Is your child college-bound? Check off these 12 things

Is your high school senior about to head to college? Between graduation and applying for student loans, there’s a lot of ground to cover, for both you and your child! We’ve provided this handy checklist for sending your kid to college, including twelve things you need to do between the last days of high school and the first day of college courses.

May

1. Complete the FAFSA

If you and your child haven’t completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) yet, now is the time to do so if you want to eligible to for federal student loans, including Parent Plus Loans. Your student might even be awarded grants or scholarships through the FAFSA.

2. Celebrate high school graduation

Make some time to celebrate your child’s achievements! Plan a going away party, give them a graduation gift, or schedule something else they’d enjoy.

3. Sign up for orientation

Many colleges require students to attend orientation over the summer, which helps them get familiar with campus life. You can also sign up for a family orientation which keeps parents informed about what your child can expect and provides an opportunity for you to ask all the questions you have about their next four years.

Even if you decide not to attend family orientation, consider a summer vacation to the town your student will be studying in. Take a tour of the college and get familiar with the campus resources. Whether it’s your first visit or third, it could be a great comfort to both you and your child.

June

4. Decide how you’ll pay

Research ways to pay for college including scholarships, savings, 529 accounts¹ and student loan options. If a private student loan is in your future, it’s a good idea to start researching and comparing options now to find the right fit for your child. Plan and apply early so you're not scrambling for answers later when application deadlines approach. It will help each of you feel organized on what you have and what you still need to get before move-in day.

5. Pass on life skills

Preparing your child for college goes beyond the classroom education. Life skills, such as laundry, cooking, or managing a student checking account could be unchartered territory. Cover any life skill gaps over the summer.

6. Talk money

Go over financing and budgeting with your student. Compare student loans together, review FAFSA results, and discuss financial literacy. Will they have a weekly or monthly allowance? Do you have a joint checking account or credit card to monitor their spending? These are important questions to answer since your child will need money for everyday expenses.

July

7. Discuss healthcare 

Colleges require certain vaccines, health insurance, and health records before the student can attend. Gather all of their medical records. Talk with your child about what your health insurance covers and where to go when they need to see a doctor. If you have a student who will be participating in athletics, that primary insurance is especially important.

8. Consider campus life

Does the college allow first year students to have cars? What public transportation options are available on campus and in the city? Make sure to review housing, meal plans, and course schedules with your child.

9. Attend orientation

Take your child to orientation and ask about their experience. If you signed up for parents’ orientation, be sure to ask your burning questions. What is the emergency notification policy for parents? What are the guest policies for visiting your student?

August

10. Buy supplies

Put together a supplies list and a packing checklist for students moving into dorms. Your student will need everything from bedding to books and laundry detergent to storage boxes. If you’re buying anything big, have your child connect with their roommate to avoid duplicates.

11. Move Them In

If your child is living on campus they will need help moving into their new dorm room. Help them decorate, set their space up, and have plenty of time to say goodbye. Discuss how you’ll stay connected and plan a visit in the near future.

12. Pay for College

If grants, scholarships, and savings didn’t cover the tuition and other fees, make sure to pay the remaining amount to the school before the deadline. Private student loans could help fund the gap and you’ll want to get those loan applications in as soon as possible to ensure funding is ready before their first class starts.

If you have any questions about payments, reach out to the college’s bursar's office. You could also see if your student's college offers a payment plan for tuition and other fees to help ease the financial burden.

What to remember

Sending a child to college is a mixed bag of emotions. Being prepared and organized can help you stay on top of deadlines and activities as the start of school approaches. Make the most of summer before your child ventures off to the next phase of their life.

More information

Need a private student loan? Set your student up for success with a parent student loan.