The calendar turns to August; summer is nearing its end. You’ve completed all the preparations needed prior to freshman year. Your student is headed off to college in the fall. It’s a wonderful and sometimes stressful time for students and parents. Time flies by quickly from graduation to the first day of college. There are lots of things that need to be done.

You and your college student can do what needs to be done during the summer to make the transition to college better in the fall. This is where your new role as a college parent begins. Summer is the perfect opportunity to try out the new role.

Understand that this is a stressful time for your student.

The application process and waiting for admission is over, but the idea of leaving for college now seems very real to your student. The summer following high school graduation will be filled with a lot of emotions as students say goodbye to friends and family. Expect a more challenging summer ahead. Your student may take their mix of emotions out on you. This is a necessary part of the separation process but it’s important to be patient for your student’s sake.

Read all of the material from the school.

Get a head start in the summer to read all of the provided material that you and your student will be receiving from the university. You needed to be organized for the application process and it’s no different for the time before freshman year. Make lists of paperwork your student will need. Make necessary appointments early in the summer. Fill out all required forms. Start making lists of things to pack for your dorm room while taking note of what is, and what isn’t allowed in the room. Your student should take care of this, but they need your help to keep track of everything. Help them get started the right way.

Help your student prepare what she can early in the summer.

Will your student need a health check-up? Do they have copies of any necessary prescriptions for the health center? Do they have their own bank account? Will they get a credit or debit card? These are important questions to take into account before freshman year. It’s good to see if your student’s college can provide some of these services on campus making it easier for your student in the long run.

Have some important conversations with your student about expectations.

The transition to college will be easier if you and your student are on the same page about expectations. Are you both clear about expenses? You’ll want to know who will pay for what the first year. Will you give them spending money? Have you both agreed on spending limits? Will they bring a car to campus? What are your expectations about grades? Will you expect to see them? What are the consequences if grades are bad? The clearer you and your college student are before they head off allows fewer issues that may come up later.

Attend a summer orientation session if one is available.

If your student’s college offers a summer orientation experience, you should encourage your student to attend. Some schools even require orientation. This will be a great opportunity for your student to meet with fellow students and to get a better sense of the campus community. If it’s possible you should attend meetings provided for parents. You will learn more about the campus; meet other parents, key administrators and faculty members. Most of all you’ll have a sense of the place where your student will be spending the next several years.

Encourage your student to begin to connect with his new colleagues.

Facebook, and Twitter allow students to be more connected than ever before. Summer is the best opportunity for students to get to know other new freshmen through these tools. Students will arrive on campus in the fall and have an entire circle of friends. Students will receive roommate information by mid summer. Your student can contact their roommate and begin to decide who will provide what and to make plans for the room.

Be patient with your student – and with yourself.

Don’t be surprised if your student procrastinates about getting things done early. It may be overwhelming for them at first. Many students wait until the very last minute. Try to be patient and understand what they’re going through. It’s a big transition for them and you as well. Planning for the first year with lots of patience is the best way to get things started for the first year of college

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