Recommended Prerequisite Knowledge

There will be many times in your student’s college career when the successful completion of one course is required before moving on to the next course in a curriculum. While the following topics are not required before arriving at Auburn, knowledge in each of these areas is highly recommended and has been known to ease the transition to college.

Banking

Something that often falls through the cracks when sending your student to college is discussing who will handle the money. Find a bank that allows both student and parent access. It helps to have a physical bank location in the student’s hometown, as well as Auburn. Review the following “How-To” skills with your student:

• Make a Deposit.
• Endorse a check.
• Get cash.
• Write a check.
• Pay a bill.
• Monitor your balance.
• Follow a budget.

Automotive Basics

If your student will have their own car or be riding along with a friend, it is important that they know how to respond in an unexpected situation. Be sure that your student has a picture of BOTH sides of their car insurance card and their vehicle registration, so they have it on their phone. Talk through how to respond in the following scenarios.

• Having a mechanical problem on a busy road.
• Having a mechanical problem in a parking lot.
• Getting a parking ticket.
• Being pulled over by police.
• Maintenance and upkeep of the vehicle.

Correspondence

In a collegiate setting, it is generally expected that students communicate directly with others on their own behalf. If your student is facing difficulties in a class, encourage them to discuss it with their professor after class, send an email, or visit their professor’s office hours, which are listed on the course syllabus. It is always best for professors to communicate with students rather than with parents. Effective communication takes practice; be sure your student arrives at Auburn ready to:

• Write a respectful email.
• Make an appointment by phone.
• Address, stamp, and mail an envelope.

Household Adulting

Refine skills and have your student prove their household adulting prowess while reaping the benefits before they head to college. Provide opportunities for your student to:

• Clean a bathroom sink, shower, and toilet.
• Wash, dry, and fold laundry, including towels and bedding.
• Turn off water to a sink or toilet.
• Know how to use a plunger.
• Demonstrate basic cooking and food safety.

Health Insurance & First Aid

Many students arrive at Auburn with almost no knowledge about health insurance. It is time to provide some foundational information about how it works. Be sure your student understands what a co-pay is and choose local providers before your student is sick. Have your student take a picture of BOTH sides of their insurance card so they have it on their phone. Be sure your student has the know-how to:

• Clean and bandage a wound.
• Use over-the-counter medications in the proper dosage.

Discuss scenarios with your student to help them discern when a situation is best handled at an urgent care vs. going to an emergency room. Review circumstances when it is advised to call 911.