17 Top Tips for College-Bound Teens

Headed to college? Eventually high school ends, the final class is finished, and graduation has been celebrated. Start looking forward to the next step with this list of tips for kids heading off to college.
(Need to know what your child should pack to take to college? Read my article, College Packing List)

• ​Clean up all social media accounts.​
• Connect with your roommate. 
• Continue applying for scholarships. 
• Get a wellness check-up from your doctor. 
• Go to orientation at college. 
• Locate medical services (before you get sick!.) 
• Locate the college packing list Navigate the college website. 
• Purchase and preview your textbooks. 
• Purchase supplies (calculators and calendars. 
• Register for the draft 
• Register to vote. 
• Research clubs and groups you'd like to attend. 
• Set up banking and know how to manage money. 
• Take a tour of your new location.
• Take placement tests (colleges often use the "Accuplacer" test).
• Have important discussions with your parents. 
• Before you leave home, spend some time discussing the nitty-gritty details and money-matters with your parents. Don't assume, discuss! Nobody in your family is a mind-reader, so sit down and talk together, adult-to-adult.​

• ​Will you take a car with you? 
• When can you or should you come home for breaks? 
• How will you get money for your living expenses? 
• Will they provide financing, or do you need to get a job, or both? 
• Ask for advice about your major, career options, and classes.