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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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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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School Guide
A Parent’s Complete Guide to Central Michigan University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Central Michigan 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 Eastern Michigan University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Eastern Michigan 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
Michigan State University Parent Guide 2026: Move-In, Dorms, East Lansing & What Parents Need to Know
Everything parents need to know about Michigan 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 Western Michigan University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Western Michigan 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 the University of Michigan (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about the University of Michigan: move-in and housing, academics, money and financial aid, health and safety, and how to stay connected…
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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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Freshman Year
College Add/Drop Period: What Parents Need to Know Before Their Student Changes Classes
Your student wants to drop or switch a class. Learn how add/drop periods work, what to check first, and how the change can affect credits, tuition…
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Page
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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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 MSEP? How Midwest Families Can Save on Out-of-State College Tuition
The Midwest Student Exchange Program can lower nonresident tuition at participating Midwest colleges. Who qualifies, which states are in, and the real cost.
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Page
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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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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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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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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Page
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 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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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 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 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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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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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
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
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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College Life
Empty Nest Reboot: Evidence-Based Ways to Reclaim Your Identity While Still Showing Up for Them
Empty nest syndrome hits college parents hard, especially mothers. Here's the research, real scripts, and a 30-day reboot plan to reclaim who you are.
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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
Space Heaters in Dorms: Why They’re Banned (And What Actually Keeps You Warm)
Space heaters are banned at virtually every college in the US. Here's why the ban is so universal, which rare schools allow low-wattage units, and the…
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Dorm & Packing
Dorm Power Strips and Surge Protectors: What Schools Actually Require (And Our Top Picks for 2026)
Most schools ban plain extension cords and require a surge protector with a built-in circuit breaker. Here's exactly what to look for, the daisy-chaining rule everyone…
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Dorm & Packing
Dorm Mini Fridge Size & Rules: What Size Refrigerator Can You Bring to College?
What size mini fridge is allowed in a dorm? Compare common 1.6 to 4.5 cu. ft. sizes, college refrigerator limits, dimensions, MicroFridge rules, and what to…
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Dorm & Packing
Dorm Microwave Rules: What’s Actually Allowed (And Our Top Picks for 2026)
Most dorms allow microwaves, but wattage limits, size caps, and outright bans at schools like Georgetown and GWU catch parents off guard. Here's exactly what to…
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Health & Legal
The 18th Birthday Legal Playbook: Power of Attorney, FERPA & HIPAA Waivers Every Parent Needs Before Summer Break (2026 Templates)
FERPA waivers, HIPAA authorizations, and power of attorney for college students -- get the 2026 legal documents before summer break ends.
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Dorm & Packing
College Clothing Essentials Guide 2026: What to Pack (By Climate)
Affiliate Disclosure: UniversityParent earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This does not affect our recommendations -- we only suggest products…
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Dorm & Packing
The Ultimate College Dorm Packing List (2026-2027): What Parents and Students Actually Need
Affiliate Disclosure: UniversityParent earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This does not affect our recommendations, we only suggest products we…
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College Finances
FAFSA for Parents 2026-27: Deadlines, Contributors and What Families Need to Know
How the FAFSA works for parents: contributors, deadlines, StudentAid.gov accounts, divorced-parent rules, and what your Student Aid Index actually means.
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Freshman Year
The Complete Parent’s Guide to Paying for College (2026-2027)
We are not financial advisors. This guide is informational. For advice specific to your family's situation, consult a licensed financial advisor or certified college financial planner.…
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Freshman Year
Ultimate Guide to College Move-In & Freshman Year for Parents (2026)
Affiliate Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase through one of our links, UniversityParent may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.…
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Freshman Year
College Student Mental Health: A Complete Guide for Parents (2026-2027)
From Our Book The college parent guide that goes with this Everything here is pulled from the same playbook as our 2026 Kindle book, The College…
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Gift Guides
College Care Package Ideas: 50 Things Students Actually Want (2026)
Affiliate Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase through one of our links, UniversityParent may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.…
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School Guide
A Parent’s Complete Guide to Appalachian State University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Appalachian 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 Ball State University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Ball 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 Bates College (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Bates College: 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 Case Western Reserve University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Case Western Reserve University: 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 Carnegie Mellon University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Carnegie Mellon 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 Columbia University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Columbia 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 DePaul University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about DePaul 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 Drexel University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Drexel 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 East Carolina University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about East Carolina 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 Florida International University (FIU) (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Florida International 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 George Mason University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about George Mason 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 Indiana University Bloomington (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Indiana University Bloomington: 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 Kent State University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Kent 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 Loyola University Chicago (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Loyola University Chicago: 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 Macalester College (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Macalester College: 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 Marquette University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Marquette 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 Miami University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Miami 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 Northern Illinois University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Northern Illinois 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 North Dakota State University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about North Dakota State University: 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 the University of Notre Dame (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about the University of Notre Dame: 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 Northwestern University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Northwestern 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 Ohio University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Ohio 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 Penn State University Park (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Penn State University Park: 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 Sam Houston State University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Sam Houston State University: 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 Southeastern Louisiana University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Southeastern Louisiana 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 Tufts University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Tufts 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
UC San Diego Parent Guide 2026: Everything Triton Families Need to Know
Everything parents need to know about UC San Diego: move-in and housing, academics, money and financial aid, health and safety, and how to stay connected from…
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School Guide
UC Santa Barbara Parent Guide 2026: Move-In, Dorms, Santa Barbara & What Parents Need to Know
Everything parents need to know about UC Santa Barbara: move-in and housing, academics, money and financial aid, health and safety, and how to stay connected from…
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School Guide
UCLA Parent Guide 2026: Everything Bruin Families Need to Know
Everything parents need to know about UCLA: move-in and housing, academics, money and financial aid, health and safety, and how to stay connected from a distance.
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School Guide
A Parent’s Complete Guide to the University of Dayton (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about the University of Dayton: 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 the University of Delaware (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about the University of Delaware: 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 the University of Maryland (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about the University of Maryland: 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 the University of Miami (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about the University of Miami: move-in and housing, academics, money and financial aid, health and safety, and how to stay connected…
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School Guide
University of Minnesota Parent Guide 2026: Move-In, Dorms, Minneapolis & What Parents Need to Know
Everything parents need to know about University of Minnesota: 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 University of North Dakota (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about the University of North Dakota: 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 the University of South Carolina (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about the University of South Carolina: 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 the University of Texas at Arlington (UT Arlington) (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about the University of Texas at Arlington: move-in and housing, academics, money and financial aid, health and safety, and how to…
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School Guide
University of Wisconsin-Madison Parent Guide 2026: Move-In, Dorms, Madison & What Parents Need to Know
Everything parents need to know about University of Wisconsin-Madison: 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 University of Washington (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about the University of Washington: 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 Villanova University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Villanova 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 Virginia Tech (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Virginia 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 Virginia State University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Virginia 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 Western Kentucky University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Western Kentucky 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 Central Michigan University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Central Michigan 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 Eastern Michigan University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Eastern Michigan 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
Michigan State University Parent Guide 2026: Move-In, Dorms, East Lansing & What Parents Need to Know
Everything parents need to know about Michigan 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 Western Michigan University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Western Michigan 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 the University of Michigan (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about the University of Michigan: 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 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 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 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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School Guide
A Parent’s Complete Guide to Appalachian State University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Appalachian 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 Ball State University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Ball 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 Bates College (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Bates College: 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 Case Western Reserve University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Case Western Reserve University: 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 Carnegie Mellon University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Carnegie Mellon 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 Columbia University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Columbia 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 DePaul University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about DePaul 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 Drexel University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Drexel 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 East Carolina University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about East Carolina 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 Florida International University (FIU) (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Florida International 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 George Mason University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about George Mason 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 Indiana University Bloomington (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Indiana University Bloomington: 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 Kent State University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Kent 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 Loyola University Chicago (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Loyola University Chicago: 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 Macalester College (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Macalester College: 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 Marquette University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Marquette 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 Miami University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Miami 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 Northern Illinois University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Northern Illinois 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 North Dakota State University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about North Dakota State University: 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 the University of Notre Dame (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about the University of Notre Dame: 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 Northwestern University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Northwestern 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 Ohio University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Ohio 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 Penn State University Park (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Penn State University Park: 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 Sam Houston State University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Sam Houston State University: 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 Southeastern Louisiana University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Southeastern Louisiana 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 Tufts University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Tufts 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
UC San Diego Parent Guide 2026: Everything Triton Families Need to Know
Everything parents need to know about UC San Diego: move-in and housing, academics, money and financial aid, health and safety, and how to stay connected from…
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School Guide
UC Santa Barbara Parent Guide 2026: Move-In, Dorms, Santa Barbara & What Parents Need to Know
Everything parents need to know about UC Santa Barbara: move-in and housing, academics, money and financial aid, health and safety, and how to stay connected from…
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School Guide
UCLA Parent Guide 2026: Everything Bruin Families Need to Know
Everything parents need to know about UCLA: move-in and housing, academics, money and financial aid, health and safety, and how to stay connected from a distance.
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School Guide
A Parent’s Complete Guide to the University of Dayton (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about the University of Dayton: 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 the University of Delaware (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about the University of Delaware: 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 the University of Maryland (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about the University of Maryland: 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 the University of Miami (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about the University of Miami: move-in and housing, academics, money and financial aid, health and safety, and how to stay connected…
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School Guide
University of Minnesota Parent Guide 2026: Move-In, Dorms, Minneapolis & What Parents Need to Know
Everything parents need to know about University of Minnesota: 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 University of North Dakota (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about the University of North Dakota: 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 the University of South Carolina (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about the University of South Carolina: 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 the University of Texas at Arlington (UT Arlington) (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about the University of Texas at Arlington: move-in and housing, academics, money and financial aid, health and safety, and how to…
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School Guide
University of Wisconsin-Madison Parent Guide 2026: Move-In, Dorms, Madison & What Parents Need to Know
Everything parents need to know about University of Wisconsin-Madison: 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 University of Washington (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about the University of Washington: 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 Villanova University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Villanova 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 Virginia Tech (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Virginia 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 Virginia State University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Virginia 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 Western Kentucky University (2026-2027)
Everything parents need to know about Western Kentucky University: move-in and housing, academics, money and financial aid, health and safety, and how to stay connected from…
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Freshman Year
College Add/Drop Period: What Parents Need to Know Before Their Student Changes Classes
Your student wants to drop or switch a class. Learn how add/drop periods work, what to check first, and how the change can affect credits, tuition…
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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 MSEP? How Midwest Families Can Save on Out-of-State College Tuition
The Midwest Student Exchange Program can lower nonresident tuition at participating Midwest colleges. Who qualifies, which states are in, and the real cost.
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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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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
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
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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College Life
Empty Nest Reboot: Evidence-Based Ways to Reclaim Your Identity While Still Showing Up for Them
Empty nest syndrome hits college parents hard, especially mothers. Here's the research, real scripts, and a 30-day reboot plan to reclaim who you are.
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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
Space Heaters in Dorms: Why They’re Banned (And What Actually Keeps You Warm)
Space heaters are banned at virtually every college in the US. Here's why the ban is so universal, which rare schools allow low-wattage units, and the…
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Dorm & Packing
Dorm Power Strips and Surge Protectors: What Schools Actually Require (And Our Top Picks for 2026)
Most schools ban plain extension cords and require a surge protector with a built-in circuit breaker. Here's exactly what to look for, the daisy-chaining rule everyone…
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Dorm & Packing
Dorm Mini Fridge Size & Rules: What Size Refrigerator Can You Bring to College?
What size mini fridge is allowed in a dorm? Compare common 1.6 to 4.5 cu. ft. sizes, college refrigerator limits, dimensions, MicroFridge rules, and what to…
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Dorm & Packing
Dorm Microwave Rules: What’s Actually Allowed (And Our Top Picks for 2026)
Most dorms allow microwaves, but wattage limits, size caps, and outright bans at schools like Georgetown and GWU catch parents off guard. Here's exactly what to…
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Health & Legal
The 18th Birthday Legal Playbook: Power of Attorney, FERPA & HIPAA Waivers Every Parent Needs Before Summer Break (2026 Templates)
FERPA waivers, HIPAA authorizations, and power of attorney for college students -- get the 2026 legal documents before summer break ends.
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Dorm & Packing
College Clothing Essentials Guide 2026: What to Pack (By Climate)
Affiliate Disclosure: UniversityParent earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This does not affect our recommendations -- we only suggest products…
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Dorm & Packing
The Ultimate College Dorm Packing List (2026-2027): What Parents and Students Actually Need
Affiliate Disclosure: UniversityParent earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This does not affect our recommendations, we only suggest products we…
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College Finances
FAFSA for Parents 2026-27: Deadlines, Contributors and What Families Need to Know
How the FAFSA works for parents: contributors, deadlines, StudentAid.gov accounts, divorced-parent rules, and what your Student Aid Index actually means.
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Freshman Year
The Complete Parent’s Guide to Paying for College (2026-2027)
We are not financial advisors. This guide is informational. For advice specific to your family's situation, consult a licensed financial advisor or certified college financial planner.…
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Freshman Year
Ultimate Guide to College Move-In & Freshman Year for Parents (2026)
Affiliate Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase through one of our links, UniversityParent may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.…
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Freshman Year
College Student Mental Health: A Complete Guide for Parents (2026-2027)
From Our Book The college parent guide that goes with this Everything here is pulled from the same playbook as our 2026 Kindle book, The College…
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Gift Guides
College Care Package Ideas: 50 Things Students Actually Want (2026)
Affiliate Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase through one of our links, UniversityParent may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.…
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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.