Consider college a prep course for real life. Your adorable baby, on their own for the first time now, not only has to wake up on time but get to class, finish homework, study for tests, eat, clean and function as a semi-independent adult, maybe for the first time. Here are 10 things you can do to help them organize and ease their transition to the real world:

1.     Teach your college-bound kid how to do laundry (and remind them that if they wash that red sweatshirt with white socks, they may end up with a bunch of pink socks!). Or get them something like Shout Color Catcher if they are prone to dumping everything in together!

2.     Have them get used to waking up to an alarm on their own.

3.     Have an open discussion about spending money and budgeting.

4.     Do advance problem solving with your student about potential roommate problems.

5.     Discuss how you will keep in touch and how often (phone, text, e-mail, etc.).

6.     Check with your health insurance provider and home insurance provider to determine coverage for your student away from home.

7.     If your child is not taking a car to college, check with your insurance company about changing their status to part-time driver, which will save you money while they are away at school.

8.     On college visits and at freshman orientation your student will learn what is and is not allowed in their dorm (fridge, microwave, coffee maker, etc.), as well as any tips for certain items (extra-long twin sheets, for example). Use these guidelines to make your shopping list!

9.     Help them fix up a small bin or lidded tub with ibuprofen or acetaminophen, band-aids, first-aid cream, sunscreen, bug spray, cold and flu medicine, vitamins and anything else they may need for good health.

10. Remind them that to be successful they need to keep track of assignments and items needed for class. Simple organization steps like taking time to lay out the next day’s items and putting things away will help them get the most from their college experience.

Take a deep breath and remember it’s all going to be okay! And remember we’re here if you need help organizing your college student!