Things to Discuss Before Your Child Leaves for College

After the acceptance letters have been sent and decisions made, planning for college is still not at an end. In between making a list of college dorm necessities and buying extra long twin sheets, cover these areas with your child. By addressing these things before a student leaves for college for the first time you'll help your child be confident away from home.

Financial

After all the tuition and fees are paid, your child is still going to have expenses. He will have to have means of getting cash at the very least. Only you know your child and his spending habits. Sit down with your college student and make sure that you are both clear on each of your financial expectations. Now is the time to address whether you will be supporting him at school or if you intend for him to get a job to cover expenses.

A debit card and a bank account (individual or joint) are the minimum needed for a college student. Many college bookstores only accept cash or credit, and carrying around several hundred dollars worth of cash is brings its own set of problems. Even if you decide to buy the books online for your child and have them pick up his books at the bookstore, if he has to return any of the books he will need the card that paid for them. Debit cards are a good solution, because they allow expenses to be paid for without the hazards of a credit card.

A credit card can be a good idea as well, but only within limitations that you set with your child. You might encourage him to get one for emergencies, only to find out that late night pizza runs make up the bulk of the charges. Decide who will be responsible for paying for the charges, and encourage him to not look at credit cards as a source of free money.

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