1. Talk about money now. Sit down and set up a budget with your student. Estimate how much things are going to cost such as tuition, room and board, textbooks, phone bills, transportation, clothing, personal items, and fun money. Be sure to discuss how particular items are going to be paid, whether tuition is paid for through scholarships or loans, you are paying for it, or it is left up to the student to cover. The will help put things into perspective for your son or daughter.
2. Give them money now. If your student learns to use it wisely while in a controlled environment, they will be able to manage it better when on their own.
3. Credit Cards! Be sure to explain the difference between a debit and a credit card. While many students may say the rational for getting a credit card is to establish credit, often times students are really using it for the extra cash - not keeping in mind the high interest rates and other hidden costs such as late fees, overdraft fees, etc. Emphasize the point that all the costs racked up on a card must be paid back. The best way to handle them is to just say "NO"!

 

Check list for the start of school

New students have a great deal to think about before heading off for college. Here is a checklist of things you may want to do to help your student prepare for the upcoming adjustments:

• Teach your student practical skills:
  • laundry
  • balancing a check book
  • money management
• Discuss the difference between high school and college, especially concerning study habits. Students have to learn that things are no longer going to be done for them, they have to take the initiative if they need help in a class or need advising.
• Take your son or daughter along to the grocery store with a specific list similar to one that he or she will need when shopping his or herself. This way your student has an idea of what he or she will need and how much everything actually costs. Don't forget to add those personal items like toothpaste, shampoo, soap, paper towels and toilet paper.
• If your student is living on campus, discuss the different issues he or she may face when adjusting to a new roommate.
• If your student is living at home, sit down and discuss the house rules that need to be followed because there may be need for some change from the rules followed in high school.
• Be sure to discuss alcohol and drug issues. Talk about the types of pressure your student may face, how he or she should handle those situations, and the consequences behind poor actions. The campus drug and alcohol policy explained in the EOU Student Handbook would be a good resource to mention.
• Discuss time management with your student. Emphasize the amount of independence he or she will feel, but back that up with the idea that school is your student's first priority.
• Remind your student that this is going to be a new phase of his or her life full of great moments but also trying ones. Let them know that whatever they do or whatever mistakes they may make, you will be there for them and that you trust them to make the decisions that are right for them.

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Contact Information for Student Affairs

One University Boulevard

La Grande, OR 97850-2899

Phone: 541-962-3635

E-Mail: saffairs@eou.edu