Moms of College Freshmen: Do These 3 Things in July to Be Ready for School in the Fall

I know summer just started and we haven’t had a solid streak of triple digit temperatures, but we need to talk about school in the fall. I promise to only briefly suspend your summer shenanigans to bring you some much needed, honest things to do before you send a kid off to college next month. I am coming at you with 15 years experience as a student affairs professional and college instructor. What happens in July matters and can significantly impact what happens in August and beyond. So, if you have a child headed to college in a matter of weeks, this is for you and them.

First, know if you have a child who is headed to college in the fall there are some things they need to do, some things you to do, and some things you can do together. I say this with great heart, research and a little legal backing. Students who put forth the effort and energy to take care of things before they step into a classroom simply do better and the overall experience is typically more positive. Things are less stressful, they are better informed, and they start the semester of strong.

Make sure the bill will be paid. Yup, college costs a lot.  Yup, navigating the world of financial aid can be overwhelming. There is a lot that goes into securing financial assistance and paying for tuition and fees. This is where a phone call, email, or in-person visit in July can reduces so much stress. The kicker is your son or daughter has to be the one to inquire about their financial status at the institution. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) protects student privacy. So even if you are the one signing the check, you legally cannot access the student’s information- this includes financial and academic records. The student is responsible for ensuring everything has been completed by the institution’s deadline. My advice is to get in contact with the school and ask questions, such as:

  • Is my financial aid file complete?
  • Are you missing any documents that may prevent my financial aid being applied to my charges?
  • I need to use financial aid to pay for textbooks and/or housing. How does that process work?
  • Is there anything else I need to do to secure my enrollment?
  • What happens if I decide to add or drop a course?
  • How is financial information communicated to the student?
  • What can I expect to happen next?

Look at the class schedule. This tip assumes your child has already registered for classes. If not, that is obviously the precursor. Your son or daughter may have easily forgotten what classes they signed up for during a school visit several months ago. July is a good time to find their class schedule and review what they are taking for the semester. 

  • Do the classes fit my degree plan?
  • Do I know when and where my classes are held?
  • If a class is online, do I know where to log in?
  • Who are my instructors?  
  • What do I do if I want to make a change to my classes?
  • What are the important dates to add or drop courses? (i.e. refund policy, transcript records)

Knock out other tasks. August will be busy and you already to know it. Save some time and probably avoid some lines by taking care of college-related requirements such as getting a school ID card, parking permit, setting up college email account and ordering textbooks. Stroll around campus to get a better feel for the place. Does your child need a meal plan or order student athletic tickets? There is no shortage of ways to explore and grow in college. This is the time in your planning process to ask about what else you may want to do or need to get ready for August.

So, there it is. Some tried and true things to do in July before college starts in the fall. You will thank me in August.

Tomi Dechant
Tomi is a mover, shaker, and baby maker - which means she enjoys a good dance party in the kitchen and is a mom to two monsters of her own creation. Tomi is from Kansas and is currently a Political Science instructor and author of the children's book, How to Make a Monster Smile.