be kept in a locked file cabinet in the student’s room. All should be kept locked, as well as the door to the room.
The laundromat is another prime place for things to get stolen, as many kids are not willing to sit through a complete wash-and-dry cycle to make sure that their clothing is not taken.
Clothes: Like Maria Grabnar, most teens (especially girls) bring too many clothes that first year. Since there is little space for extra clothes—especially bulky sweaters and stacks of shoes—students should pack only what is needed for each season, knowing that upon home visits and holidays, they can replace with current seasonal wear. Also, be sure the student brings flip-flops, sandals, or slippers since the use of communal showers increases the chances of foot fungus.
And with those clothes comes laundry. Doing laundry is expensive and time-consuming. And while always having clean underwear and socks is certainly a must, you’ll want to stress to your student the need to wear jeans, sweaters and tops more than once. And don’t forget a clothes hamper that’s roomy, light and easy to carry!
Lamps: Those little halogen or desk lamps are great. Just be sure it’s college acceptable as certain types may create a fire hazard.
Group Games: Board games, cards and video games are a fun way to make new friends and a great entertainment value for needed breaks.
First-aid Kit: We’re talking teenagers here. Get one.
ROOMMATE COMMUNICATION
Grabnar was smart to discuss who was bringing what with her roommate ahead of time. Once your student receives roommate information, it’s a good idea for them to review items they'll bring to the dorm. This will eliminate the possibility of having multiple items, such as mini-fridges or TVs.
MONEY ISSUES
Okay, now comes a major concern. Although your child is now considered an adult, he or she needs to know how to budget, and about the inner workings of credit cards. Have you noticed how many letters your college student is already receiving from credit card companies? While you might want to allow your child one credit card for emergencies, be wary. It is now very easy for your teen to obtain more on his own. At this early stage of independence, it might be best that he learns to live on cash and/or a checkbook. Establish a budget allowance for books, weekly entertainment, such as shooting pool, renting videos, and of course, snacks (remember how much teenagers can eat!) as well as unexpected extra fees.
Based on the teen’s maturity and responsibility level (and be honest), determine whether it’s best to give out the entire spending allowance for the semester all at once, or deposit the money into a checking account. Hopefully, your teen knows how to write a check, balance a checkbook—and above all—know how to avoid overdrafts, including how the fees can add up before you are even notified of a bounced check. Warn your teenager that you will not pay those fees (and don’t). This should teach them quickly how to be more responsible.
Editor’s note: Visit www.cardinalcu.com for information on Cardinal Community Credit Union’s Smart Start Checking Accounts.
RITE OF PASSAGE
With so many issues to address, it is essential to attend to all these matters before your college student leaves to get started with his or her new life. While it’s an exciting time for both parents and students, it can be nerve-racking without these preparations. In addition, now’s the time to have a casual, one-on-one conversation to discuss anything else of concern about college life and what to expect. While parents always feel a few pangs at seeing their child off, they also should feel pride and excitement knowing their child will be carving special college memories that will last a lifetime.
As her second college year approaches, Maria Grabnar has good advice to share. “I’ve learned that you really have to be disciplined and manage your time well,” she says. “You have so many choices to make with all the programs offered, you need to take time to decide what is and isn’t for you.”
“Basically, college life is really what you make of it”.
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