How to make the most of your high school senior’s last summer before college
Here are some smart ways rising college freshmen can prepare for college
They are about to “walk” – across the stage, that is…and collect their high school diploma. For high school seniors, this summer often feels like a well-earned exhale.
The applications are finished. Decisions have been made. Graduation parties are winding down. After years of deadlines, tests, practices, performances, and packed calendars, many students and parents are ready for a break. And they deserve it.
But this final summer at home is also more than that. It’s an opportunity to prepare for one of the biggest transitions of their lives. College brings freedom, excitement, challenge, and, for many students, a level of independence they’ve never experienced before.
The students who thrive in their freshman year don’t arrive with all the answers. They have practiced a few essential life skills before move-in day.
Here are eight practical ways seniors can use this summer wisely.
- Learn how to manage a calendar
In college, no one reminds students about assignments, meetings, labs, workouts, or laundry. This summer, encourage your student to manage their own schedule, which includes their appointments, work shifts, social plans, and family obligations. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s ownership.
- Practice managing money
Freshman year often brings students their first taste of financial freedom…and financial mistakes. Help your student create a simple monthly budget. Talk about debit cards, credit cards, Venmo, subscriptions, impulse spending, and how quickly “just coffee” adds up. A little financial literacy now can prevent expensive lessons later.
- Own the morning routine
If your student relies on multiple alarms or wake-up calls, summer is the time to change that. They need to be able to get themselves up, dressed, and arrive on time consistently? This sounds simple. It’s not.
- Learn basic cooking and nutrition
Students don’t need to become Executive Chefs, but every student should know how to make a few healthy, inexpensive meals. Teach them how to grocery shop, read expiration dates, store leftovers, and prepare basics like eggs, pasta, grilled chicken, rice, or a smoothie.
- Do their own laundry—start to finish
Empower them to take care of their own laundry needs. This includes buying detergents, fabric softeners, etc., reading instructions on the washing machine, separating clothes by color, and identifying specific fabric washing requirements. Teach them about best practices for drying, especially personal items. They need to know how to treat stains and which items are likely to shrink.
- Understand their healthcare needs
Does your student know their medications? Allergies? Insurance card? How to schedule a doctor’s appointment? How to refill a prescription? Make sure they have an ICE (In Case of Emergency) contact locally.
- Learn to be their own best advocate and ask for help when needed
Students need to be comfortable reaching out to a professor, TA (Teaching Assistant), or their advisor, whether is via email or phone call. They may need to speak to the financial aid office, registrar, housing or the Career Center. Encourage your student to make a few real-world phone calls this summer. If something is confusing, uncomfortable, or difficult, can your student speak up?
- Talk honestly about social pressure
Alcohol. Relationships. Roommates. Balanced Diet. Homework. Sleep. Stress. Loneliness. Freedom. These conversations may feel awkward—but silence doesn’t prepare students. Just opening the door to these conversations will make it easier for them to deal with typical freshman challenges.
This summer is a season of transition for the entire family. Give yourself and everyone in your family a little extra grace. Prioritize your relationship with your child and be willing to let some things slide. Put a high value on your family time: take the trip. go to dinner. watch the movie. sit on the porch. tell stories and enjoy your time together. While college is about launching, summer is still about home.
The hope is that students leave home with both practical skills and full hearts, and they’ll be far better prepared for what comes next.
Bierer is an independent college adviser based in Charlotte. Send questions to: lee@bierercollegeconsulting.com; www.bierercollegeconsulting.com