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I love back to school time!
I’m one of those crazy people that gets inspired this time of year! I love buying new school supplies and planning how to make this year the best ever for the kids academically. This year I have a kiddo actually planning on taking some college courses so this is new territory for me and I couldn’t be more excited for her! With this new chapter comes some important discussions that all college students need to know. One thing on my mind the most is making sure that she can contact me anytime she needs to. I’m so thankful for Walmart Best Plans for making this so easy for both of us.
Here are five tips to conquer college back to school time:
1. Communication is key.
College is so much more than just learning. It’s a time to build independence and with that comes the need to stay in touch with family and friends. Plus in today’s learning environment so much is done online that a great and affordable cell phone and plan is a must. I’m loving the Alcatel One Touch Fierce with the Walmart Mobil Plan, which is perfect for Back to College. While we were out shopping for back to school supplies we picked one up for my oldest! She thought it was an awesome surprise gift and that made me happy. This was definitely a great way to start this new chapter for both of us.
Walmart Best Plan is only $34.88 a month for Unlimited Talk, Text & Web. And we have found the service and coverage to be really good. The Alcatel One Touch Fierce is everything my daughter could need in a phone and the screen size is big while the phone is still rather thin. It’s easy to use and the perfect size to carry around on campus.
The phone and plan are both budget friendly for parents and college students.
2. Go To classes and get the phone number of fellow students.
I am totally going there. With the freedom of college comes thoughts of skipping class here and there. Don’t do it. You will have a much better experience if you show up to class every day. There will come a day {or two} when you are sick and you will have to miss a class. Make sure you have the number of a couple fellow students so that you can text them and see what you missed. It’s so much better knowing what you need to know and make up before you get back to class.
3. Arrive early to campus.
Parking is a challenge the first few weeks. Get there early and don’t forget to buy a parking permit.
4. Bring quarters or plan a once a week trip home.
You know where I’m going with this right? Laundry. Either plan to do it in your dorm or go home each week and do it there. I highly recommend the trip home because as a mom I’d want to see your sweet face as much as possible. But I totally understand if you are busy some weeks so plan ahead and collect those quarters.
5. Ask for help early.
There is nothing wrong with admitting that college courses can be tough. If you need help with your coursework ask your teachers for their email address and let them know when you need help. Just do it early. Don’t wait until the end of the course to admit you need help.
I live in a small town, so there is always a really good chance that I already know at least one parent in the class which makes it easier if we miss a day.
My boys graduated college a year ago and did great. Of course they struggled with grades but they HAD to figure out since they were going to be officers in the Navy.
Arriving to college early is a big deal. Parking can get crazy until everyone gets their routine down pat.
My son has this same phone and loves it. The Walmart plan is perfect for our family’s needs!
We just finished college a few months ago! YEAH! There really is light at the end of the tunnel! lol.
Arriving to college early is definitely a good tip. You can always use that extra time to prep and get a feel for where everything is.
It is good to get to college a little early. That gives the kids time to find their way around campus. Huge campuses can be confusing.
It looks like a great plan. I just don’t have coverage in my area of Montana otherwise I’d be all over checking it out.
We have talked about checking Family Mobile out…great deal on family plan
My youngest starts in a few weeks. Good tips!
I am almost ready to send off my oldest to college. There are some great ideas in here. As for the phone…Both my boys already have one. I want and need to be able to check in with them.
They do have the best cell plans out there right now. once I’m out of my current contract, I need to go there!
These are great tips! College is a crazy time – I’ll be there very soon!
I love the Family Mobile plan at WalMart. It is great to know you can stay in touch easily when your kids go away without having to break the bank.
Great tips. Communication is so important.
I love that Walmart has a great, affordable mobile service. I have heard a lot of great things about it.
ahh, this post totally took me back to my college years. I wish that we had cell phone back then as it would have made life so much easier… great tips
I am so not ready for my oldest to go off to college. He’s a junior this year so I have some time to prepare my self. I have never looked into the phone plans at Walmart. good idea.
Planning for college can be overwhelming. Tips like these help a lot. And so does a good cell phone!
I need to check out Walmart’s plans. I don’t have a college kid, but my tween could use a reasonable plan.
Thanks fo the great tips. We can use them in our house. Our son will be starting college soon.
These are great tips! I’m sure before I know it, my sweet little boys will be headed to college themselves.
My son goes off to school in one year. It is crazy to think of all the things he needs
Great tips! It will be awhile before my little ones are off to College. But if I can think of anything they must have when they go, it is a way to communicate with me at ALL times!!!
There are always apps to help you communicate for free. I wish there’s a branch of Walmart near our area. These deals are all great!
Great list! It was SO important for me to have a good cell phone when I was in college! If I didn’t have one, I don’t think I would have ever talked to my mom!
What a great resource for school and everyday living. Super affordable too!
Walmart’s plans are perfect for college students. I am glad there is a more affordable option.
I can see how not having a contract, and being able to reload or pay monthly online and in store is very convenient for parents with kids headed to college. More money for Raman!
love seeing all these ways for families to save. college times are expensive!
My daughter doesn’t start college for 3 years, but it’s nice to learn about all the plans that Walmart offers ahead of time. It’s never too early to start planning for college 🙂
My son started college today. Your tips are fantastic. I am driving him to the campus for the first couple days and then he will figure out the bus route.
Walmart has really great cell phone plans. You can’t beat their prices.
I’m really interested in these Walmart cellphone plans. I love my phone, but my plan is a little bit ridiculous.
I’m really interested in these plans. Walmart has great prices on everything else. Why wouldn’t they have great cellphone plans as well?
I love this! I’m going to check this out immediately. I can’t live without my cell phone, but I can definitely live without my current bill.
I can really get behind these Walmart plans. With everyone in my house that uses a cellphone, a cheaper plan is a better plan.
Those phone plans are fantastic. What a great idea for college aged kids.
These are all great tips. Arriving early is a big deal. It’s a great way to calm any nerves and just get the lay of the land before things really get going.
I’d change plans if only I wasn’t stuck in a contract!! Oh darn you AT&T! Though, I do love my phone 🙂
Great tips! Thank you for sharing them!
That sounds like a great plan. I have never heard of that brand before.
My dad just switched to a Walmart phone plan. He says he has never been happier.
Its great that kids have access to such an instant link back home now with phones and calling plans.
I have heard a lot about these Walmart plans. Looks like it is worth a try.
Nice to know there are affordable options that work for busy families. Even for teens because we all know college costs are higher and higher!
What wonderful tips for making it through college. I especially like the reminder to let professors know earlier instead of later of any problems.
My biggest advice for people in college is simply to go to class and interact. Having your professors know you is huge!
I will have to check this out because I use Straight Talk but the Walmart best plan is cheaper. Thanks for sharing.
Packing and planning for back to college was always the worst! Thanks for this information!
I’m always shopping at walmart.=) My kids are quite ready for college yet but very soon!
Thanks for the tips! Not ready for college, yet. Just starting high school this year. Time flies!