Heading off to college is both an exciting and terrifying undertaking. I think this is safe to say for both the student and the family members. Though my heading off to college was a much less momentous occasion than the oft portrayed experience of packing up Mom and Dad's SUV or (gasp) station wagon and heading out on the open road toward life on a university campus far from home, I have come across a few sites that have some great information about both the move itself and setting up a dorm room (or part of one as is often the case).
Container Store Page Dedicated to the Recent Graduate (the lower left corner of the page has links to a handy checklist as well as other great information)
SallieMae College Answer Page (advice from other students about the transition to college)
Tips from another Pro Organizer on Moving to College (some great stuff here, plus additional links at the end)
Here's some Advice for the Parents from About.com.
And here are a three tips from me:
1) Keep track of your accomplishments. This is beyond grades. Keep track of those activities you participate in that demonstrate qualities employers will desire - leadership, ability to prioritize and juggle multiple projects, etc. Document them somewhere you can access them when the time comes. This will help you with internship applications, as well.
2) Be very careful about your online profile. (Facebook, My Space, Twitter, etc.) Hiring managers and internship coordinators WILL look you up on the internet. Michael Phelps ring a bell? Search Engines have a LONG memory.
3) If you don't have them now, study habits and time management skills are paramount. They can mean the difference between a pleasant experience and one you'd rather forget. If you don't yet know about David Allen's productivity system "Getting Things Done" (GTD), here is a pretty good summation that is geared toward students. (Courtesy of the Study Hacks blog)
As for how to get along with a roommate whose idea of Biology 101 is the fuzzy growth that lives in his empty beer cans...I'm afraid you're on your own.
