Stage 6 of 7
Transition
Handle the logistics, not just the excitement.
- Timeframe
- Spring after committing through the summer before college begins
- Primary goal
- Prepare for the practical and personal transition to college.
- Effort
- Spring and summer planning works best as a series of deadline checks and practical conversations, not one marathon checklist. Timing varies by institution and housing arrangement.
Quick Start
Start with these three priorities:
- 1Check your college's enrollment portal and put all upcoming deadlines in one place, including housing, orientation, health forms, insurance, and tuition payments.
- 2Complete time-sensitive requirements first, especially housing applications, orientation registration, and any required placement testing.
- 3Gather health and immunization records, review insurance coverage, and complete any required health forms or insurance waiver before their deadlines.
Stage Snapshot
Once your student has committed to a college, the next phase begins. Between spring and move-in, families may need to complete health forms, confirm insurance coverage, register for orientation, arrange housing, review tuition bills, and prepare for course registration. Many of these requirements have deadlines well before the first day of classes.
The key is to follow your college's actual instructions and deadlines rather than relying on a generic summer checklist. Some tasks can be completed quickly, while others involve decisions, documents, or conversations that take more time. Your student should increasingly take the lead, with parents providing support where needed.
This stage is also about more than paperwork. It's an opportunity to talk about expectations, independence, communication, and how your student will navigate college life with growing confidence.
Getting a late start?
Begin with the requirements that have the nearest deadlines or could affect enrollment, housing, registration, or financial arrangements. Contact the relevant college office promptly if a deadline has already passed rather than assuming the opportunity is lost.
Unlock the complete Transition guide.
- Nine prioritized action steps
- Interactive 17-item checklist with saved progress
- Health insurance decision guidance
- Housing, billing, and move-in preparation
Full access includes all seven stages, Trusted Resources, Deadlines, the Family Planning Meeting, and the Scholarship Tracker.