If your son or daughter is the first in your family to go to college, you probably want to do everything possible to be supportive. With patience and a little organization, you can make sure your student has everything they need to be successful. Do the following with your child as he or she prepares for college:

Save money. If you haven’t been, there’s no time like the present to start putting money away to help pay for college-related expenses (clothes, food etc.). Even if your child will be living at home, be prepared for the little things you may need to spend money on. Some common expenses include, but are not limited to: transportation costs, school apparel, basic school supplies, books, lab or class related equipment and social activities with other students.

Complete the paperwork. It isn’t fun, but it must be done. Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA form, gives your college student access to federal grants, loans, work-study employment and scholarships. If you need help filling out the FASFA form, contact a high school counselor or financial aid officer at your college of choice.

Explore scholarships. There are a lot of organizations that offer scholarships for students with good grades, financial need, special skills or interests or for students from a specific racial or ethnic background. Start by taking a look at our list of scholarships.

Stay in touch. If your child's school will be hours away from home, consider inexpensive ways to keep them in touch with family. In addition to texting and email, there’s also Skype, a free online telephone service that allows you to make video calls and send instant messages. Research other Voice-Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) systems that may help you save money.

Prepare for dorm life. Contact the school to find out what it provides for dorm residents (Is there air conditioning? Is it Internet-ready?). Practical supplies you should consider:

• TV
• Laptop (Makes schoolwork more convenient, but the college’s library computers and computer labs will also be available)
• Desk lamp
• Laundry bag
• Laundry detergent, fabric softener, etc.
• Pillows
• Towels
• Shampoo
• A fan
• Sheets (make sure you have the right size)
• Rug (if not provided)
• Hangers
• Storage bins
• Trash can
• Posters
• Tape and other basic office supplies
• Basic tools (hammer, screwdriver, wrench, etc.)
• Flip flops (especially if you have a community shower)
• Extension cords and surge protectors

See the doctor. Some universities require that new students provide their medical records showing they’re up to date with required vaccinations before they are allowed to start classes.