Before your student heads off to college, it’s important to have some smart conversations that go beyond dorm décor and class schedules. The weeks leading up to move-in day are exciting—but they’re also a crucial time to talk about safety, support, and how to handle challenges that might come their way. These aren’t meant to scare your student—they’re caring, proactive discussions to help them feel confident and prepared for what’s ahead.
These aren’t scare tactics—they’re loving, proactive discussions to help your student feel more confident and prepared. Here are some meaningful conversations to have before they head off to campus.
🏫 1. Campus and Dorm Safety Basics
Talk about simple but essential habits for staying safe on campus and in residence halls. Discuss:
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Locking doors—even if just heading down the hall.
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Keeping student ID and room key secure.
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Not letting strangers “tailgate” into dorms.
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Trusting instincts—if something feels off, it probably is.
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Walking with a friend or using campus safety escorts at night.
Remind your student that safety isn’t about fear—it’s about awareness.
WATCH: “Think You’re Too Cool for a Safety Rail?” If your college student’s dorm bed is lofted, are you aware of the risks when there’s no guardrail? After a preventable fall from a lofted bed nearly killed her son during his sophomore year, Ms. Jacobs was stunned to learn that each year, around 71,000 people visit the ER due to bunk and loft bed injuries—and falls account for 75% of those cases.
📄 2. Fill Out HIPAA and HCPOA Forms
Many parents are surprised to learn that once their child turns 18, they lose automatic access to medical and academic records—even in an emergency.
Before they leave, consider filling out:
- Set up the Emergency SOS feature on your student’s smartphone. Your student’s smartphone has software pre-loaded or available for download that allows first responders and medical personnel to find out critical healthcare information in the event that your student is incapacitated or otherwise unable to provide that information.
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HIPAA Authorization – so medical providers can share health information with you if necessary. A HIPAA release form allows physicians to share information and medical records with those listed on the form, typically parents or guardians.
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HCPOA Authorization – HCPOA stands for Health Care Power of Attorney. This document allows your student to outline their medical wishes and appoint another person to make sure those wishes are enforced in the event that they are unable to make their own health care decisions.
Make sure your student knows this isn’t about prying—it’s about providing tools for support if ever needed.
► WATCH: “COLLEGE SAFETY AND PREVENTABLE DEATHS” to listen to one family’s cautionary tale about why a HIPAA Authorization is so important!
🚗 3. Rideshare Awareness: Getting There Safely
Ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft are common on college campuses—but they come with risks. Talk through these safety tips:
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Always check the license plate, driver photo, and name before getting in.
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Never get into a car without verifying the ride.
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Sit in the back seat and share your ride status with a friend.
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Don’t accept food, drinks, or gum from the driver—these can be tampered with or drugged.
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Trust your gut—cancel the ride if anything feels off.
Let them know it’s okay to be rude if it means being safe.
► WATCH: “Baylie’s Ride: How one college student’s late night ended in tragedy.” When Shawnee Baker’s daughter Baylie Grogan accepted a rideshare from two men she thought were fellow college students, she didn’t know it would lead to a terrifying ordeal—and uncover a disturbing criminal network preying on young women.
🤝 4. The Power of Looking Out for Each Other
One of the most powerful things students can do is look out for their peers. Talk to them about:
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Checking in on friends who seem off or withdrawn.
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Making a pact to leave parties together—and not leave anyone behind.
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Stepping in or getting help if someone appears unsafe or uncomfortable.
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Understanding that consent and respect are non-negotiable.
Community care can make all the difference.
🚨 5. Don’t Hesitate to Call 911
If your student ever finds themselves in an emergency—whether it’s alcohol-related, medical, or safety—they should never hesitate to call 911.
Reinforce this: “You won’t be in trouble for doing the right thing.”
Some campuses have Good Samaritan policies that protect students from disciplinary action if they seek help for themselves or a friend. Talk about those, too.
► WATCH: “Rachael Fiege Story.” Rachael’s friends share the moment they learned about her accident and how it deeply affected each of them—just as they were beginning their own college journeys. Their message is clear: make the call—call 911. The only regret you’ll have is not calling. No one should have to lose a son, daughter, sibling, or best friend.
🧠 6. Mental Health Matters: When It’s All Too Much
College can be overwhelming. New environment, academic pressure, social adjustments—it’s a lot. Remind your student that it’s okay to struggle and essential to reach out.
Encourage them to:
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Call home—no matter the time or reason.
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Reach out to a friend, roommate, or Resident Assistant (RA).
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Use campus resources like counseling services, peer support groups, or academic coaching.
Let them know: asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.
Final Thought
You don’t need to have these conversations all at once. Spread them out. Make them casual, heartfelt, and open-ended. The goal isn’t to lecture—it’s to plant seeds of confidence, caution, and care.
Sending your child off to college is a big step, but these talks can make all the difference in helping them feel seen, supported, and ready.
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