Preparing for the Transition

Before your student leaves home, make a checklist of important tasks.

Consider:

• Confirming housing arrangements

• Creating a monthly budget

• Organizing important documents

• Reviewing insurance coverage

• Scheduling annual medical appointments

• Discussing emergency contacts

• Setting up banking and payment apps

• Packing essential supplies

A little planning now can make move-in day much smoother.

Budgeting for College

College expenses go well beyond tuition.

Families should plan for:

• Housing

• Meal plans

• Books and supplies

• Transportation

• Clothing

• Technology

• Entertainment

• Emergency expenses

Encouraging your student to track spending early can help build lifelong financial habits.

Understanding Student Housing

Whether your student lives on campus or off campus, housing deserves careful consideration.

Questions to ask include:

• What security features are available?

• Is renters insurance recommended or required?

• What utilities are included?

• How far is housing from campus?

• Is parking available?

Understanding the lease or housing agreement before signing can help avoid surprises later.

Review Your Insurance

College is one of the most important times to review your family's insurance.

Auto Insurance

If your student takes a vehicle to school:

• Confirm the vehicle is properly insured.

• Update garaging information if required.

• Review liability limits.

• Ask about student discounts that may be available.

If your child leaves a vehicle at home, your insurance needs may also change.

Renters Insurance

Students living in apartments or rental homes may benefit from renters insurance, which can help protect personal belongings and provide liability coverage.

Some students living in residence halls may also have limited coverage under a parent's homeowners policy, but coverage varies by insurer and policy.

Review your policy before assuming your student is fully protected.

Health Insurance

Before your student leaves home:

• Verify participating doctors near campus.

• Understand urgent care and emergency coverage.

• Review prescription benefits.

• Locate nearby in-network providers.

Knowing where to seek care before it's needed can save valuable time during an emergency.

Personal Property

College students often bring valuable belongings, including:

• Laptops

• Tablets

• Phones

• Bicycles

• Musical instruments

• Cameras

Review whether these items are adequately covered under your insurance policy.

Identity Theft Protection

College students are common targets for identity theft and online scams.

Encourage your student to:

• Use strong passwords.

• Enable multi-factor authentication.

• Avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions.

• Monitor bank and credit accounts regularly.

• Be cautious when sharing personal information online.

Developing good cybersecurity habits now can help prevent future problems.

Emergency Planning

Talk through emergency situations before move-in.

Discuss:

• Severe weather procedures

• Campus emergency alerts

• Medical emergencies

• Fire evacuation plans

• Natural disasters

• Family communication plans

Knowing what to do before an emergency happens can help your student respond confidently.