As the old saying goes: “The days are long, but the years are short.” And that holds especially true for families sending their kids off to college this fall! This is such an exciting time for parents and students, but it can also be full of changes and stress!
To help make the transition a little smoother for everyone, here are some tips for making the move to college as fun and exciting as possible!
- Come in to see us for a physical and to make sure all vaccines are up to date! Colleges have different vaccine requirements, but we want to make sure college students are up to date on meningitis vaccines, tetanus vaccines, and annual flu vaccines to keep kids as healthy as possible when they start living in the dorms. We will also make a plan to refill any long-term medications, set up tele-visits to maintain medication recheck appointments, and go over any last-minute questions before the big move!
- Make a first-aid kit and a medication kit for your student that they can keep easily in their dorm room. Standard band-aids, antibiotic ointment, pain relievers, allergy medications, and flu/sinus medications are all good things to keep on hand. Make sure you review these medications prior to move-in day and go over whether any have interactions. Many sinus/flu combination medications also contain acetaminophen, so make sure students know not to use these together.
- Make sure all insurance information is up to date, and your student has a copy of their insurance card. Look ahead of time to where the local urgent care is located, as well as the local emergency department—just in case. Is there a medical clinic on campus where they can get care? Remember, we can continue to see our college students at Parkside via telehealth, but some things need to be seen in person, and it’s great to have a plan ahead of time.
- Make sure to have clear, honest conversations with your student before they start college. Starting college means more freedom, which can also mean more access to alcohol and drugs. Set clear expectations and create a plan for your student to have an easy way out of situations that make them uncomfortable. Plan a “code word” or phrase that your student can use to discreetly communicate with you or a trusted friend. Help your student make decisions BEFORE they are in a specific situation, so they are easier to stick with, and your student doesn’t feel stuck, surprised, or unequipped to handle new situations.
College is a time of great excitement but also great change. Navigating “adulting” for the first time, class loads, new living situations, and new cities—all of these are good things, but can cause increased stress and anxiety. Make sure your student knows what mental health resources are available on campus or locally.
Encourage them to continue coming to you with questions or when they are struggling, providing judgment-free support. You can also always contact us here at Parkside; we are always here to support you and your family.
