Visiting colleges with your teen is part of the process of choosing the right college with him/her. Also, when you feel comfortable about the college your teen attends, it helps prevent empty nest syndrome. So, it really is important for you to enjoy the college visits too. Here are some established tips for you to get the most out of your teen’s college visit.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: one day or one weekend for the visit
Here's How:
- Check with the college to see when they offer campus tours, which days of the week and what hours of the day. Ask if you need to sign up or just show up. If you need to sign up, do so as soon as possible as the tours can fill up rather quickly.
- Avoid feeling rushed. Give yourself plenty of time to be where you/your teen needs to be through the visit.
- Get several sets of directions to the college from the place you are staying. The college will have a set, but try to get another on an internet map service as I have found directions on college websites and in pamphlets to be outdated at times.
- Look at the college grounds map, often they are available on the college’s website, and mark off areas you would like to see. Map out your own ‘walking tour’. Even if you will be on tour with a group, make time to tour on your own and reflect on the next step your teen will be taking.
- Budget for a meal at the school. Check cafeteria hours and prices or ask about the campus café. Eating on campus is a fun experience and you will know what your teen means when they are missing homemade meals.
- Take measurements and keep notes. The size and color of the dorm room, bed, closet, windows, etc. are important pieces of information when relatives are calling about giving graduation gifts.
- Stop by the admissions office and the student center. Have your teen pick up information on majors and student clubs. This will help your teen get a feel for what the college offers.
- A stop at the student store can be fun too. Even if this isn’t the college your teen chooses, buying something with the college name will be a valued memento.
Tips:
- Make other plans for your teen’s siblings. This is the perfect opportunity for one-on-one time with your soon-to-be young adult. While it may seem, at first, to be good family time, rethink that. Handoff the responsibility of your other children for the day/weekend and give all of your attention to the one who is taking this big step towards adulthood. You’ll be happy you did.
- Take pictures, even goofy ones. Treasure these memories; they only come once.
Parenting Quizzes for Parents of Teens
