one area usually overlooked… how to eat healthy in college. Need to know what they have access to in terms of the dining halls, what appliances they can have in their dorms, community kitchen etc. The freshman15 doesn’t have to be automatic. This is a pretty extensive yet easy to navigate resource with pdf tips list, https://myweightclinic.com/how-to-eat-healthy-in-college/
Definitely get them a bank account with credit card and show them how to do the banking on line.
Don’t forget virus protection for their computer.
Cold medication- because if you are under 21 you are not able to buy it
Be sure they have contacts of family friends and anyone they might need as a reference for potential jobs. And in that light be sure they have their Social security card.
A nice mattress pad.
@hspmom, there is no way that I would send the SS card to school with my daughter.Memorizing it is enough. If you child needs to fill out an I-9 verification form for employment purposes and does not have a passport (from list A), then he/she can provide a driver’s license (from list B) and a birth certificate (from list C). For list C, you CAN supply either a birth certificate or SS card, but I would rather supply the birth certificate for security purposes. And to keep these documents safe, make sure your child has some type of lock box or mini safe. I did this for my two daughters and they keep it hidden in their closet.
I-9 verification: http://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/acceptable-documents
@TiggyB62 @hspmom - we sent just the passport card with my son for his I-9 verification at his HS summer job, and that seemed the most “easy to replace” if it came to that. Agree that kids should memorize SS# but not carry the card.
ETA - I think it would be good for every teen (or for sure while entering college) to own both a passport and the passport card.
@fretfulmother yes, my kids have both the passport card and passport book. It’s really not that much more to get them both together.
Yes, I was wondering how that would work for getting a job at school, I would not like to send passport or SS card with D to school. Can the birth certificate be a notarized copy?
Also D will not need to bring a CC to school, she has a debit card that I can remotely add money to the same day if needed, and the student ID has a function where you can add funds for laundry and such.
Don’t forget to forward immunization records to the college.
@mommdc for I-9 verification, you need IDs from list A or two from list B and C. Meaning, a passport alone is all that is needed, or if no passport, then you can supply a driver’s license (acceptable from list B) and a birth certificate (acceptable from list C). I posted a link in post #222 for I-9 verification forms.
We put immunization records in a cloud drive.
@mommdc, Passport card will be fine. If you do give birth certificate - always only give notarized copy not real. I really prefer passport card since that can easily be replaced and is a valid doc - just like passport. It is limited too - as in I believe valid for land travel to Canada and Mexico. Not valid for flying. I am not sure about cruise to Bahamas… but may be that too… So, limited liability and still valid! Go for it!
@mommdc @TiggyB62 @ fretfulmother Passport is actually time consuming to replace (taking picture etc.) My son wanted his SS card for something other than job. For a job they will often take a photo copy of the ss# if you want to sent it to them.
Well as @cd2015 says, passport card my preferable (my Ds have both) since it is easier to replace. I still would not recommend carrying SS card in your wallet, nor a photocopy of it. Too much risk if it a) gets physically lost/stolen, or b) if someone sees it and memorizes the number.
If anyone is buying from Residence hall Linens here is a 35% off coupon http://www.goodsearch.com/residence-hall-linens/coupons
Re: SS Card. I believe that where I teach the SS card itself is required when filling out employment paperwork.
I checked an email that was sent to a student I will be supervising and it says he will need the following for his appointment with HR:
"Here is a list of items that you will need to bring to your appointment:
· Social Security Card – A copy will be made and is required for payroll purposes.
· Original documents needed to complete the Form I-9 - to verify your identity and eligibility to work in the Unites States. Click here for a list of acceptable documents found on page 9. You must bring original documents, copies of documents will not be accepted. Please do not print a copy of the I-9 form, one will be provided to you during your appointment.
· Voided Check – To attach to your direct deposit form."
Every school may be different, so if your child will be seeking employment, you may want them to call HR at their school to ask.
I made a list after reading this entire thread and other sources… this is my list and highlights of key points, in case it might be helpful to others:
List to pack/have: * means buy there or pick up at BB&B due to bulkiness
memory foam pad 2 inch *
bed bug mattress cover (about $60) *
xlong twin sheets, 2 sets, 2 pillows *
down comforter and duvet cover or polyfill standard comforter *
2-3 sets of towels, unique *
iron *
hangers *
toiletries caddy *
2 of each?: cups, plates, bowls, utensils, chip clips
surge protector power strips, extension cord
3M command hooks, tools (swiss army knife?), screwdriver, bottle cap/can opener
tapes: scotch tape, duct tape?, luggage lock
scissors, small mirror, sewing kit
laundry sack and detergent pods, downey wrinkle release spray
batteries
papers folders pens pencils
cash, quarters
meds: nasal spray for stuffy nose, motrin, antibiotic ointment, telfa, tegaderm, ace wraps, gauze, cough lozenges, steri strips, tape, bandaids, nail clipper, sun block, toothbrush electric and manual, floss, toothpaste, deodorant, hair gel, soaps. cold meds- Nyquil, peptobismol
Buy there: shampoo/conditioner *
flip flops, swimsuit.
passport, credit and debit cards, social sec card, birth certificate, immun record?
stamps and envelopes
2 personal photos of family
clothes
laptop pad and fan
lockbox
general advice:
As soon as your child turns 18, regardless if they are going to college or not, get a power of attorney signed for all areas, including medical decisions. Why? Because anything can happen. My older daughter was hit by a car that left her in a coma with a traumatic brain injury. Once she turned 18 (when she was still in rehab and emerging), I lost all access to her health insurance information (even though I am the insurance holder) along with access to any financial records that was not in a joint account. You do NOT want to be put in a position to have to go to court to request guardianship if your child is sick or injured.
get the FERPA form signed so that you have access to your student information and can advocate on their behalf
I now have been using East West Bank as my bank for college students. Checking account is really free. no mim or direct deposit needed. unlimited atm card usage nationwide. no fee for incoming wires. free online, billpay and mobile banking and a starter credit card with no annual fee and rewards pts.
Across the board the first bank i have come across with no hidden fees and or negatives.
The Meningitis B vaccines are an important advancement - and supplement the Menactra vaccine. Meningitis B is the more serious/fatal form that crops up on college campuses - fyi, informative story on U of Oregon outbreak here:http://www.oregonlive.com/education/index.ssf/2015/02/university_of_oregon_meningiti.html. I was relieved that the FDA finally approved these vaccines - Trumenba and Bexsero - but our doctors here in northern California and our son’s college health center said they had to wait for the CDC to formally recommend this vaccine on their immunization schedule before it would be stocked/available and insurance would pay for it. Fortunately, the CDC Advisory Committee issued the recommendation in June that high school & college students get this vaccine (permissive vs. routine use but still good):http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/blog/health-care-daily/2015/06/cdc-advisory-committee-recommends-meningitis-b.html, http://www.nmaus.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/NMA_June-ACIP-Meeting_Press-Release.pdf – so there is a chance it will soon become available! You can ask your college student heath center.
Take photos of the room, furniture, beds, walls, ceilings, etc on move in day. There is usually a checklist that the RA will give you to sign. Make note if there are pinholes in walls, stained or scratched furniture, etc. Have your student copy the form and send a copy home. Trust me, this and the photos came in very handy one year when the college tried to send a bill for “damages”.
As a college student, your child is eligible for a free Prime account for 6 mos ($49 after). I just place orders from his account.
Your student is usually covered under your homeowner’s insurance. Typically the parent’s insurance deductible is ~$500.
Make sure your kid knows his/her SS# by heart. They will need to for the rest of their lives, but many HS kids don’t know it.
Order some checks.
he should do the unpacking so he knows where everything is.
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One thing I remembered last minute that might come in handy: a gallon ziploc bag of rice in case the phone gets wet. We’ve saved a phone at least 3 times with this trick.
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@suzy100 , you have the best foresight I have seen! Not in a million years I would have thought of rice bags!
I packed a rice bag because of Suzy.
Now we are going through the orientation outdoor trip packing list…
Well, I did forget the goldfish crackers.
Please don’t buy textbook from college bookstore.
Try to find pdf files on internet or buy used books. I saved so much money from it