The Parent's Checklist for the College Move

After all the necessary arrangements have been made, the day is fast approaching for the college freshman to move away, and while everything that's moving out with them has been established, there are other last minute things still yet to do. A final checklist of items that need addressing should include the following.

Establish Health Insurance

After your child completes high school, your family plan might change. Make certain that insurance doesn't lapse. It may be better to get health coverage through the college or university.

Contents Insurance Coverage

Your homeowner's policy might cover the student's content in the dorm room, but that should not be automatically assumed. If at some point your child moves off campus, renter's insurance is an important consideration. Electronics and other contents of value can disappear quickly in a college environment.

Cell Package - Keeping the Communication Lines Open

Depending on how far away the college is from home, the current calling plan on the cell phone might need updating for the new student. If changes are made to the plan personally at a local carrier, the student should visit the service representative to hear about how the plan works before leaving home.

If a plan can be established for a reasonable amount, it is much better to have unlimited talk minutes and texting to avoid overruns. The student should know how to check available minutes if the plan is limited.

Automobile Insurance

Your auto policy might make provisions for the use of the car while the student is attending school, especially if they will not be driving while on campus. If it is possible to get prorated or part time insurance because your child won't be a full time driver, it can result in substantial savings.

Credit Cards

With great power comes a great deal of foolish charges for the student who doesn't understand the importance of restraint. Every parent who gives a child a credit card has to make it perfectly clear what it can and can't be used for, along with how much can be charged on a monthly basis.

Fill Out a Health Care Proxy

You may be able to get a form online or from your doctor to have in case something happens to your child medically. You will need something like this before doctors or health care providers will speak to you about your child who is over 18 years old. Many times the school will make arrangements for this document.

Keep Records of Everything

Take everything in the student's wallet and make copies so that replacements can be made should anything become lost. Credit and debit card numbers need to be on file for cancellation quickly should it be necessary.