When your child is ready to go to college, it’s a big moment in both your lives. It may be the first time they’ve lived away from home – and is often seen as a step into adult life as they gain independence and learn how to fend for themselves. If you’re wondering what they’ll need to take to get them off to the best start, check out our advice below.
Laptop and phone
It’s likely that they’ll need a laptop to complete their work, so if they don’t have one already, it’s a worthwhile investment to make before they go to college. There are plenty of high-quality laptops you can get for students – look for deals and offers at retailers to bag a bargain before they go to college.
Cooking equipment
When your child moves into their halls, apartment, or house, they’ll need a range of cooking equipment so they can whip up tasty meals for themselves and their housemates. Some of the key items they’ll need include pots and pans, plates, cutlery, bowls, glasses, mugs, and a few cooking utensils like a spoon and a spatula.
Recipe books
When it comes to cooking, they may need a little helping hand, so a student recipe book is always a good idea when your child goes to college. We recommend getting one packed full of cheap and tasty meals that they can make on a budget. You could also look at options that include batch cooking, which works out cheaper than making single meals and reduces the amount of time spent in the kitchen.
Home comforts
Your son or daughter might get homesick from time to time after they go to college, so it’s worth packing some home comforts for them. Maybe some nice photos of their family and friends, artwork, blankets or anything else that will cheer them up and remind them of home.
Food and cooking ingredients
There’s nothing students love more than free food – and they’ll need plenty of it to get them through their studies! You could pack your child a hamper of dried food and snacks like canned goods, cereal, pasta, rice, nuts, chocolate, and anything else you think they’d like before they go to college. Then send them grocery store gift cards once they are settled.
Practical skills
As well as physical items, think about advice and practical skills you can provide that will help them when they go to college. For example, you could teach them how to cook a range of meals, how to iron their clothes, how to clean their home and other practical tips. This will not only help them to gain independence but also share responsibilities with their future flatmates.
Money management skills
It’s important that your child knows how to effectively manage their money when living away from home for the first time. If they’re getting a student loan, they need to understand how to make this last over several months by setting themselves weekly and/or monthly budgets. They’ll also need to know how to manage and pay their bills if they’re not included with their rent.
Hopefully, this guide has helped you and your child get ready to go to college.
