So, your student got into college – congrats! Now what? Before you start stocking up on fairy lights and extra-long twin sheets, there are a few important (and maybe unexpected) to-dos you’ll want to tackle.
As a parent who’s sent three kids off to college – and helped thousands more families through the admissions, financial, and college transition process – I know this next phase can be both exciting and overwhelming. To give you the best advice, I turned to the incredible parents in our Paying for College 101 Facebook group and asked: What were your must-dos between college acceptance and move-in day? Here’s what they said – plus a few lessons I’ve learned myself.
1. Formally Accept Your Spot and Pay Any Required Deposit
You’d be surprised how many students forget to do this. At highly competitive schools, missing this step – or the deadline – can cost them their spot in the incoming class.
Formally accepting also ensures you’re entered into the school’s system so you can begin receiving important emails and accessing campus resources.
2. Take Care of Medical Must-Dos
Doctor and dental appointments fill up quickly in the summer, so it’s smart to schedule them early. In a recent Road2College poll, 34% of parents said this was a top priority.
“Also, renew passports and IDs, and plan on prescription refills if your student is going far away,” shared Amy Trobec Norwalk. And don’t forget to ask your dentist whether wisdom teeth might need to come out – taking care of that now can save a lot of stress later, as Sarah Gaines pointed out.
3. Sort Out Legal Forms & Health Directives
Once your student turns 18, you won’t automatically have access to their medical or financial records. That’s why legal forms like Power of Attorney and health care directives are so important.
Christine Tupino reminded fellow parents: “Don’t forget Power of Attorney and health directives.” In our Road2College poll, 16% of parents said preparing these forms was a priority before move-in. Consider using tools like the Mama Bear legal forms to make this process easier.
4. Master Life Skills
Sending your student off with basic adulting skills can make a big difference. Before they leave, make sure they know how to:
- Do laundry
- Use public transportation
- Make doctor’s appointments and use an insurance card
- Handle food safety (yes, leftovers do expire!)
- Mail a letter or package
As Erin McQuade Kennedy shared, “My kids mentioned a lot of dorm-mates had never done their own laundry before, so that was interesting.” Trust me – it’s worth a few practice rounds at home.
5. Shop Smarter, Not Harder
Yes, dorm shopping is fun – and according to the Road2College poll, 25% of parents said it was one of their big to-dos – but it’s easy to go overboard.
“With the first kid, we went way overboard,” Kennedy admitted. “Fixed that with the second kid!” I’ve seen that pattern again and again. My advice? Spread out your purchases and focus on the essentials. Stores near campus (like Target or Walmart) get picked clean quickly during move-in week, so shop smart and plan ahead.
6. Think Beyond T-Shirts & Sweatpants
College life isn’t all sweatshirts and sneakers. Your student may need a few professional outfits for scholarship dinners, class presentations, job interviews, and networking events.
“Try on and/or buy professional clothes and shoes to take with them,” advised Rebecca Bistolas Miller. A small wardrobe refresh now can save last-minute scrambling later.
7. Review Their Budget & Meal Plan
Talk openly with your student about money before they’re managing it solo. This includes budgeting, using a bank account, and understanding how their campus meal plan works.
“We definitely went over her budget and food plan – it’s a point system, so they need to keep an eye on it,” shared Jhana Wallace. It’s a simple but empowering conversation that sets them up for success.
8. Plan Some Family Fun
Amid all the prep, don’t forget to make memories together. About 13% of parents in our Road2College poll said they planned special family outings or trips before their student left for college.
Whether it’s a weekend getaway, a favorite dinner spot, or a low-key movie night at home, take time to enjoy each other before the big send-off. I still cherish the simple moments we carved out during those summers.
The takeaway? While dorm shopping and packing are part of the journey, it’s the behind-the-scenes prep – medical, legal, financial, and emotional – that truly sets your student up for success.
What’s on your family’s pre-college checklist?
