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Georgia Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)Georgia Parent Travel HubGeorgia Family Weekend 2026UGA Fall Family Weekend runs November 5 to 8. It is…
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School Guide
A Parent’s Complete Guide to Georgia State University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Georgia State University: move-in and housing, academics, money and financial aid, health and safety, and how to stay connected from…
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School Guide
A Parent’s Complete Guide to Georgia Southern University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Georgia Southern University: move-in and housing, academics, money and financial aid, health and safety, and how to stay connected from…
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School Guide
A Parent’s Complete Guide to Georgia Tech (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Georgia Tech: move-in and housing, academics, money and financial aid, health and safety, and how to stay connected from a…
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School Guide
A Parent’s Complete Guide to the University of Georgia (UGA) (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about the University of Georgia: move-in and housing, academics, money and financial aid, health and safety, and how to stay connected…
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Things to do in Ann Arbor for University of Michigan Families
University of Michigan Parent GuideAnn Arbor Local GuideThings to doUniversity of Michigan · Ann ArborThings to do in Ann Arbor7 places, verified against each business's own…
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Where to shop in Ann Arbor for University of Michigan Families
University of Michigan Parent GuideAnn Arbor Local GuideShoppingUniversity of Michigan · Ann ArborWhere to shop in Ann Arbor7 places, verified against each business's own website in…
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Where to eat in Ann Arbor for University of Michigan Families
University of Michigan Parent GuideAnn Arbor Local GuideRestaurantsUniversity of Michigan · Ann ArborWhere to eat in Ann Arbor25 places, verified against each business's own website in…
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Ann Arbor for University of Michigan Families: Where to Eat, Stay, Shop and Explore
University of Michigan Parent GuideAnn Arbor Local GuideUniversity of Michigan · Ann ArborAnn Arbor Local Guide for University of Michigan FamiliesA guide for University of Michigan…
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UMass Amherst Parents Weekend Travel Guide 2026
Parents Weekend 2026Homecoming 2026 (soon)Move-In 2027 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)UMass Amherst Parent Travel HubUMass Amherst Parents Weekend Travel Guide 2026UMass calls it Family Weekend, and it…
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JMU Family Weekend 2026
JMU Family Weekend is October 2 to 4, 2026 in Harrisonburg. James Madison hosts Marshall Saturday. Hotels, tickets, parking, airports and the full schedule.
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WSU Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Spring Family Weekend 2027 (soon)Move-In 2027 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)Washington State Parent Travel HubWashington State University Family Weekend 2026: A Parent's Guide to PullmanFall…
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Health & Legal
Prescription Drug Misuse in College: A Parent’s Guide to Prevention, Warning Signs, and Getting Help
Prescription drug misuse in college can involve stimulants, pain medications, anti-anxiety medications, and counterfeit pills. Here is how parents can talk about the risks, recognize when…
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Admissions
Common App for Parents: What to Know Before Your Student Applies to College
Learn how the Common App works, what parents should know about essays, deadlines, recommendations, fees and supplements, and how to help without taking over.
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Dorm & Packing
After College Move-In: 25 Things Students Realize They Need
Move-in is over. Now your student knows what they actually need. Here are 25 dorm items college students often discover they need after living there.
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Admissions
2026-27 SAT Dates: A Parent’s Guide to Registration, Deadlines, Scores & What to Bring
The confirmed 2026-27 SAT test dates, registration deadlines, and score release dates from College Board, plus what to bring, what to skip, and how to pick…
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Montana State Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)Montana State Parent Travel HubMontana State Family Weekend 2026Parent & Family Weekend runs October 23 to 24,…
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University of Vermont Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)University of Vermont Parent Travel HubUVM Weekend 2026UVM now combines Alumni Weekend and Parents & Family Weekend…
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Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Parent Travel HubCal Poly Family Weekend 2026Mustang Family Weekend runs October 2…
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Appalachian State Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)Appalachian State Parent Travel HubAppalachian State Family Weekend 2026Family Weekend runs October 22 to 25, opening with…
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University of Virginia Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)University of Virginia Parent Travel HubUVA Family Weekend 2026Family Weekend runs October 23 to 25, with the…
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Oregon State Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)Oregon State Parent Travel HubOregon State Family Weekend 2026This year Oregon State packed Homecoming and Fall Family…
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University of Iowa Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)University of Iowa Parent Travel HubUniversity of Iowa Family Weekend 2026Family Weekend runs September 18 to 20,…
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Iowa State Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)Iowa State Parent Travel HubIowa State Family Weekend 2026Cyclone Family Weekend runs October 23 to 25, and…
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University of Nebraska-Lincoln Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)University of Nebraska-Lincoln Parent Travel HubNebraska Family Weekend 2026Family Weekend runs September 25 to 27, and unlike…
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Virginia Tech Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)Virginia Tech Parent Travel HubVirginia Tech Family Weekend 2026Family Weekend runs October 2 to 4, and it…
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Admissions
College Tuition Reciprocity: How to Pay In-State or Reduced Tuition Out of State
Regional tuition reciprocity programs can cut the cost of an out-of-state public college. Find the right program for your state and compare the real cost.
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Admissions
What Is the Academic Common Market? How Southern Students Can Pay In-State Tuition Out of State
The Academic Common Market can let Southern students pay in-state tuition for a degree program their home state does not offer. How it actually works.
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Florida State Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)Florida State Parent Travel HubFlorida State Family Weekend 2026Family Weekend runs September 25 to 27, and it…
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College of Charleston Homecoming/Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)College of Charleston Parent Travel HubCollege of Charleston Homecoming/Family Weekend 2026College of Charleston combines Fall Alumni Weekend and Family Weekend…
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Providence College Homecoming 2026 (Family Weekend)
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Providence College Parent Travel HubProvidence College Homecoming 2026 (Family Weekend)Providence College runs its main fall parent visit as Homecoming, October…
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Boston College Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)Boston College Parent Travel HubBoston College Family Weekend 2026Family Weekend runs September 25 to 27, and it…
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Admissions
What Is WUE? How Families Can Save Thousands on Out-of-State College Tuition
WUE can lower out-of-state tuition for eligible students at Western public colleges. Learn who qualifies, what it costs, and how to compare savings.
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Binghamton University Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)Binghamton University Parent Travel HubBinghamton University Family Weekend 2026Family Weekend runs September 18 to 20, with around…
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Duke Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)Duke Parent Travel HubDuke Family Weekend 2026Family Weekend runs October 16 to 18, and it lands on…
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University of Chicago Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)University of Chicago Parent Travel HubUniversity of Chicago Family Weekend 2026Family Weekend runs October 16 to 18,…
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Johns Hopkins Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)Johns Hopkins Parent Travel HubJohns Hopkins Family Weekend 2026Family Weekend runs October 16 to 18, and the…
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Cornell Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)Cornell Parent Travel HubCornell Family Weekend 2026Family Weekend runs September 25 to 27 and it lands on…
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College Finances
The GPA Requirements No One Tells You About (Until It’s Too Late)
Most college students don't know their GPA has to stay above certain thresholds to keep scholarships, honors status, financial aid, and athletic eligibility. Here's what to…
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Junior Year
Study Abroad: A Parent’s Guide to the Junior Year Decision
Why junior year is the default study abroad window, the internship tradeoff, program costs, financial aid, safety, and supporting a student from home.
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Junior Year
Landing the Junior Year Internship: A Parent’s Guide
Why the junior-summer internship often matters more than sophomore year, early recruiting timelines, return offers, and what to do if it does not land.
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Junior Year
Junior Year of College: A Parent’s Roadmap
What defines junior year: higher recruiting stakes, the internship-or-study-abroad tension, and starting to look past graduation.
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Senior Year
First Apartment After College: A Parent’s Budget and Checklist
The real monthly budget, upfront costs, renters insurance, roommate agreements, and lease red flags for a new graduate's first apartment.
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Senior Year
The Post-Graduation Job Search: A Parent’s Guide to Supporting Without Taking Over
What genuinely helps a new graduate land a job, what tends to backfire, and how to handle the gap between graduation and a paycheck.
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Senior Year
Graduation Weekend: A Parent’s Planning Guide
When to book hotels and flights for graduation weekend, how to find rooms in a sold-out college town, and what actually happens the weekend of.
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Senior Year
Senior Year of College: A Parent’s Roadmap
What actually happens during your student's senior year of college, from fall recruiting season through graduation weekend, and how your role as a parent shifts.
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Sophomore Year
Sophomore Year Internship Search: A Parent’s Guide
A practical, step-by-step guide for parents on helping a sophomore build a resume from campus jobs and research roles, search on Handshake and LinkedIn, network without…
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Sophomore Year
Declaring a Major Sophomore Year: Deadlines and Costs
Most colleges expect students to declare a major by the end of sophomore year. Here is what parents need to know about the deadline, the credits…
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Sophomore Year
Sophomore GPA: What a 2.6 or Lower Really Means
A plain-English guide for parents on what sophomore year GPA benchmarks actually mean for declaring a major, keeping a scholarship, academic probation, and financial aid, including…
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Sophomore Year
Off-Campus Housing for Sophomores: A Parent’s Guide
A practical guide for parents helping a sophomore decide whether to move off campus, search for a place, read the lease, and budget for costs a…
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Sophomore Year
Scholarships for Sophomore Year: What Parents Should Know
Many scholarships are renewable and conditional, not one-time awards, and new major-specific money opens up sophomore year. Here is how parents can protect existing aid and…
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Health & Legal
HIPAA Medical Authorization for College Students: A Parent’s Guide
At 18, your student becomes their own patient, legally. That means the campus health center, urgent care, or any hospital they visit will not confirm to…
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Health & Legal
FERPA Educational Records Release: A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents
Paying tuition does not entitle you to see your student's grades. That surprises almost every parent the first time a registrar's office tells them no, and…
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School Guide
A Parent’s Complete Guide to Loyola University Maryland (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Loyola University Maryland: move-in and housing, academics, money and financial aid, health and safety, and how to stay connected from…
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Dorm & Packing
College Move-Out and Summer Storage: A Parent’s Guide (2026)
How to store a college dorm over the summer: what it costs in 2026, what size unit to rent, when to book, and how to split…
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USC Football Weekends 2026
Football Weekends 2026Trojan Family Weekend (soon)Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)USC Parent Travel HubUSC Football Weekends 2026USC ties its Trojan Family Weekend to a home game, but…
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Colorado (CU) Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)Colorado Parent Travel HubColorado Family Weekend 2026Family Weekend runs October 15 to 18 and it lands on…
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Washington Football Weekends 2026
Football Weekends 2026Family Weekend Fall 2026 (soon)Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Washington Parent Travel HubWashington Football Weekends 2026Washington runs a fall Family Weekend tied to a home…
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Oregon Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)Oregon Parent Travel HubOregon Family Weekend 2026Fall Family Weekend runs October 30 to November 1 and it…
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Wisconsin Football Weekends 2026
Football Weekends 2026Family Weekend Oct 2026 (soon)Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Wisconsin Parent Travel HubWisconsin Football Weekends 2026Wisconsin holds its official Family Weekend on October 9 to…
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Ohio State Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)Ohio State Parent Travel HubOhio State Family Weekend 2026Ohio State's fall family event is the Buckeye Family…
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Florida Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)Florida Parent Travel HubFlorida Family Weekend 2026Family Weekend runs September 25 to 27 and it lands on…
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Penn State Football Weekends 2026
Football Weekends 2026Parents Weekend Oct 2026 (soon)Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Penn State Parent Travel HubPenn State Football Weekends 2026Penn State holds its official Parents & Families…
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Texas Longhorns Football Weekends 2026
Football Weekends 2026Family Weekend Nov 2026 (soon)Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Texas Parent Travel HubTexas Longhorns Football Weekends 2026Texas holds its official Family Weekend on November 6…
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Michigan Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)Michigan Parent Travel HubMichigan Family Weekend 2026Parent and Family Weekend runs October 23 to 25 and it…
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Texas A&M Football Weekends 2026
Football Weekends 2026Family Weekend 2027 (soon)Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Texas A&M Parent Travel HubTexas A&M Football Weekends 2026Texas A&M does not hold a fall Family Weekend,…
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Ole Miss Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)Ole Miss Parent Travel HubOle Miss Family Weekend 2026Fall Family Weekend runs September 11 to 12 and…
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Tennessee Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)Tennessee Parent Travel HubTennessee Family Weekend 2026Tennessee runs two Vol Family Reunion weekends in fall 2026, September…
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LSU Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)LSU Parent Travel HubLSU Family Weekend 2026Family Weekend runs October 2 to 4 and it is built…
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Auburn Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)Auburn Parent Travel HubAuburn Family Weekend 2026Fall Family Weekend runs September 25 to 27 and it is…
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Notre Dame Football Weekends 2026
Football Weekends 2026Junior Parents Weekend 2027 (soon)Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Notre Dame Parent Travel HubNotre Dame Football Weekends 2026Notre Dame does not hold a fall family…
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Alabama Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)Alabama Parent Travel HubAlabama Family Weekend 2026Family Weekend runs September 25 to 27, and it lands on…
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Clemson Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)Clemson Parent Travel HubClemson Family Weekend 2026Family Weekend runs September 18 to 20, and it lands on…
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Dorm & Packing
Binghamton University Packing List for Parents (2026)
The Binghamton University packing list for parents, starting with the winter gear first-years underestimate, plus Twin XL bedding and move-in logistics.
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Dorm & Packing
University of Texas at Austin Packing List for Parents (2026)
The UT Austin dorm packing list for parents, built around UT's real rules: a MicroFridge is provided, open-coil appliances are banned, and beds are Twin XL.
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Dorm & Packing
Auburn University Packing List for Parents (2026)
The Auburn University dorm packing list for parents, built around Auburn's real housing rules, plus what to skip and how to handle Alabama move-in heat.
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College Parents Weekend 2026: Dates by School (Family Weekend Guide)
Parents Weekend 2026 dates for 75 colleges in one place. Most schools call it Family Weekend. Find your school's date, plus what to bring, what to…
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College Finances
College Student Discounts in 2026: A Parent’s Money-Saving Guide
The college and high school student discounts that actually save families money in 2026, from Amazon Prime Student to Adobe, Amtrak, and the free perks most…
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College Life
College Football Bowl Season: A Parent’s Guide to Planning Ahead
How college bowl season and the 12-team Playoff work for parents, the key 2026-27 dates, and how to plan travel if your student’s team makes a…
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College Life
2026 College Football and Family Weekend: A Parent’s Guide to Planning the Trip
Verified 2026 Family Weekend dates for major football schools, plus how to tell whether your student’s weekend has a home game before you book the hotel.
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Dorm & Packing
Dorm Appliance Rules at 101 Colleges: What Schools Actually Allow in 2026
We analyzed official dorm appliance policies at 101 American universities. 100 percent ban hot plates, 90 percent ban air fryers, and the strictest campuses may surprise…
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Sophomore Year
Sophomore Year Opportunities: Internships, Study Abroad, and Leadership Roles
Sophomore year is the window for internship groundwork, study abroad applications, and taking on a real leadership role. Here is the timing that matters.
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Freshman Year
How to Help Your Student Choose (or Change) a Major
About 30 percent of undergraduates change their major at least once. Here is how to support that decision without making it for your student.
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Sophomore Year
Surviving Sophomore Year: A Parent’s Guide to the Second-Year Slump (2026)
The sophomore slump is real and documented. Here is why year two is genuinely harder, what to watch for, and the four things that reliably fix…
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Gift Guides
How to Host a College Care Package Party: A Parent’s Guide (2026)
Ten moms, one afternoon, ten better care packages. Here's how to host a college care package party, from the potluck system to the assembly line.
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Dorm & Packing
Dorm Shopping: What NOT to Buy for College (And What Actually Gets Used)
The dorm shopping mistakes that waste money and space, from rolling hampers to duplicate appliances, and what to buy instead.
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Dorm & Packing
Moving Your Student Into College Without a Car: A Parent’s Guide to Flying In
How to move a student into their dorm without a car: what to ship ahead, what to pack for the plane, what to buy near campus,…
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Dorm & Packing
The Boy Mom’s Guide to Dorm Shopping: What to Actually Expect (2026)
A warm, funny, practical guide for parents of sons navigating dorm shopping: why the aesthetic is different, what's actually worth buying, and how to make peace…
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Dorm & Packing
How to Loft a Dorm Bed: A Parent’s Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
How to safely and properly loft or raise a dorm bed, from adjustable frames to bed risers, plus the housing policies parents should check first and…
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College Life
What to Wear at College This Fall: A Parent’s Guide to the Campus Style Pivot
Fall move-in is done, and now the wardrobe pivot starts. Here is how everyday campus style, tailgate outfits, and dressier occasions actually work.
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College Finances
College Student Banking: Checking Accounts, Debit Cards, and Teaching Financial Independence
How to choose a no-fee student checking account, decide between joint and individual accounts, avoid overdraft fees, and use the account to teach real financial independence.
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Dorm & Packing
College Dorm Room Ideas 2026: How to Make a Tiny Space Feel Like Home
The best college dorm room ideas for 2026 — lighting, wall decor, Command strips, desk setups, and what to skip. Practical and Pinterest-worthy.
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School Guide
A Parent’s Complete Guide to The City College of New York (CUNY) (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about The City College of New York (CCNY, CUNY): move-in and housing, academics, money and financial aid, health and safety, and…
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School Guide
A Parent’s Complete Guide to Queens College (CUNY) (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Queens College (CUNY): move-in and housing, academics, money and financial aid, health and safety, and how to stay connected from…
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School Guide
A Parent’s Complete Guide to Lehman College (CUNY) (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Lehman College (CUNY): move-in and housing, academics, money and financial aid, health and safety, and how to stay connected from…
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School Guide
A Parent’s Complete Guide to Hunter College (CUNY) (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Hunter College (CUNY): move-in and housing, academics, money and financial aid, health and safety, and how to stay connected from…
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School Guide
A Parent’s Complete Guide to Brooklyn College (CUNY) (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Brooklyn College (CUNY): move-in and housing, academics, money and financial aid, health and safety, and how to stay connected from…
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School Guide
A Parent’s Complete Guide to Baruch College (CUNY) (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Baruch College (CUNY): move-in and housing, academics, money and financial aid, health and safety, and how to stay connected from…
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School Guide
A Parent’s Complete Guide to Long Island University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Long Island University: move-in and housing, academics, money and financial aid, health and safety, and how to stay connected from…
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School Guide
A Parent’s Complete Guide to West Chester University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about West Chester University: move-in and housing, academics, money and financial aid, health and safety, and how to stay connected from…
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School Guide
A Parent’s Complete Guide to Pace University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Pace University: move-in and housing, academics, money and financial aid, health and safety, and how to stay connected from a…
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School Guide
A Parent’s Complete Guide to Montclair State University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Montclair State University: move-in and housing, academics, money and financial aid, health and safety, and how to stay connected from…
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School Guide
A Parent’s Complete Guide to Towson University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Towson University: move-in and housing, academics, money and financial aid, health and safety, and how to stay connected from a…
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School Guide
A Parent’s Complete Guide to UMBC (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about UMBC, the University of Maryland, Baltimore County: move-in and housing, academics, money and financial aid, health and safety, and how…
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School Guide
A Parent’s Complete Guide to New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT): move-in and housing, academics, money and financial aid, health and safety, and how to…
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School Guide
A Parent’s Complete Guide to University at Buffalo (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about University at Buffalo (UB, SUNY): move-in and housing, academics, money and financial aid, health and safety, and how to stay…
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School Guide
A Parent’s Complete Guide to Binghamton University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Binghamton University: move-in and housing, academics, money and financial aid, health and safety, and how to stay connected from a…
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School Guide
A Parent’s Complete Guide to Johns Hopkins University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Johns Hopkins University (JHU): move-in and housing, academics, money and financial aid, health and safety, and how to stay connected…
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School Guide
A Parent’s Complete Guide to Stanford University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Stanford University: move-in and housing, academics, money and financial aid, health and safety, and how to stay connected from a…
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School Guide
A Parent’s Complete Guide to University of Chicago (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about University of Chicago (UChicago): move-in and housing, academics, money and financial aid, health and safety, and how to stay connected…
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Admissions
How to Help Your Teen Choose the Right College (Start With Their Strengths)
A calmer way to help your teenager choose a college and major: start with what they are good at, not just what they like. Includes a…
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College Life
Academic Rescue Toolkit: What to Do If Grades Dropped This Spring (The 4-Week Plan Before Fall Starts)
Grades dropped this spring? This 4-week academic rescue plan helps parents and students reset before fall: root cause audit, scripts, FERPA guide, and recovery toolkit.
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Health & Legal
The Family Document Vault: What to Set Up Before Your Student Leaves
Before your student leaves for college, set up a shared vault for insurance cards, emergency contacts, legal docs, and passwords. Here's exactly what to include.
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Dorm & Packing
Best Twin XL Sheets for College Dorms (2026): What Actually Fits and Lasts
The best Twin XL sheets for college dorms in 2026, top picks by budget, what material actually survives dorm laundry, and why deep pockets matter.
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Freshman Year
The Off-to-College Checklist for Parents: Who Does What (2026)
A student-does, parent-coaches off-to-college checklist. What your student should handle, what you verify, and the legal, health, insurance, and money steps most families miss.
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Page
Compare College Graduation Rates by School (2026)
Compare four-year and six-year graduation rates and first-year retention for 268 colleges, each shown against the national average.
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College Finances
Why Most Students Don’t Graduate in Four Years (and the Warning Signs Parents Can Watch For)
Fewer than half of students finish a bachelor's degree in four years. Here are the real reasons why, the warning signs to watch, and how to…
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College Finances
How to Choose the Right College Classes in the Right Order
A parent's guide to degree maps, prerequisites, and degree audits. How students pick the right classes in the right order to graduate on time.
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Freshman Year
What to Do When You Get Your College Roommate Assignment
College roommate assignment just arrived? Here's exactly what to do, how to reach out, what to coordinate before move-in, and your role as the parent.
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Page
The Freshman Year Blueprint for College Parents
Free Guide · Updated for Fall 2026 The Freshman Year Blueprint Everything you need to support your student from move-in day through finals week: real checklists,…
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Health & Legal
The Conversations to Have With Your College Student Before They Leave (2026)
How to talk to your college student about drinking, drugs, sex, money, and mental health before they leave, plus the one promise that protects them most.
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Admissions
How College Admissions Decisions Are Made: A Parent’s Guide to Holistic Review (2026)
How are college admissions decisions actually made? Inside the read process, the academic first cut, holistic review, and how committees shape a class.
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Admissions
Is Test-Optional Going Away? What Parents Need to Know for 2026-2027
Is test-optional going away? The honest answer for 2026-2027: which colleges brought back the SAT and ACT, why, and what it means for your student.
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Admissions
Public Ivies 2026: The Full List and Why They Got So Competitive
What a Public Ivy is, the full list of Public Ivy universities for 2026, and why these public flagships got so hard to get into, even…
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Admissions
College Visit Questions: What to Ask and What to Look For (A Parent’s Guide)
The college visit questions that actually reveal fit, what to watch for beyond the brochure, and how to compare schools after. Plus a free printable checklist.
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Admissions
The College Application Timeline: A Parent’s Month-by-Month Guide (2026-2027)
A clear, parent-focused college application timeline for junior and senior year: what happens each month, what your student owns, and where you coach without taking over.
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Dorm & Packing
How to Sleep Better in a Dorm: A Parent’s Troubleshooting Guide
Move-in went fine and now your student is exhausted. Here is how to work through the real causes of bad dorm sleep, one at a time,…
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Admissions
College Admissions for Students With Special Circumstances: A Parent’s Guide
How college admissions works for students with learning differences, athletes, first-gen, international, transfer, and homeschoolers, plus the parent role in each.
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Admissions
Early Decision vs. Early Action: The Financial Risk Parents Need to Weigh (2026)
Early Decision boosts admission odds but is binding and aid-blind. A parent guide to ED, EA, and restrictive EA, and how to weigh the money before…
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Admissions
How to Build a Balanced College List: A Parent’s Guide (Likely, Target, Reach)
A practical, parent-focused guide to building a balanced college list in 2026: how many schools, the likely-target-reach mix, and how to lead without taking over.
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Admissions
Does It Matter Where You Go to College? What Frank Bruni Got Right (and What’s Changed for 2026)
Frank Bruni said where you go is not who you'll be. A decade later, does it still hold? What is true, what changed for 2026, and…
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College Life
College Drop-Off Tips for Parents: How to Say Goodbye Without Falling Apart
What to expect at college drop-off, what to say at the dorm door, and how to handle the drive home. Honest advice for parents sending a…
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College Life
College Move-In Day for Parents: How to Help, Say Goodbye, and Let Go
The emotional side of college move-in day, gathered from parents who have done it: how to help without taking over, keep the goodbye short, and let…
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Admissions
College Admissions in 2026: What Parents Actually Need to Know (The Honest Version)
A brutally honest, fully sourced 2026 guide to college admissions for parents: what changed since 2020, the numbers that matter, and what to actually do.
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Page
Free College Planning Tools for Parents
Four free interactive tools for parents of college students: a college match assessment, a real-cost comparison tool, a SAI estimator, and a school-specific packing list generator.
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Dorm & Packing
College Laundry Guide for Students: What Parents Need to Teach Before Move-In
A 15-minute laundry conversation before move-in beats a panicked call from a student with pink socks. What to teach, what to pack, and what to warn…
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College Life
Staying Healthy Freshman Year: A Parent’s Guide to Sleep, the Freshman 15, and Getting Sick at School
The freshman 15 is mostly a myth, but sleep, stress, and getting sick away from home are real. A calm, practical guide to helping your student…
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College Finances
Is a College Meal Plan Worth It? A Parent’s Guide to Deciding
College meal plans average over $5,600 a year. Here is how to tell if the plan is worth it for your student, what the tiers really…
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Dorm & Packing
Easy Dorm Meals and Dorm Food Ideas (No Kitchen Required)
Real dorm meals your student can make with a microwave, a mini fridge, and zero cooking skills. What to stock, what to skip, and how to…
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Page
The College Parent Guide: Freshman Year
The College Parent Guide: Freshman Year, a practical 2026 handbook for college parents. What to say, when to step in, and how to let go. On…
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College Life
Fitting In as a College Parent: What Nobody Tells You About This Chapter
You are now a college parent. It turns out this is its own thing, with its own unwritten rules, social dynamics, and identity questions you were…
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Dorm & Packing
The Complete College Dorm Shopping Guide for Parents (2026)
Everything you need to know to outfit a dorm room without buying duplicates, ignoring the appliance rules, or driving yourself to Target six times. All our…
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Health & Legal
When Your Child Turns 18: The Legal Documents Every College Parent Needs
At 18, your student is legally an adult. That means FERPA, HIPAA, and a handful of legal documents now stand between you and their medical and…
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College Finances
How to Save on College Textbooks in 2026: The Parent’s Complete Guide
College textbooks can cost $1,200 or more per year. Here is how to cut that number in half using Chegg, ThriftBooks, Amazon rentals, and free resources…
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Dorm & Packing
How Much Does It Actually Cost to Set Up a Dorm Room?
How much does dorm room setup actually cost? A clear breakdown by budget tier, from the essentials-only setup under $500 to the comfortable room around $1,200,…
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Dorm & Packing
What to Buy Before Move-In vs. What to Wait On
Not everything needs to go in the car on move-in day. A category-by-category guide to what to buy before move-in vs. what to wait on, including…
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Dorm & Packing
The Roommate Dorm Coordination Guide
Dorm room shopping with a stranger is easier than it sounds, if you start the right conversation first. A step-by-step roommate coordination guide, who buys what,…
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College Finances
Amazon Prime for Young Adults: 6 Months Free, Then Half Price (2026)
Amazon Prime for Young Adults is free for six months, then $7.49 a month or $69 a year. What parents need to know about who qualifies,…
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Dorm & Packing
How to Keep Your College Student’s Valuables Safe in the Dorm (What to Buy Before Move-In Day)
Dorm theft is common and most parents don't find out until something's already gone. Here's exactly what to buy before move-in day to protect your student's…
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Health & Legal
When FERPA Leaves You Outside the Door: The Mental Health Playbook for Parents This Summer
FERPA and HIPAA block more than parents expect -- and both have emergency exceptions. Get the email templates, scripts, and quick-reference card that actually work.
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School Guide
A Parent’s Complete Guide to Georgia State University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Georgia State University: move-in and housing, academics, money and financial aid, health and safety, and how to stay connected from…
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School Guide
A Parent’s Complete Guide to Georgia Southern University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Georgia Southern University: move-in and housing, academics, money and financial aid, health and safety, and how to stay connected from…
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School Guide
A Parent’s Complete Guide to Georgia Tech (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Georgia Tech: move-in and housing, academics, money and financial aid, health and safety, and how to stay connected from a…
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School Guide
A Parent’s Complete Guide to the University of Georgia (UGA) (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about the University of Georgia: move-in and housing, academics, money and financial aid, health and safety, and how to stay connected…
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School Guide
A Parent’s Complete Guide to Loyola University Maryland (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Loyola University Maryland: move-in and housing, academics, money and financial aid, health and safety, and how to stay connected from…
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School Guide
A Parent’s Complete Guide to The City College of New York (CUNY) (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about The City College of New York (CCNY, CUNY): move-in and housing, academics, money and financial aid, health and safety, and…
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School Guide
A Parent’s Complete Guide to Queens College (CUNY) (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Queens College (CUNY): move-in and housing, academics, money and financial aid, health and safety, and how to stay connected from…
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School Guide
A Parent’s Complete Guide to Lehman College (CUNY) (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Lehman College (CUNY): move-in and housing, academics, money and financial aid, health and safety, and how to stay connected from…
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School Guide
A Parent’s Complete Guide to Hunter College (CUNY) (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Hunter College (CUNY): move-in and housing, academics, money and financial aid, health and safety, and how to stay connected from…
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School Guide
A Parent’s Complete Guide to Brooklyn College (CUNY) (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Brooklyn College (CUNY): move-in and housing, academics, money and financial aid, health and safety, and how to stay connected from…
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School Guide
A Parent’s Complete Guide to Baruch College (CUNY) (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Baruch College (CUNY): move-in and housing, academics, money and financial aid, health and safety, and how to stay connected from…
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School Guide
A Parent’s Complete Guide to Long Island University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Long Island University: move-in and housing, academics, money and financial aid, health and safety, and how to stay connected from…
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School Guide
A Parent’s Complete Guide to West Chester University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about West Chester University: move-in and housing, academics, money and financial aid, health and safety, and how to stay connected from…
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School Guide
A Parent’s Complete Guide to Pace University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Pace University: move-in and housing, academics, money and financial aid, health and safety, and how to stay connected from a…
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School Guide
A Parent’s Complete Guide to Montclair State University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Montclair State University: move-in and housing, academics, money and financial aid, health and safety, and how to stay connected from…
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School Guide
A Parent’s Complete Guide to Towson University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Towson University: move-in and housing, academics, money and financial aid, health and safety, and how to stay connected from a…
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School Guide
A Parent’s Complete Guide to UMBC (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about UMBC, the University of Maryland, Baltimore County: move-in and housing, academics, money and financial aid, health and safety, and how…
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School Guide
A Parent’s Complete Guide to New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT): move-in and housing, academics, money and financial aid, health and safety, and how to…
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School Guide
A Parent’s Complete Guide to University at Buffalo (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about University at Buffalo (UB, SUNY): move-in and housing, academics, money and financial aid, health and safety, and how to stay…
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School Guide
A Parent’s Complete Guide to Binghamton University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Binghamton University: move-in and housing, academics, money and financial aid, health and safety, and how to stay connected from a…
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School Guide
A Parent’s Complete Guide to Johns Hopkins University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Johns Hopkins University (JHU): move-in and housing, academics, money and financial aid, health and safety, and how to stay connected…
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School Guide
A Parent’s Complete Guide to Stanford University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Stanford University: move-in and housing, academics, money and financial aid, health and safety, and how to stay connected from a…
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School Guide
A Parent’s Complete Guide to University of Chicago (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about University of Chicago (UChicago): move-in and housing, academics, money and financial aid, health and safety, and how to stay connected…
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Health & Legal
Prescription Drug Misuse in College: A Parent’s Guide to Prevention, Warning Signs, and Getting Help
Prescription drug misuse in college can involve stimulants, pain medications, anti-anxiety medications, and counterfeit pills. Here is how parents can talk about the risks, recognize when…
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Admissions
Common App for Parents: What to Know Before Your Student Applies to College
Learn how the Common App works, what parents should know about essays, deadlines, recommendations, fees and supplements, and how to help without taking over.
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Dorm & Packing
After College Move-In: 25 Things Students Realize They Need
Move-in is over. Now your student knows what they actually need. Here are 25 dorm items college students often discover they need after living there.
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Admissions
2026-27 SAT Dates: A Parent’s Guide to Registration, Deadlines, Scores & What to Bring
The confirmed 2026-27 SAT test dates, registration deadlines, and score release dates from College Board, plus what to bring, what to skip, and how to pick…
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Admissions
College Tuition Reciprocity: How to Pay In-State or Reduced Tuition Out of State
Regional tuition reciprocity programs can cut the cost of an out-of-state public college. Find the right program for your state and compare the real cost.
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Admissions
What Is the Academic Common Market? How Southern Students Can Pay In-State Tuition Out of State
The Academic Common Market can let Southern students pay in-state tuition for a degree program their home state does not offer. How it actually works.
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Admissions
What Is WUE? How Families Can Save Thousands on Out-of-State College Tuition
WUE can lower out-of-state tuition for eligible students at Western public colleges. Learn who qualifies, what it costs, and how to compare savings.
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College Finances
The GPA Requirements No One Tells You About (Until It’s Too Late)
Most college students don't know their GPA has to stay above certain thresholds to keep scholarships, honors status, financial aid, and athletic eligibility. Here's what to…
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Junior Year
Study Abroad: A Parent’s Guide to the Junior Year Decision
Why junior year is the default study abroad window, the internship tradeoff, program costs, financial aid, safety, and supporting a student from home.
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Junior Year
Landing the Junior Year Internship: A Parent’s Guide
Why the junior-summer internship often matters more than sophomore year, early recruiting timelines, return offers, and what to do if it does not land.
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Junior Year
Junior Year of College: A Parent’s Roadmap
What defines junior year: higher recruiting stakes, the internship-or-study-abroad tension, and starting to look past graduation.
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Senior Year
First Apartment After College: A Parent’s Budget and Checklist
The real monthly budget, upfront costs, renters insurance, roommate agreements, and lease red flags for a new graduate's first apartment.
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Senior Year
The Post-Graduation Job Search: A Parent’s Guide to Supporting Without Taking Over
What genuinely helps a new graduate land a job, what tends to backfire, and how to handle the gap between graduation and a paycheck.
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Senior Year
Graduation Weekend: A Parent’s Planning Guide
When to book hotels and flights for graduation weekend, how to find rooms in a sold-out college town, and what actually happens the weekend of.
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Senior Year
Senior Year of College: A Parent’s Roadmap
What actually happens during your student's senior year of college, from fall recruiting season through graduation weekend, and how your role as a parent shifts.
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Sophomore Year
Sophomore Year Internship Search: A Parent’s Guide
A practical, step-by-step guide for parents on helping a sophomore build a resume from campus jobs and research roles, search on Handshake and LinkedIn, network without…
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Sophomore Year
Declaring a Major Sophomore Year: Deadlines and Costs
Most colleges expect students to declare a major by the end of sophomore year. Here is what parents need to know about the deadline, the credits…
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Sophomore Year
Sophomore GPA: What a 2.6 or Lower Really Means
A plain-English guide for parents on what sophomore year GPA benchmarks actually mean for declaring a major, keeping a scholarship, academic probation, and financial aid, including…
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Sophomore Year
Off-Campus Housing for Sophomores: A Parent’s Guide
A practical guide for parents helping a sophomore decide whether to move off campus, search for a place, read the lease, and budget for costs a…
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Sophomore Year
Scholarships for Sophomore Year: What Parents Should Know
Many scholarships are renewable and conditional, not one-time awards, and new major-specific money opens up sophomore year. Here is how parents can protect existing aid and…
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Health & Legal
HIPAA Medical Authorization for College Students: A Parent’s Guide
At 18, your student becomes their own patient, legally. That means the campus health center, urgent care, or any hospital they visit will not confirm to…
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Health & Legal
FERPA Educational Records Release: A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents
Paying tuition does not entitle you to see your student's grades. That surprises almost every parent the first time a registrar's office tells them no, and…
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Dorm & Packing
College Move-Out and Summer Storage: A Parent’s Guide (2026)
How to store a college dorm over the summer: what it costs in 2026, what size unit to rent, when to book, and how to split…
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Dorm & Packing
Binghamton University Packing List for Parents (2026)
The Binghamton University packing list for parents, starting with the winter gear first-years underestimate, plus Twin XL bedding and move-in logistics.
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Dorm & Packing
University of Texas at Austin Packing List for Parents (2026)
The UT Austin dorm packing list for parents, built around UT's real rules: a MicroFridge is provided, open-coil appliances are banned, and beds are Twin XL.
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Dorm & Packing
Auburn University Packing List for Parents (2026)
The Auburn University dorm packing list for parents, built around Auburn's real housing rules, plus what to skip and how to handle Alabama move-in heat.
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College Finances
College Student Discounts in 2026: A Parent’s Money-Saving Guide
The college and high school student discounts that actually save families money in 2026, from Amazon Prime Student to Adobe, Amtrak, and the free perks most…
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College Life
College Football Bowl Season: A Parent’s Guide to Planning Ahead
How college bowl season and the 12-team Playoff work for parents, the key 2026-27 dates, and how to plan travel if your student’s team makes a…
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College Life
2026 College Football and Family Weekend: A Parent’s Guide to Planning the Trip
Verified 2026 Family Weekend dates for major football schools, plus how to tell whether your student’s weekend has a home game before you book the hotel.
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Dorm & Packing
Dorm Appliance Rules at 101 Colleges: What Schools Actually Allow in 2026
We analyzed official dorm appliance policies at 101 American universities. 100 percent ban hot plates, 90 percent ban air fryers, and the strictest campuses may surprise…
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Sophomore Year
Sophomore Year Opportunities: Internships, Study Abroad, and Leadership Roles
Sophomore year is the window for internship groundwork, study abroad applications, and taking on a real leadership role. Here is the timing that matters.
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Freshman Year
How to Help Your Student Choose (or Change) a Major
About 30 percent of undergraduates change their major at least once. Here is how to support that decision without making it for your student.
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Sophomore Year
Surviving Sophomore Year: A Parent’s Guide to the Second-Year Slump (2026)
The sophomore slump is real and documented. Here is why year two is genuinely harder, what to watch for, and the four things that reliably fix…
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Gift Guides
How to Host a College Care Package Party: A Parent’s Guide (2026)
Ten moms, one afternoon, ten better care packages. Here's how to host a college care package party, from the potluck system to the assembly line.
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Dorm & Packing
Dorm Shopping: What NOT to Buy for College (And What Actually Gets Used)
The dorm shopping mistakes that waste money and space, from rolling hampers to duplicate appliances, and what to buy instead.
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Dorm & Packing
Moving Your Student Into College Without a Car: A Parent’s Guide to Flying In
How to move a student into their dorm without a car: what to ship ahead, what to pack for the plane, what to buy near campus,…
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Dorm & Packing
The Boy Mom’s Guide to Dorm Shopping: What to Actually Expect (2026)
A warm, funny, practical guide for parents of sons navigating dorm shopping: why the aesthetic is different, what's actually worth buying, and how to make peace…
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Dorm & Packing
How to Loft a Dorm Bed: A Parent’s Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
How to safely and properly loft or raise a dorm bed, from adjustable frames to bed risers, plus the housing policies parents should check first and…
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College Life
What to Wear at College This Fall: A Parent’s Guide to the Campus Style Pivot
Fall move-in is done, and now the wardrobe pivot starts. Here is how everyday campus style, tailgate outfits, and dressier occasions actually work.
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College Finances
College Student Banking: Checking Accounts, Debit Cards, and Teaching Financial Independence
How to choose a no-fee student checking account, decide between joint and individual accounts, avoid overdraft fees, and use the account to teach real financial independence.
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Dorm & Packing
College Dorm Room Ideas 2026: How to Make a Tiny Space Feel Like Home
The best college dorm room ideas for 2026 — lighting, wall decor, Command strips, desk setups, and what to skip. Practical and Pinterest-worthy.
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Admissions
How to Help Your Teen Choose the Right College (Start With Their Strengths)
A calmer way to help your teenager choose a college and major: start with what they are good at, not just what they like. Includes a…
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College Life
Academic Rescue Toolkit: What to Do If Grades Dropped This Spring (The 4-Week Plan Before Fall Starts)
Grades dropped this spring? This 4-week academic rescue plan helps parents and students reset before fall: root cause audit, scripts, FERPA guide, and recovery toolkit.
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Health & Legal
The Family Document Vault: What to Set Up Before Your Student Leaves
Before your student leaves for college, set up a shared vault for insurance cards, emergency contacts, legal docs, and passwords. Here's exactly what to include.
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Dorm & Packing
Best Twin XL Sheets for College Dorms (2026): What Actually Fits and Lasts
The best Twin XL sheets for college dorms in 2026, top picks by budget, what material actually survives dorm laundry, and why deep pockets matter.
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Freshman Year
The Off-to-College Checklist for Parents: Who Does What (2026)
A student-does, parent-coaches off-to-college checklist. What your student should handle, what you verify, and the legal, health, insurance, and money steps most families miss.
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College Finances
Why Most Students Don’t Graduate in Four Years (and the Warning Signs Parents Can Watch For)
Fewer than half of students finish a bachelor's degree in four years. Here are the real reasons why, the warning signs to watch, and how to…
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College Finances
How to Choose the Right College Classes in the Right Order
A parent's guide to degree maps, prerequisites, and degree audits. How students pick the right classes in the right order to graduate on time.
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Freshman Year
What to Do When You Get Your College Roommate Assignment
College roommate assignment just arrived? Here's exactly what to do, how to reach out, what to coordinate before move-in, and your role as the parent.
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Health & Legal
The Conversations to Have With Your College Student Before They Leave (2026)
How to talk to your college student about drinking, drugs, sex, money, and mental health before they leave, plus the one promise that protects them most.
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Admissions
How College Admissions Decisions Are Made: A Parent’s Guide to Holistic Review (2026)
How are college admissions decisions actually made? Inside the read process, the academic first cut, holistic review, and how committees shape a class.
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Admissions
Is Test-Optional Going Away? What Parents Need to Know for 2026-2027
Is test-optional going away? The honest answer for 2026-2027: which colleges brought back the SAT and ACT, why, and what it means for your student.
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Admissions
Public Ivies 2026: The Full List and Why They Got So Competitive
What a Public Ivy is, the full list of Public Ivy universities for 2026, and why these public flagships got so hard to get into, even…
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Admissions
College Visit Questions: What to Ask and What to Look For (A Parent’s Guide)
The college visit questions that actually reveal fit, what to watch for beyond the brochure, and how to compare schools after. Plus a free printable checklist.
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Admissions
The College Application Timeline: A Parent’s Month-by-Month Guide (2026-2027)
A clear, parent-focused college application timeline for junior and senior year: what happens each month, what your student owns, and where you coach without taking over.
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Dorm & Packing
How to Sleep Better in a Dorm: A Parent’s Troubleshooting Guide
Move-in went fine and now your student is exhausted. Here is how to work through the real causes of bad dorm sleep, one at a time,…
-
Admissions
College Admissions for Students With Special Circumstances: A Parent’s Guide
How college admissions works for students with learning differences, athletes, first-gen, international, transfer, and homeschoolers, plus the parent role in each.
-
Admissions
Early Decision vs. Early Action: The Financial Risk Parents Need to Weigh (2026)
Early Decision boosts admission odds but is binding and aid-blind. A parent guide to ED, EA, and restrictive EA, and how to weigh the money before…
-
Admissions
How to Build a Balanced College List: A Parent’s Guide (Likely, Target, Reach)
A practical, parent-focused guide to building a balanced college list in 2026: how many schools, the likely-target-reach mix, and how to lead without taking over.
-
Admissions
Does It Matter Where You Go to College? What Frank Bruni Got Right (and What’s Changed for 2026)
Frank Bruni said where you go is not who you'll be. A decade later, does it still hold? What is true, what changed for 2026, and…
-
College Life
College Drop-Off Tips for Parents: How to Say Goodbye Without Falling Apart
What to expect at college drop-off, what to say at the dorm door, and how to handle the drive home. Honest advice for parents sending a…
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College Life
College Move-In Day for Parents: How to Help, Say Goodbye, and Let Go
The emotional side of college move-in day, gathered from parents who have done it: how to help without taking over, keep the goodbye short, and let…
-
Admissions
College Admissions in 2026: What Parents Actually Need to Know (The Honest Version)
A brutally honest, fully sourced 2026 guide to college admissions for parents: what changed since 2020, the numbers that matter, and what to actually do.
-
Dorm & Packing
College Laundry Guide for Students: What Parents Need to Teach Before Move-In
A 15-minute laundry conversation before move-in beats a panicked call from a student with pink socks. What to teach, what to pack, and what to warn…
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College Life
Staying Healthy Freshman Year: A Parent’s Guide to Sleep, the Freshman 15, and Getting Sick at School
The freshman 15 is mostly a myth, but sleep, stress, and getting sick away from home are real. A calm, practical guide to helping your student…
-
College Finances
Is a College Meal Plan Worth It? A Parent’s Guide to Deciding
College meal plans average over $5,600 a year. Here is how to tell if the plan is worth it for your student, what the tiers really…
-
Dorm & Packing
Easy Dorm Meals and Dorm Food Ideas (No Kitchen Required)
Real dorm meals your student can make with a microwave, a mini fridge, and zero cooking skills. What to stock, what to skip, and how to…
-
College Life
Fitting In as a College Parent: What Nobody Tells You About This Chapter
You are now a college parent. It turns out this is its own thing, with its own unwritten rules, social dynamics, and identity questions you were…
-
Dorm & Packing
The Complete College Dorm Shopping Guide for Parents (2026)
Everything you need to know to outfit a dorm room without buying duplicates, ignoring the appliance rules, or driving yourself to Target six times. All our…
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Health & Legal
When Your Child Turns 18: The Legal Documents Every College Parent Needs
At 18, your student is legally an adult. That means FERPA, HIPAA, and a handful of legal documents now stand between you and their medical and…
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College Finances
How to Save on College Textbooks in 2026: The Parent’s Complete Guide
College textbooks can cost $1,200 or more per year. Here is how to cut that number in half using Chegg, ThriftBooks, Amazon rentals, and free resources…
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Dorm & Packing
How Much Does It Actually Cost to Set Up a Dorm Room?
How much does dorm room setup actually cost? A clear breakdown by budget tier, from the essentials-only setup under $500 to the comfortable room around $1,200,…
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Dorm & Packing
What to Buy Before Move-In vs. What to Wait On
Not everything needs to go in the car on move-in day. A category-by-category guide to what to buy before move-in vs. what to wait on, including…
-
Dorm & Packing
The Roommate Dorm Coordination Guide
Dorm room shopping with a stranger is easier than it sounds, if you start the right conversation first. A step-by-step roommate coordination guide, who buys what,…
-
College Finances
Amazon Prime for Young Adults: 6 Months Free, Then Half Price (2026)
Amazon Prime for Young Adults is free for six months, then $7.49 a month or $69 a year. What parents need to know about who qualifies,…
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Dorm & Packing
How to Keep Your College Student’s Valuables Safe in the Dorm (What to Buy Before Move-In Day)
Dorm theft is common and most parents don't find out until something's already gone. Here's exactly what to buy before move-in day to protect your student's…
-
Health & Legal
When FERPA Leaves You Outside the Door: The Mental Health Playbook for Parents This Summer
FERPA and HIPAA block more than parents expect -- and both have emergency exceptions. Get the email templates, scripts, and quick-reference card that actually work.
-
Page
Georgia Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)Georgia Parent Travel HubGeorgia Family Weekend 2026UGA Fall Family Weekend runs November 5 to 8. It is…
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Page
Things to do in Ann Arbor for University of Michigan Families
University of Michigan Parent GuideAnn Arbor Local GuideThings to doUniversity of Michigan · Ann ArborThings to do in Ann Arbor7 places, verified against each business's own…
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Page
Where to shop in Ann Arbor for University of Michigan Families
University of Michigan Parent GuideAnn Arbor Local GuideShoppingUniversity of Michigan · Ann ArborWhere to shop in Ann Arbor7 places, verified against each business's own website in…
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Page
Where to eat in Ann Arbor for University of Michigan Families
University of Michigan Parent GuideAnn Arbor Local GuideRestaurantsUniversity of Michigan · Ann ArborWhere to eat in Ann Arbor25 places, verified against each business's own website in…
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Ann Arbor for University of Michigan Families: Where to Eat, Stay, Shop and Explore
University of Michigan Parent GuideAnn Arbor Local GuideUniversity of Michigan · Ann ArborAnn Arbor Local Guide for University of Michigan FamiliesA guide for University of Michigan…
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UMass Amherst Parents Weekend Travel Guide 2026
Parents Weekend 2026Homecoming 2026 (soon)Move-In 2027 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)UMass Amherst Parent Travel HubUMass Amherst Parents Weekend Travel Guide 2026UMass calls it Family Weekend, and it…
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JMU Family Weekend 2026
JMU Family Weekend is October 2 to 4, 2026 in Harrisonburg. James Madison hosts Marshall Saturday. Hotels, tickets, parking, airports and the full schedule.
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WSU Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Spring Family Weekend 2027 (soon)Move-In 2027 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)Washington State Parent Travel HubWashington State University Family Weekend 2026: A Parent's Guide to PullmanFall…
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Montana State Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)Montana State Parent Travel HubMontana State Family Weekend 2026Parent & Family Weekend runs October 23 to 24,…
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University of Vermont Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)University of Vermont Parent Travel HubUVM Weekend 2026UVM now combines Alumni Weekend and Parents & Family Weekend…
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Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Parent Travel HubCal Poly Family Weekend 2026Mustang Family Weekend runs October 2…
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Appalachian State Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)Appalachian State Parent Travel HubAppalachian State Family Weekend 2026Family Weekend runs October 22 to 25, opening with…
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University of Virginia Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)University of Virginia Parent Travel HubUVA Family Weekend 2026Family Weekend runs October 23 to 25, with the…
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Oregon State Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)Oregon State Parent Travel HubOregon State Family Weekend 2026This year Oregon State packed Homecoming and Fall Family…
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University of Iowa Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)University of Iowa Parent Travel HubUniversity of Iowa Family Weekend 2026Family Weekend runs September 18 to 20,…
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Iowa State Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)Iowa State Parent Travel HubIowa State Family Weekend 2026Cyclone Family Weekend runs October 23 to 25, and…
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University of Nebraska-Lincoln Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)University of Nebraska-Lincoln Parent Travel HubNebraska Family Weekend 2026Family Weekend runs September 25 to 27, and unlike…
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Virginia Tech Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)Virginia Tech Parent Travel HubVirginia Tech Family Weekend 2026Family Weekend runs October 2 to 4, and it…
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Florida State Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)Florida State Parent Travel HubFlorida State Family Weekend 2026Family Weekend runs September 25 to 27, and it…
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College of Charleston Homecoming/Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)College of Charleston Parent Travel HubCollege of Charleston Homecoming/Family Weekend 2026College of Charleston combines Fall Alumni Weekend and Family Weekend…
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Providence College Homecoming 2026 (Family Weekend)
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Providence College Parent Travel HubProvidence College Homecoming 2026 (Family Weekend)Providence College runs its main fall parent visit as Homecoming, October…
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Boston College Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)Boston College Parent Travel HubBoston College Family Weekend 2026Family Weekend runs September 25 to 27, and it…
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Binghamton University Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)Binghamton University Parent Travel HubBinghamton University Family Weekend 2026Family Weekend runs September 18 to 20, with around…
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Duke Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)Duke Parent Travel HubDuke Family Weekend 2026Family Weekend runs October 16 to 18, and it lands on…
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University of Chicago Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)University of Chicago Parent Travel HubUniversity of Chicago Family Weekend 2026Family Weekend runs October 16 to 18,…
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Johns Hopkins Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)Johns Hopkins Parent Travel HubJohns Hopkins Family Weekend 2026Family Weekend runs October 16 to 18, and the…
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Cornell Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)Cornell Parent Travel HubCornell Family Weekend 2026Family Weekend runs September 25 to 27 and it lands on…
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USC Football Weekends 2026
Football Weekends 2026Trojan Family Weekend (soon)Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)USC Parent Travel HubUSC Football Weekends 2026USC ties its Trojan Family Weekend to a home game, but…
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Colorado (CU) Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)Colorado Parent Travel HubColorado Family Weekend 2026Family Weekend runs October 15 to 18 and it lands on…
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Washington Football Weekends 2026
Football Weekends 2026Family Weekend Fall 2026 (soon)Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Washington Parent Travel HubWashington Football Weekends 2026Washington runs a fall Family Weekend tied to a home…
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Oregon Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)Oregon Parent Travel HubOregon Family Weekend 2026Fall Family Weekend runs October 30 to November 1 and it…
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Wisconsin Football Weekends 2026
Football Weekends 2026Family Weekend Oct 2026 (soon)Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Wisconsin Parent Travel HubWisconsin Football Weekends 2026Wisconsin holds its official Family Weekend on October 9 to…
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Ohio State Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)Ohio State Parent Travel HubOhio State Family Weekend 2026Ohio State's fall family event is the Buckeye Family…
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Florida Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)Florida Parent Travel HubFlorida Family Weekend 2026Family Weekend runs September 25 to 27 and it lands on…
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Penn State Football Weekends 2026
Football Weekends 2026Parents Weekend Oct 2026 (soon)Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Penn State Parent Travel HubPenn State Football Weekends 2026Penn State holds its official Parents & Families…
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Texas Longhorns Football Weekends 2026
Football Weekends 2026Family Weekend Nov 2026 (soon)Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Texas Parent Travel HubTexas Longhorns Football Weekends 2026Texas holds its official Family Weekend on November 6…
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Michigan Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)Michigan Parent Travel HubMichigan Family Weekend 2026Parent and Family Weekend runs October 23 to 25 and it…
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Texas A&M Football Weekends 2026
Football Weekends 2026Family Weekend 2027 (soon)Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Texas A&M Parent Travel HubTexas A&M Football Weekends 2026Texas A&M does not hold a fall Family Weekend,…
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Ole Miss Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)Ole Miss Parent Travel HubOle Miss Family Weekend 2026Fall Family Weekend runs September 11 to 12 and…
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Tennessee Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)Tennessee Parent Travel HubTennessee Family Weekend 2026Tennessee runs two Vol Family Reunion weekends in fall 2026, September…
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LSU Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)LSU Parent Travel HubLSU Family Weekend 2026Family Weekend runs October 2 to 4 and it is built…
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Auburn Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)Auburn Parent Travel HubAuburn Family Weekend 2026Fall Family Weekend runs September 25 to 27 and it is…
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Notre Dame Football Weekends 2026
Football Weekends 2026Junior Parents Weekend 2027 (soon)Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Notre Dame Parent Travel HubNotre Dame Football Weekends 2026Notre Dame does not hold a fall family…
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Alabama Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)Alabama Parent Travel HubAlabama Family Weekend 2026Family Weekend runs September 25 to 27, and it lands on…
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Clemson Family Weekend 2026
Family Weekend 2026Graduation 2027 (soon)Move-In 2026 (soon)Home Game Weekends (soon)Clemson Parent Travel HubClemson Family Weekend 2026Family Weekend runs September 18 to 20, and it lands on…
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College Parents Weekend 2026: Dates by School (Family Weekend Guide)
Parents Weekend 2026 dates for 75 colleges in one place. Most schools call it Family Weekend. Find your school's date, plus what to bring, what to…
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Compare College Graduation Rates by School (2026)
Compare four-year and six-year graduation rates and first-year retention for 268 colleges, each shown against the national average.
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The Freshman Year Blueprint for College Parents
Free Guide · Updated for Fall 2026 The Freshman Year Blueprint Everything you need to support your student from move-in day through finals week: real checklists,…
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Free College Planning Tools for Parents
Four free interactive tools for parents of college students: a college match assessment, a real-cost comparison tool, a SAI estimator, and a school-specific packing list generator.
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The College Parent Guide: Freshman Year
The College Parent Guide: Freshman Year, a practical 2026 handbook for college parents. What to say, when to step in, and how to let go. On…