50 Things To Do Before Your Teen Heads to College

It sneaks up fast.
One minute they’re asking you to tie their shoes. The next, you’re shopping for dorm bedding and figuring out meal plans.

Sending a teen off to college is exciting, emotional, and let’s be real…a little overwhelming.

Our oldest is just starting the college process.

Here are some things we want to help him with over the course of the next year before he heads out:

1. Teach them how to do laundry
Show them how to separate lights from darks, measure detergent, and avoid shrinking their favorite hoodie.

2. Make sure they can cook 3-4 simple meals
Scrambled eggs, pasta, tacos…nothing fancy. Just enough so they don’t live on Taco Bell and Doritos.

3. Review basic money management
Budgeting, checking accounts, debit cards, and the dangers of overdraft fees.

4. Go over credit card basics
Interest rates, minimum payments, and why “free T-shirts for signing up” are never free.

5. Practice calling to make appointments
Doctor, dentist, car repairs. A little phone confidence goes a long way.

6. Show them how to read an insurance card
Health and car insurance can be confusing. Walk through what each number means.

7. Teach them how to change a tire
Or at least how to call roadside assistance if needed.

8. Discuss basic car maintenance
Oil changes, tire pressure, and why ignoring the “check engine” light is never a good idea.

9. Practice navigating without GPS
What if their phone dies? Old-school map skills aren’t useless.

10. Go over roommate etiquette
Noise levels, sharing space, cleaning schedules, etc. Set them up to be a good roommate.

11. Talk about peer pressure
Alcohol, drugs, relationships…keep it real and leave the door open for honest conversations.

12. Teach basic sewing skills
Sewing on a button or fixing a small tear can save clothes (and money).

13. Review first aid basics
Bandages, pain relievers, when to see a doctor.

14. Walk through campus safety tips
Emergency numbers, blue light stations, and safe transportation options.

15. Discuss mental health resources
Where to go for counseling or support if things feel overwhelming.

16. Show them how to clean a bathroom
Because no one wants to live in a science experiment.

17. Talk about sleep habits
Late nights are fine sometimes. Chronic sleep deprivation? Not so much.

18. Set up online bill payments
So things like car insurance or phone bills don’t get missed.

19. Review time management skills
Planners, apps, or old-fashioned calendars…whatever helps them stay on top of assignments.

20. Talk about laundry schedules
Pro tip: once a week prevents Mount Laundry from taking over the room.

21. Teach them how to handle conflicts
Roommates, group projects, friends…learning to talk things out is key.

22. Discuss social media boundaries
What goes online can follow them for years.

23. Make sure they know how to write a professional email
“Hey Prof” isn’t always the best way to start.

24. Review dorm packing lists together
Focus on essentials, not 50 throw pillows.

25. Practice grocery shopping on a budget
Comparing prices, avoiding impulse buys, and planning meals ahead.

26. Talk about transportation options
Campus shuttles, buses, carpooling, rideshares.

27. Review safety when going out
Stay with friends, have a plan, and don’t leave drinks unattended.

28. Teach them how to handle paperwork
Tax forms, housing agreements, medical forms…they’ll see plenty.

29. Practice polite refusals
They’ll be invited to things they can’t or shouldn’t do. A firm but kind “no thanks” is a skill.

30. Go over basic cleaning routines
Sweeping, wiping down counters, changing sheets…dorm rooms get gross fast.

31. Talk about nutrition basics
Pizza’s fine. Pizza every meal? Not so much.

32. Encourage regular exercise
Walking, gym workouts, pickle ball, disc golf, etc. Whatever keeps them moving.

33. Practice laundry stain removal
Because spaghetti sauce happens.

34. Go over basic kitchen safety
Hot pans, sharp knives, and why smoke alarms shouldn’t be ignored.

35. Set expectations for communication
Do you want a text every day? A call once a week? Agree before move-in day.

36. Talk about safe dating
Respect, consent, and boundaries.

37. Teach them how to handle homesickness
It’s normal. Remind them it usually fades as they settle in.

38. Show them how to return or exchange items
Receipts, store policies, and online returns come in handy.

39. Discuss alcohol safety
If they choose to drink, talk about limits, pacing, and never driving afterward.

40. Help them memorize important phone numbers
Phones die. Knowing at least a few key numbers matters.

41. Walk through campus maps
Help them find the dining hall, library, and health center before classes start.

42. Talk about goal setting
Short-term and long-term goals help keep college on track.

43. Discuss academic resources
Tutoring centers, office hours, and study groups can be game changers.

44. Encourage networking skills
Professors, mentors, and internship supervisors can open doors later.

45. Practice stress management
Breathing exercises, journaling, or just taking breaks when life gets hectic.

46. Go over travel planning
Flights, trains, or rides home for holidays…teach them to plan ahead.

47. Talk about financial aid deadlines
Scholarships and FAFSA dates sneak up fast.

48. Make sure they know laundry symbols
Those little icons on clothing tags actually mean something.

49. Have the “what if” conversation
Lost wallet, stolen phone, emergency contacts…plan for the unexpected.

50. Celebrate this milestone together
College isn’t just their new chapter. It’s yours, too. Make time for one last family memory before move-in day.

Final Thoughts

College prep isn’t just about packing boxes. It’s about sending them off with the skills, confidence, and independence to thrive.

Pick a few things each week to tackle together. By move-in day, you’ll both feel ready and a little less overwhelmed (at least that’s what I’m hoping for).