Top College Tips for Success

I’ve sent two of my “babies” away to college. They’re more than 10 hours away from home. I’ve learned a lot from the eight semesters of parenting college students. These are some of the top college tips for success that have worked for us. 

Top College Tips for Success

Visiting and Applying to College

College Visit Checklist – There’s a lot of information to absorb at a college visit and you don’t want to miss any of it. Print out your free college visit checklist to use to record everything that’s important to your family to learn at each college you visit.

Tips for a College Tour Visit –

How Much Does it Cost to Apply to College – You will be surprised at how much it costs to apply to college. I know we were with both babies that have headed off to college. Knowing what to expect in costs, helps you to budget for those expenses. 

Unexpected Hidden Costs of College – You think you know about how much college will cost. It’s tuition + room and board, right? No-oooo, there are many unexpected costs that quickly add up and increase the cost of college. When you anticipate those hidden costs, you can plan for them. 

10 Tips to Prepare for College – It doesn’t have to be difficult to prepare for college. Use these 10 tips that I’ve picked up from sending two of my babies to college more than 10 hours away from home. 

Full-Tuition Academic Scholarships – Did you know that there are full-tuition scholarships and full-ride scholarships (that include room and board)? This comprehensive list of scholarships will help you find a full-tuition scholarship for your baby. 

Preparing and Shopping for College

Basic College Supply List – Knowing what basic supplies your student needs heading off to college is simple with this free printable supply list. 

College Technology Shopping List – Print out this free college technology shopping list so you know exactly what your baby needs for college. 

7 Must-Haves for College – With two of my babies away at college for several years, we’ve compiled our list of must-have items for college. They may not be what you think. 

Easy College Organizing Tip – Sometimes the simplest tips make a huge impact. When two or more people live in a teeny tiny room together, organization is key to peaceful coexistence. Check out this simple idea. 

Office Supplies for College Students – When your baby heads off to college, they are in effective setting up their own home. They need a complete set of office supplies in their new dorm room. 

Cleaning Supplies for the College Student – Your baby is much more likely to keep their dorm room clean if they have all the necessary supplies. This list of suggested cleaning supplies is the perfect spot to get started. 

How to Pack Clothes for Moving to College – It is overwhelming when you begin to pack to send your baby to college. These simple tips for packing clothes will make that move a bit more organized and easier. 

Best Color of Towels for College – Before you send your baby off to college, you should consider what color of towels make the most sense for your student. There are definite opinions one the best color towels to take to college and I share our opinions. 

Back to College Shopping List Free Printable – Grab this free printable college shopping list before you head out to the store. This way you don’t forget any key items. 

Labeling Your Stuff for College  – When you share a tiny dorm room with one or more other strangers, there can be some conflict over which items belong to who. It’s important to label key belongings prior to heading to college. 

Dorm Move-In Day Tips – Dorm Move-In Day can be crazy chaotic and very emotional. These tips for parents will help make move-in less stressful and allow you to focus on your baby more on that important day when you separate from your baby. 

DIY College First Aid Kit – I want to keep my baby healthy and safe when she’s far away from home. To help do that, I made a college first adi kit and share with you the must-have items to include in your college first aid kit. 

Budgeting, Paper Coupons and the College Student – Teach your college student about budgeting and how to use coupons to purchase personal care items while they’re away at college. 

Staying in Touch and Parenting from a Distance

Sending Your Child Off to College – I was mobilized after 9-11 and had to leave my babies, who were 3 and 6. Sending my babies off to college was just as difficult for me. I share simple tips to connect with your baby to strengthen your connection before the separation. 

9 Tips for Staying in Touch with Your College Student – You have to put a bit of effort into staying in touch with your college student. I share nine tips that have worked for my family in staying in touch despite busy schedules and hundreds of miles of separation. 

How Does a Protective Mom Survive Sending Her Baby to College? – It was very difficult for me to send my babies hours away in a strange city to go to college. I’d spent all their lives keeping them safe and suddenly I abandoned them in a strange city, locked in a too-small room with a stranger. I share my story about how I survived sending two of my babies away to college. 

Creative College Care Package Ideas – Send your baby a concrete expression of how much you miss and love them with these creative care package ideas. There’s an idea here for everyone. 

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