Jun 08, 2021 09:40 AM EDT By Ernest Hamilton, UniversityHerald Reporter

Going to college is somewhat like a modern-day rite of passage. This is the time when your child has officially reached the age when they can leave the nest, and finally take some real personal accountability for their own life. 

But, sending your child off to college can also be an emotional experience. 

Maybe you're used to having someone else in the house, and an empty chair can leave your house feeling much colder and quieter than you'd thought. 

Regardless of the emotional angst you'll probably go through, sending your child off to college should always be a memorable experience for them, not so much for you. Truthfully, it should be a memorable experience for both of you, but in order for this to be so, you'll want to consider the following.

Getting Them There

If your new college student is going to drive him or herself to college, congratulations, you have a bonafide young adult on your hands and you have nothing further to worry about.

If only it were that simple...

On a serious note, however, if you're sending your child off to college in his or her own vehicle, you'll need to consider comparing auto insurance quotes for the best coverage in order to ensure your teen is properly protected. The thought of them driving around can be stressful enough, but with proper insurance, you'll rest easier at night. 

Whether or not you'll be taking your teen to college and waving them goodbye or letting them drive away from home in their own car, you'll want to ensure that they have everything they'll need once they arrive. 

Everyday items you'll want to ensure they bring along can include but aren't limited to the following list:

• Laundry Bag and Detergent 

• Family Pictures

• Study Supplies 

• Seasonal Clothing

• Mini-toolkit 

• Desk Lamp

• Dry Erase or Bulletin Board 

• Storage bins

• Laptop/Tablet

• USB memory storage (for file backups)

Keep in mind that the shortlist above contains only basic items. Depending on what your child's college dorm provides, you'll want to add to the list or modify it to suit. 

Research the Area

This is not really going to apply if your student is going to the community college a few blocks from home. But, for those venturing far and wide, proper research into the city or town where your child will be attending school is part of every parent's due diligence. 

First, you'll want to find out what the major industries are around town. Look to see what sort of employment opportunities are nearby. Maybe your child wants to get a part-time job while they're away. If so, do some research and make a few recommendations on where they could possibly find a part-time job off-campus. 

Additionally, look for recreation venues. Your college student won't always be in class or in his or her dorm. They'll want to venture off-campus and explore the surrounding area. 

Maybe your child's school is near natural open spaces, or close to a beach or a national park. If so, do some checking around to see what's available, and encourage them to get out and explore. 

Learning about their immediate world while away teaches real-world skills, and these experiences are part of the mark of someone well-traveled. 

Keep In Touch

Of course, you'll want to keep in touch with your new college student, but try not to call them every single day. 

Now is the time for your young adult to learn the value of independence and self-reliance, so constantly checking in on them is going to make them feel just as much like a child as they were before leaving home. 

Give your student the feel of being away from home. Give it some time, then check-in after a week or so. Or, let them reach out to you first. 

Going away to school is a huge milestone for both the parent and the child, so understand that nerves will be tested and stress will be running high. 

But, with a little time, you and your student will both ease into this new state of normal, and before you know it, you'll be watching them wearing a cap and gown, with a college diploma in hand.

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