By Philippa Dobree-Carey, From High School to Uni
It’s crunch time. The clock is ticking in these last few weeks of sunshine and summer before your high school graduate heads off to college or university.
So what can you do in the meantime to prepare for departure?
One of my annual summer activities is to go through my children’s cupboards and declutter clothes, equipment, toys or schoolbooks and papers that are no longer needed. A quick trip to the recycling centre and you’ve gained some much-needed cupboard space, while feeling good about ticking this task off your list.
You can also give clothes to your neighbors, friends, or your next child, and recycle files and folders with new labels for use at home, or for university, if needed. Scan any documents or artwork you wish to retain as keepsakes, and carefully file them with a memorable name.
Next, start preparing the items they will need on campus. Students usually try to pack most of their clothes, but truth be told, they will wear the same hoodie, tracksuit pants, jeans and sneakers most days. Do not overpack! However, do think about packing a small ‘dress-up’ / disguise for Fresher’s Week, to help them integrate into the campus festivities.
Companies such as IKEA offer Student Packs that contain a good amount of the items your student will need, from plates to can openers, and pizza cutters to colanders. The latter is the most important kitchen utensil, as their main meal is likely to be pasta all week long.
A propos, one of the biggest favors you can do for your student is to teach them a few basic dishes that they can easily put together on a student budget, without all the accoutrements like spices that you would find in a normal family cupboard. Better still, teach them how to batch cook say, a lasagne, and freeze it in portions to eat at regular intervals. Make sure they think about the different food groups and what makes up a balanced, healthy meal.
Gather all the important documents they will need, such as passport, visa, accommodation address, copy of birth certificate, etc. And make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations, especially tetanus, and have a scanned copy of their certificate in case it is required on campus. This is the time to arrange a health check, before they leave.
Most importantly, establish a protocol for communication. Discuss your minimum need for contact requirements to know that they are safe and well. It is not just a matter of calling to ask for more money because they blew their budget in the second week!
It’s hard when they leave. The house is quieter. The door doesn’t slam as often. There’s no music playing loudly, and the bathroom is surprisingly accessible for a change. This is a transition for you too but try to balance your emotions and be as supportive as possible, so they know you are there for them – emotionally, not just for extra cash!
Author bio
Philippa Dobree-Carey is an adept project manager for an international organization in Geneva. Author of the award-winning student guide "From High School to Uni", Philippa successfully steers students step-by-step through the process of packing, preparing for and thriving in the university environment.
With a passion for helping others, Philippa's insightful blogs provide a wealth of practical advice, guiding students (and anxious parents!) with firsthand experience, tips, and insights. As a devoted mother of two university aged children, she understands the concerns of those navigating this transition. This firsthand perspective has driven her to create a library of well-defined, pragmatic resources aimed at facilitating the transition to university life. Discover a treasure trove of invaluable resources by visiting her website www.fromhighschooltouni.com
