As the new school year begins, families with college-bound children are faced with the exciting, yet daunting, task of preparing them for life away from home. College represents a significant step toward independence, and while academics are crucial, there are other areas of preparation that children need before they embark on this journey. Ensuring they are well-prepared in these aspects can make all the difference in their college experience. Here’s a list of essential skills for children to learn before leaving for college that will help them thrive during their time away from home.

1. Financial Responsibility

Understanding the basics of financial management is perhaps one of the most critical skills a child can learn before heading off to college. This includes budgeting, managing a bank account, understanding credit, and knowing how to avoid debt. Encourage your child to create a budget that covers tuition, books, living expenses, and recreational activities. Teaching them about the dangers of credit card debt and the importance of saving money will give them a strong foundation for financial independence. You can hear more about creating financial goals from Wallet Win on the Fairest Love podcast. 

Key Tips:

• Teach your child to track their expenses using spreadsheets.
• Discuss the difference between wants and needs when it comes to spending.
• Encourage setting aside an emergency fund for unexpected expenses.

2. Time Management

In college, students often have more freedom and less structure than they did in high school. This newfound freedom can lead to procrastination and poor time management if they aren’t prepared. Help your child develop strong time management skills by encouraging them to use planners, digital calendars, and to-do lists. Learning to prioritize tasks, manage deadlines, and balance academic responsibilities with social activities will set them up for success.

Key Tips:

• Encourage your child to break down large projects into smaller, manageable tasks.
• Suggest setting specific time blocks for studying, exercise, relaxation, and recreation.
• Find a school/life planner that helps your child structure their days, weeks, and months.
• Teach them the importance of setting deadlines and sticking to them.

3. Growing in Their Spiritual Life

College can be a time where your child embraces their faith on their own, but it can also be a time when faith is challenged. Motivate your child to seek opportunities to grow in their spiritual life while away from home. Whether it’s joining a campus ministry, finding a local parish, or setting aside time for personal prayer, maintaining a strong spiritual foundation can provide guidance, comfort, and a sense of purpose during their college years.

Key Tips:

• Help your child locate nearby campus ministries or parishes before they leave for college. There are many Newman Centers throughout the United States that offer all kinds of activities and formation.
• Suggest that they continue to attend Mass regularly and to get involved in their communities.
• Discuss the importance of prayer, spiritual reading, and frequent reception of the Sacraments as a way to continue growing in their faith.

4. Wellness and Living Away from Home

Being away from home means your child will need to take full responsibility for their health, well-being, and daily living. This includes understanding basic nutrition, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and knowing how to access healthcare services on campus. Additionally, practical skills like doing laundry, cooking basic meals, and maintaining a clean living space are crucial. Understanding these basics will help them feel more confident and self-sufficient in their new environment.

Key Tips:

• Have them do laundry, cooking, and other household chores before they leave.
• Encourage them to establish a routine that includes time for household tasks, exercise, and relaxation.

5. Decision-Making and Problem-Solving

The ability to make informed decisions and solve problems independently is crucial for success in college. Your child will face numerous choices, from selecting courses to deciding how to spend their free time. Equip them with decision-making strategies, such as weighing pros and cons, seeking advice from trusted sources, and considering long-term consequences.

Key Tips:

• Discuss hypothetical scenarios where your child might need to make difficult decisions and talk through the possible outcomes.
• Encourage them to seek advice from academic advisors, teachers, and trusted friends when faced with challenging decisions.
• Remind them that it’s okay to make mistakes and that each decision is an opportunity to learn and grow.

6. Interpersonal Skills

College life involves meeting people from diverse backgrounds and developing new relationships. Interpersonal skills, such as communication, conflict resolution, and empathy, are essential for building healthy relationships with roommates, professors, and peers. Support your child in practicing active listening, speaking clearly and confidently, and respecting others’ differing opinions.

Key Tips:

• Provide examples and times when your child may need to meet with a professor or have a discussion with their roommate.
• Suggest that your child get involved in campus activities to meet new people and build a new friendships.

Preparing your child for college is about more than just academics. By providing these essential skills for children to learn before leaving for college, you’re setting them up for success. As they navigate this new chapter, they’ll be better prepared to handle the challenges and opportunities that come their way, making the most of their time away from home.