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Five Things Families with College Bound Students Should
Consider
Special to The Truth
Transitioning to college
life can be difficult on both students and families. From
new expenses to a new lifestyle, being prepared for what
lies ahead can help you avoid common bumps in the road.
Here are five things
families with college-bound students should consider:
• Getting involved: Being
away from home and making new friends can seem daunting.
Encourage your student to get involved in school activities
and events. From joining the campus paper to running for
student government, there are a range of extracurricular
opportunities that can lead to new friendships, help
students maintain an active calendar and round out one’s
classroom education.
• Health and wellness:
Late nights spent studying instead of sleeping, as well as
crowded dorm rooms, can be a prescription for colds and flu.
Check out on-campus and local health care options before
your student gets sick. No one wants to scramble to research
medical options when he or she isn’t feeling well. Many
campuses offer student insurance. See what makes the most
sense for your family. Locate a nearby pharmacist before
visiting the doctor so you can provide that information at
your appointment.
• Financing College:
College may be one of your family’s biggest investments to
date. Whether that describes your family or not, there’s no
doubt about it, higher education comes with a big price tag.
It’s never too late in the process to seek out new financing
options, even if your child is already away out school.
From filling out the Free
Application for Federal Student Aid, to exploring private
loans, free online resources can help guide you through the
process. Check out resources designed for college-bound
students and their families, such as Wells Fargo’s “5 Steps
to Financial Aid” video series, which offers helpful advice
on finding a scholarship, applying for loans, and more from
“Mr. Fellows, your wiser college advisor,” at
www.WellsFargo.com/fivesteps.
• Staying in touch: You’re
busy. Your kid is busy. But regular check-ins with your
student can help you know that everything is going well. Set
up a weekly appointment to chat by phone and get the scoop
-- just make sure your student’s phone plan allows for
sufficient texting and calling.
• Money management: For
many students, college is the first time they will gain some
financial independence. Set your kids up for success by
teaching them how to establish a workable budget. A checking
and savings account designed for college students can help
them stay on track. You can review money-management tools
for college students at www.WellsFargo.com.
Don’t let the transition
to college catch your family off guard. Parents can make the
transition easier for students by striking the right balance
of “letting go” and staying involved.
Courtesy StatePoint
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