College Bound: Are You Prepared for Dorm-Life?

Preparing for college can be one of the biggest life-changing moments of your life! Not only are you leaving home, but you are getting your first dose of independence. Don't get to college without being totally prepared. Not only can be you be prepared but you can know all those little bits of info that can make your first weeks in college magical, and moments to remember.

1. An alarm clock is your best friend.

Long nights study can make an alarm clock come in handy! Just make sure you keep it beside your bed and have the sound turned high!

2. A Cell Phone is a Necessity.

You never know when you need have an emergency and are blocks away from your dorm. Keep your cell phone handy.

3. A Laptop makes life easier.

A computer nowadays is a necessity in college. Having a laptop can make life even easier as you can take your laptop from class to class. Who wants to study inside? With a laptop, you can sit under a tree, in the park, or in the library!

4. A iPod Keeps the music alive!

You will never have a dull moment in college with your iPod. When money is tight, get your songs on iTunes for cheap music!

5. A Bathrobe will keep you modest.

Let's face it. When you're in a dorm room, you tend to see everyone. Have your bathrobe handy for those quick trips across the hall!

6. A handy-dandy basket keeps life tidy!

Living in the dorm can be fun! Whether you are hanging in a friend's room or heading to the large bathroom. Have your large basket to take all your supplies back and forth!

7. Clothing for all seasons.

When you pack for college, remember to pack up for all the different seasons. Don't leave home without a warm coat and long sleeve shirts. Note: Often times, you can find college clothing stores that have cheap clothing. You might find just what you need, keep your budget, and still have all your winter clothing. Check around your college city for cheap clothing stores!

8. Bring your bedding.

There is nothing like sleeping in a new bed that can keep you awake at nights. Bring your sheets, blankets, pillowcases, towels, plus wash clothes. Bringing as much from home as possible will help you be better prepared for college life.

9. Create dorm rules.

Let's face it. You might not like your roommate so it is better to make those ground rules from the beginning. The first couple of days are always the hardest. You have to get to know each other. Learn each others habits. And yes, establish ground rules to make the rest of your college year bearable!

10. Parents can and should back off.

I know this is a hard one but when your child heads off to college, give them a break. Don't call excessively. They need to declare their independence without you smothering them. Remember, living away at college means they are living on a budget. They will come home for a home cooked meal!

Tips for Leaving the Parents for College

It sounds funny to think that we would need to prepare ourselves to leave the parents behind. Yet, this can be an emotional time for both the child and parent. The child is growing up and finally leaving the nest to finally break away. The parent is pensively watching as their sweet child leaves home for the first time. You bet it can be emotional.

Learn some quick tips to dealing with parents when you go off to college:

Set your ground rules with parents.

We know how much the parents love us, yet we want breathing room. The best way to achieve this is to set the rules from the beginning. No excessive calling, no showing up uninvited, etc...

Keep the communication line open.

Many times, parents just want to know you are all right. Take a moment to text, call, or email your parents to let them know you are fine. A simple gesture like this can really make a different for parents and grandparents.

Go home for the holidays.

Forget about free food, the holidays are a wonderful way to make sure the parents understand that you are finally settling down with your new-found independence. Life is good and you want to ease their minds. Holidays are the perfect time to restate your life for college life, your dorm, and your lifestyle.

Send pictures.

There is nothing that eases a moms heart better than a picture. Make your parents apart of your new college life by sending pictures. Make them feel cared for!