Things that seem small and inconsequential to parents and family can feel immensely important to your student. Relate to them better by understanding the day-to-day of college life.

• Laundry takes quarters. Quarters are coveted.
• University food plan grub gets boring. Store bought snacks turn to gold.
• There's pressure to share with roommates. Any food sent in care packages is up for grabs. Send enough for all.
• Technology is king. Library catalogs, library research, class registration, financial aid, questions to professors, and even certain classes are all online.
• Big, plastic storage containers are to a student what luggage is to a traveler.
• The everyday stuff like chap-stick, deodorant, shampoo, and mascara become things all students wish parents and family would provide.
• On campus, the Student ID is more important than the State Issued ID.
• When roommates are around, talking to parents and family on the phone can be embarrassing or uncomfortable.
• Pajamas are uniform. They are comfy, and it's best to be comfy when trying to concentrate on lectures and class work.
• Ramen Noodles and Mac N' Cheese really are important. Both are fast and time shrinks on college campuses.
• Instant Messaging (IM) rules the communication scene. It's fast and allows for multi-tasking. Parents and family using IM is an ideal form of communication.
• Sometimes TV and/or PlayStations become a way to rest the brain.
• Being out late happens. Most students make classes and get class work done despite going to bed around 2AM.