Many students are anxiously preparing for the Fall semester of their first year of college amidst considerable uncertainty. As states have recently opened up with many restrictions, many universities have released their plans of action for the Fall semester. Students should anticipate a college experience different from any the world has seen in the past and consider all of their options before they step onto the quad.
If you haven’t already, research the COVID-19 response for your college
Many schools have decided to open with contingency plans that entail adding a semester and requiring students to have single dormitory living. While this sounds like an opportunity for a more enjoyable experience, students should make sure that they are not paying more for the single occupancy dormitory than they would have paid for their formerly planned multiple occupancy living scenarios. It is unfair that this virus may cause students to pay more, and potentially go into more debt, to live on campus.
Additionally, some schools have converted to online learning for the Fall semester, or a hybrid of both, where students are on campus until Thanksgiving, and finish their classes at home through December. While this ensures that students can get the fullness of their instruction, families would have much to consider before making that transition.
Make sure your student is prepared with the proper technology.
COVID-19 has opened the doors for families to gain access to many resources with little to no cost. Many internet companies have expanded their internet programs created for low-income families to accommodate the demands of families that now have to work at home. This means that nearly every household should have access to the internet by the end of this year. Students can take advantage of the deals across the web to procure a laptop or tablet, and some schools offer free laptops to students. The federal government also has programs that provide free laptops to low-income families.
Consider other options
When high school students think of college, they often imagine a robust social life, networking, sports, and occasionally, learning. Colleges know this, and they depend on this to justify the hundreds of thousands of dollars in tuition and fees. Families can expect to pay an annual average of over $25,000 for their students to attend private or out-of-state schools with the hope that their students will gain life-altering experiences both inside and outside the classroom. A survey from Maguire Associates revealed that the majority of incoming first-year college students have not decided to change their plans for college enrollment, with only 15% choosing to remain close to home. Yet, with the average annual cost of in-state tuition just under $10,000 nationally, families, especially those who will be attending online classes for all or part of a first semester, should begin to consider taking courses at a local university. Students can still get the necessary pre-requisite credits while saving thousands of dollars and maintaining their health.
Families must make wise decisions concerning the educational, physical, and financial well-being of their students. This Fall, with so many uncertainties, students have a unique opportunity to expand the possibilities of college life.
Sabrina Catlett is an Education and Faith writer, living in Chicago. Find her on social media @sheunapologetic.
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