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- I'm preparing my son for college move-in, and I've been so focused on his dorm needs.
- But there were a lot of other things I needed to get squared away ahead of his move-in.
- He had to open a new bank account, register to vote, and sign up for frequent flyer miles.
Congratulations, parents of incoming college freshmen! We survived the application process, this year's FAFSA debacle, the big choices, high school graduation, and now, finally, we are about to send our kids out into adulthood.
It's a bittersweet, busy time as they register for classes, connect with new roommates, and prepare for campus life away from home.
While my mind is currently drifting toward dorm room décor and meal plans, there's another important checklist that all parents need to complete — full of practicalities I certainly didn't expect.
Here are 7 things you'll want to have squared away before move-in day.
Fill out all the necessary legal paperwork
This first step is perhaps the most crucial: You'll want to ensure you and your child complete power of attorney forms, including those for health and finance issues. While your kid is still a teen, she or he is technically an adult now.
Unless you have certain legal documents completed and readily available, a hospital cannot give you information about your child if they are unconscious and unable to consent. You'll also need a FERPA waiver if you want the university to share your student's academic information with you.
The good news is these forms can be easily filled out online, signed off, and then executed by a local notary public. I used Mama Bear Legal Forms; the process was a snap, not too expensive, and now I have peace of mind.
Open a new, nationwide bank account
My son's been working part-time for several years, and his paychecks go directly to his bank account. But that account is linked to mine at a regional institution that doesn't have branches on the West Coast, where he's headed.
It's time to get their money matters in order to avoid fees, inconvenience, and general angst. So we chose a larger national bank with plenty of ATM options on and near his campus.
I also made sure to add his new account to my Venmo app. I'm sure he'll be hitting me up for cash occasionally, and when I'm feeling generous, I'll be able to send him money with the push of a button.
Download transportation apps like Lyft and Uber
While Uber recently added a teen account option for younger riders, Lyft still doesn't transport kids under 18 without adults. So, while your incoming student might not have used either service before, you'll want to ensure she or he has access to them now.
Safe, reliable transportation anytime they need it is a must, especially if they're like my son and not taking a car to college. Download those rideshare apps now, and make sure they're linked to your kid's new bank card.
Make sure they have health insurance
While many colleges and universities charge a student health fee, allowing access to an on-campus clinic for basic medical care, some also require all students to have health insurance and will charge for that policy as well.
Double-check your bill. If your child is already well covered with your own plan, apply to have the university coverage waived. You could save hundreds, even thousands of dollars.
Sign them up for frequent flyer accounts
If you send your kiddo to a college that's further away than a quick road trip, chances are you'll be racking up the air miles. Don't let them go to waste.
Make sure your student is signed up for frequent flyer accounts on the airlines with the best direct routes to and from home. Those breaks and holidays will add up quickly.
Hand over their important government IDs
Many parents (me included!) cringe at the idea of giving their young adults original birth certificates, Social Security cards, or passports. However, if your child will be looking for a job once they get to campus, copies or screenshots of these identifying documents might not be adequate for the hiring process.
Check ahead, and if originals are needed, hand them over — but stress the importance of keeping them safe and secure.
Make sure they are registered to vote
Last but certainly not least, if your incoming college freshman is 18, they're finally eligible to vote.
Make sure your child is registered and has a plan for November — and beyond — if attending school out of state. Depending on where you live, that might include early in-person voting, requesting an absentee ballot, or voting by mail.