Mother and father smiling with son and looking through college stuff.

Your Freshman’s College Launch Checklist

Sending your child off to college is a proud moment – equal parts joy and jitters. You’re not just packing bags; you’re preparing them for real life.

This checklist will help you send them off with confidence: financially prepared, dorm-ready, and mentally equipped to thrive. Let’s make the transition smoother for both of you.

  1. Money Talks: Start Smart with Finances

Before the dorm décor and textbooks, talk dollars. Financial clarity now means fewer headaches later.

  • Set Expectations: Who’s paying for tuition, rent, groceries, gas? No assumptions. Be clear.
  • Build a Budget Together: List out everything. Yes, even late-night pizza. Use budgeting tools to keep things on track.
  • Review Financial Aid: Know what’s covered, when it hits the account, and what’s still owed. Consider payment plans to spread tuition costs.
  • Create an Emergency Fund: Even $500 in a joint credit union savings account can be a lifesaver when the unexpected hits.
  1. Banking Basics: Teach Them to Manage Their Money

College is often a teen’s first solo flight into financial responsibility. Help them bank smart from day one.

  • Open a Student Checking Account
  • Set Up Mobile Banking & Alerts
  • Discuss Credit Wisely
  • Talk Security

The right tools build smart habits. A student account, mobile banking, and a few key lessons on credit and security help your freshman manage money confidently – and responsibly – from day one.

  1. Dorm Life: Pack Smart, Spend Smarter

Dorm shopping can spiral fast. Stick to essentials first, then layer in comfort.

Essentials:

  • Bedding (most often, a twin XL), shower gear, towels, storage bins
  • First-aid kit, surge protector, slippers (yes, dorm floors are cold!)
  • A few personal touches – photos, a favorite blanket but no clutter

Tips:

  • Coordinate with Roommate: No need for two mini-fridges.
  • Know the Rules: No candles, hot plates, or banned gadgets.
  • Buy in Phases: Start with basics. Add later if needed (post-move-in sales are gold). Thrift stores, sales, and student discounts can stretch your budget further.
  1. Academic Readiness: Set the Stage for Success

Textbooks and tech matter, but habits and hustle matter more.

Must-Do Tasks:

  • Submit transcripts, vaccine records, and course registrations before arrival.
  • Rent or buy used textbooks – double-check ISBNs (International Standard Book Numbers) before buying.
  • Stock up on supplies: notebooks, highlighters, a good backpack, maybe a laptop.

Encourage This:

  • Block out weekly study time.
  • Use a calendar for due dates and exams.
  • Visit professors. Ask questions. Use campus tutoring centers early and often.
  1. Let Go, But Stay Connected

This is your student’s moment, but your support still matters.

  • Let them lead – but offer guidance when they ask
  • Check in regularly – not just about grades, but money
  • Celebrate smart choices – learning for life

Helping your student plan, prep, and manage their money means fewer worries for both of you. With a little planning and Southern Lakes behind you, they’re ready to soar.

Need help setting up your student’s account or creating a college budget? Southern Lakes Credit Union is here to help. Visit us or give us a call today.