You can help your child adjust to their new life by doing the following

Colleges will provide resources and lists to assist you in purchasing everything from bedding to meal plans, but there are arguably more important things you can do to prepare your child; you can give him a set of emotional skills. Skills for thriving in a new and challenging environment are the most valuable gifts you can give, not only for his college years, but for his future.

Help your child:

• Call to check in and call when lonely, but learn to make decisions on his own;

• Learn to wake up without assistance;

• Learn to take responsibility for strong or weak academic work;

• Prepare to meet new people. He will be exposed to things both fabulous and distasteful; how will he handle both?

• Jump into campus activities. It will enrich his experience, and students always regret not doing enough during the four years.

• Learn how to ask for help—from professors, TAs, and RAs—and know how to find and use campus resources such as offices of Student Life, Religious Life, and Medical Services (including psychological care).