Has your student enrolled at Southern Utah University for the 2025–2026 school year? Congratulations! This is a huge milestone — and whether it’s your first time sending a student to college or your fourth, there is a lot to plan for.
Preparing your student for college is about more than packing boxes. It’s about making sure they’re academically, financially, emotionally, and logistically ready for the next big chapter. Here is a practical guide to help you support your student every step of the way:
Apply for scholarships
- Start your search as early as possible. Make sure to track deadlines and requirements.
- Start the search early — even before senior year if possible.
- Encourage your student to apply to both national and local scholarships.
Apply for Fafsa & Financial Aid
- Complete the FAFSA (usually opens October 1st) while exploring grants, scholarships, and work study options.
- Explore SUU’s specific scholarship options on their financial aid website.
- Some aid is first-come, first-served — don’t wait!
Let’s talk budgeting & time management:
- Estimate the cost of tuition, books, housing, transportation, and personal expenses.
- Have honest conversations about who’s covering what.
- Help your student open a checking/savings account and talk about using debit or credit cards responsibly.
Time management and life skills:
- Time management is key to success so be sure to practice balancing work, school & activities.
- Encourage your student to use planners, apps, or digital calendars to stay organized.
- Talk about setting boundaries with social life and prioritizing responsibilities.
Medical:
- Make sure your student has vaccination and health insurance cards ready.
- Find a local primary care physician and dentist in Cedar Citywho accepts new patients.
- Pack a basic first-aid kit and any needed prescriptions.
Moving Checklist:
- Mini fridge
- Pens/Pencils
- Bedding
- Plenty of snacks
- Bed linens
- Laptop
- List of important phone #’s
Housing Tips:
- Dorms are convenient but compact — pack smart and maximize vertical space.
- Apartments offer more freedom, but they’re not always permanent or fully furnished.
- Self-storage is your secret weapon!
Pro Tip:
Dorms are small, apartments are temporary and self-storage is the unsung hero of staying sane.
At StorRight Self Storage, we can help! Located just 5.4 miles from SUU and right off exit 62.
The importance of your student’s mental health:
Encourage your student to get acquainted with a qualified school counselor as soon as possible to learn
all available resources to advocate for themselves whether it be for emotional, physical, or mental wellbeing.
- Discuss the importance of self-care, stress management, and asking for help.
- Let them know that needing support is normal.
Get acquainted with Cedar City and fall in love!
Cedar City is more than just SUU — it’s a fun & welcoming place full of culture and outdoor adventure.
Here are some fun city ideas that are within walking distance of SUU.
- Local coffee shops
- The Shakespearean Festival
- Shopping
- Food
- Workout facilities
- A farmers’ market
- Beauty Salon
Preparing your student for college isn’t about being perfect — it’s about being proactive.
From finances to health care to finding their favorite local coffee shop, every small step you take now will help ease their transition later.
Make sure to utilize the incredible support services SUU has for both students and families.