Summer is a perfect time to begin conversations that will help both you and your student prepare for the transition to college.  From roommates to money to autonomy and independence, these conversations will help your student articulate both their concerns and expectations and help you get to know your student in a new way. Because Lynn and Vicki are both college professors we also leave parents with a homework checklist of tasks to complete before the summer ends.

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This podcast episode is Part 2 of our 3-part series on using the summer to help your student prepare for college.  In case you missed it, be sure to listen to Part 1 in episode #043 – Using Summer to Help Your Student Prepare for College.

Our next episode – Part 3 in the series – will cover more about Move-In Day, the transition for everyone, and the first few weeks of the semester.

We talked in this episode about some of the important conversations to have with your student during this important summer.  Some of them were conversations we had with our own kids as they headed to college, and some were conversations we missed and wish we had talked about.  Topics include communication with your student, important money conversations, FERPA, roommates, cars on campus, and more. Pick and choose the ones most appropriate for your family.

We also referred to some earlier podcast episodes that can help you follow up on some of these topics.

#005 – Communicating with Your College Student

#021 – College Roommates: Navigating This Complex Relationship

#027 – Student Anxiety: Helping Your Student Cope

Because we all need some summer reading, we suggested that you listen to a couple of our episodes that suggest some great books for parents and students.

#020 – Our Favorite Summer Reads for College Parents

#041 – More Summer Reads for Parents – Two Authors, Four Books

#040 – Our Favorite Books to Share with College Students

#038 – The Addiction Inoculation – An Interview with Author Jessica Lahey

Finally, at the end of the episode we gave you a homework checklist of things for parents to do over the summer. Be sure to listen to why these seven items can make a difference.

1. Look at the college website with new eyes.
2. Get familiar with the college catalog.
3. Check on all insurance needs and requirements.
4. Get some summer reading done – and stock up for your student as well.
5. Make any needed hotel reservations for Family/Parents’ Weekend.
6. Make a plan for your own transition to your new role.
7. Find the friends who will be your support system this fall.

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