Moving into college marks an exciting new chapter for students, where they embark on a journey of independence and self-discovery. While students embrace their newfound freedom, parents can stay involved by offering support and guidance. From helping students get packed for Move In Day, to sending care packages filled with reminders of home or messages of encouragement during the semester, parents play a crucial role in helping their students navigate this transformative experience while fostering a sense of connection and reassurance. 

Packing 101: Here’s What They’ll Need (And Not Need) 

Pack only the essentials. Your student is most likely sharing their space with a roommate, so space can be limited – but that doesn’t mean it can’t be personalized! They’ll need things like:  

• Bedding and linens (our beds are XL twin) 
• Clothing and shoes – pack for all kinds of weather!  
• Laundry baskets and hangers 
• Laundry detergent, dryer sheets 
• Toiletries 
• A shower caddy 
• Study supplies – laptops, notebooks, pens, paper, etc. 
• Surge protector 
• A backpack or bag 
• A desk lamp  
• Storage bins 
• Desk organizer  
• Reusable water bottles, utensils, plates and bowls 
• Headphones and/or speakers 
• Important documents – IDs, medical records, insurance cards, bank information 
• Decorations – posters, pictures, extra pillows ... anything to feel like home! 
• Command Strips or other non-damaging hanging materials 

Coordinate with Roommates: Many times, roommates can share items and may want to split the cost. Think of things like cleaning supplies, mini fridges (2.5 cubic ft. limit), coffee makers, microwaves (700 watt limit), groceries, curtains and rugs.  

Label Everything: Especially items that might be shared or borrowed. Trust us, this will save you some headaches when items get lost or at the end of the semester when you aren’t sure everything you brought in. 

Space Savers: Use vacuum bags for bulky items like bedding and clothes. Under bed storage bins are also great for supplies and shoes!  

Check College Policies: Ensure you know what is and isn’t allowed in our rooms, like no space heaters, candles, toasters or installations that require screws. Also note that your students cannot remove any furniture in the room or paint the walls. (Tapestries are a great way to add some color!) 

Move In Day: Aug. 15 

Best tip: Stay hydrated! It’s summer in Texas, it’s going to be hot.  

We’d also recommend getting there early to allow more time for you and your student to set up their room. Expect a little chaos – there are a lot of people moving in! We’ll do our best to help you have a smooth process, so feel free to ask us questions. We’re here to help! 

Getting Keys and Unpacking: We recommend making a checklist prior to Move In Day so you and your student can ensure they have everything they need. Though, if you need to make a last-minute trip, there’s a Walmart, Ross, Marshall’s, Dollar Tree and more at The Renaissance Square just a couple miles away. 

Make sure your student has a photo ID. They will need it to get the keys! We recommend their student ID, but if they don’t have that yet, a driver’s license, state ID or passport will work, too.  

If you need help getting things moved in, we’ll have volunteers ready! 

Get to Know the Roommate: Introduce yourself to your student’s roommate and their family. Who knows, this could be a new life-long friend for your student! Plus, getting to know your student’s roommate can be beneficial in an emergency. (Just be sure to make space for both students to get to know each other independently, too!) 

Enjoy Your Day: Take pictures – this is a big milestone for you and your student! And expect to get a little emotional, your student heading to college is going to be a change for your family.  

Once you’re done with unpacking, feel free to explore campus and help your student find their classes.  

We’d also recommend having a relaxing lunch or dinner. It’s going to be a long, emotional day, and you’re going to need to refuel. Check out TXWES’ local districts, Southeast & Historic Southside, Near Southside or Downtown Fort Worth, for some different options.  

Get to Know Campus Resources 

By understanding what resources are available, you can better guide and advise your student on where to seek help for various needs. It’s important to us that your student feels connected to our campus community!  

Texas Wesleyan Emergency and Weather Alerts: We highly recommend your student sign up for our alerts and add you to the list – they will help alert you and your student to campus closures and emergency situations.  

The Food Pantry: Texas Wesleyan has a food pantry that offers fresh fruits and vegetables, snacks, school supplies and toiletries. It’s completely free and open to all students, no matter their situation. It's located on the first floor of the Polytechnic United Methodist Church behind the stairs. (You can also donate supplies!)  

Studying Resources & Tutoring: Juggling classes, a job, campus activities, volunteer work, game schedules – it can be difficult, but we’re here to help! Your student has free access to tutoring sessions, study guides and resources at the Academic Success Center located in the library.  

Counseling & Telehealth: Texas Wesleyan has a robust graduate counseling program taught by leading experts, which means your student can get free counseling at our counseling center, either online or in person.  

We also provide students with TimelyCare, a 24/7 virtual medical and mental health care platform that allows them to connect with medical professionals for free. TimelyCare provides treatment for common illnesses like the cold and flu, on-demand access to mental health professionals, scheduled counseling appointments, health and wellness coaching, psychiatry and more. 

Career Services: Does your student want to get a job? Our career experts can help. From finding full- and part-time positions open in the area, getting an internship and reviewing your student’s resume, Career Services can help. 

Stay in Touch 

Just because your student moved to campus doesn’t mean they don’t still need you! Parents are a vital part of a student’s success in college. Make plans to stay in touch and come visit your student.  

Your student may need some extra love during holidays, exam periods and birthdays. Consider sending a care package that includes practical items like stationery, their favorite snacks and drinks, new toiletries or a cozy blanket. You can also check in with our bookstore to order them some TXWES swag.  

Finding a balance is key to keeping up with your student without having too much interference. Each student will be different, but remember, college is a time for your student to start gaining some independence and preparing for their career. You got this, parents!