The transition from home life to dormitory life can be traumatic. Truly, there is no day quite so lonely and confusing as the first day your child spends on her/his own in the college dorm. Though your child may have appeared quite happy and confident when you drove away, it is very likely that she/he was a little down and nervous on the inside. Sometimes, a little bit of home and a touch of love can really help make your child’s transition a little easier.

If you can, I encourage you to prepare and ship a gift-basket or care package of goodies a few days before your child is actually scheduled to arrive on campus (check with the campus housing office to make certain that the post office or housing office will have someone available to receive the package). You’ll want your child to be able to pick this up the day of, or within a day or two, of their actual move into the dorm.

What should you include in this first package from home? Here are a few suggestions:

• A handwritten note of love and encouragement, signed by all persons in the household;
  
• A diary-type notebook where you and your family members have written in your tips, comments and suggestions for the new college student on the first few pages;
  
• A large mug and a container of their favorite tea, cocoa or coffee beverage;
  
• A few non-perishable snacks (something that maybe they can only find in their hometown);
  
• A prepaid phone card or prepaid cell service card (yes, so they can call home);
  
• A prepaid Mastercard or Visa gift card with some spending money attached (and instructions that they should use this for something they want—as opposed to something they need);
  
• A survival guide for freshmen (such as How to Survive Your Freshman Year from Hundreds of Heads Books);
  
• A cookbook with recipes that can be managed with no more than a microwave or hotpot (take a look at 101 Things to do with Ramen Noodles--you’d be amazed what can be done with these noodles);
  
• An easy to read guide on how to eat well (something like The College Student's Guide to Eating Well on Campus);
  
• A quick reference on money management (perhaps 1000 Best Smart Money Secrets for Students); and
  
• A really good inspirational guide for college students (I really like God Any Time Any Place - The Many Ways College Students Pray and Chicken Soup for the College Soul - Inspiring and Humorous Stories About College).

Put all of these things in a reusable basket or storage container—something that the student can put to good use in the dormitory—add a bow or ribbon in their college colors, place in a sturdy box and ship.

Join me next week for tips and tricks for handling the actual move to campus.

Until next time!

Lynn Byrne

Preparing for college admissions? Trying to find direction? Need a little help with the planning? Check out my college planning series:

• College Planning Made Easy--the planning and preparation workbook for the take charge, college-bound student,
  
• Paying for College Made Easy--a college financing guide designed to assist students and families in preparing and planning for higher education expenses; and
  
• The Great Scholarship Search--my guide for students and parents researching and applying for scholarship funding.