17 Things Your Kids Should Learn Before Going to College

It's guaranteed ramen, pizza, and mac and cheese will be college staples, but arming your children with some easy recipes like omelets and quinoa salad will give them healthier food choices.

This may seem simple, but when parents aren't there to monitor the room situation, it can get messy. The last thing your kids will think about between exams and socializing is how their room looks.

Most dorms house two students to a room, and learning how to live peacefully with a stranger can be hard. Have your kids email or Facebook their future roommate for a quick introduction and, in worst-case scenarios, request to switch rooms before move-in day.

Most students pick up a job on or around campus, which means they'll need savvy money-management skills. Pass down some of your own financial advice to your college-bound children.

Now that Mom isn't there to do the laundry, they're on their own. The one golden rule to remember? Separate the whites from colors.

It's easy to post a funny photo or video in the moment and not think twice about it, but when graduates are job hunting, employers will not appreciate drunk profile photos or drunk tweets.

The workload will be twice as intense compared to high school's, and figuring out a study plan before freshman year begins will keep your kids on track.

Dining halls always offer coffee and tea, but knowing how to brew your own will save time and money.

In case of emergencies, always have campus police on speed dial and, if possible, pepper spray.

Because a college student's stress level only gets higher near exam time, figure out a way to manage anxiety levels, whether it's through exercise or a change in diet.

It's hard to not feel separated when the other person you love is far away living his or her own life, but figuring out a plan to stay connected is a must.

College students swear by this site, especially if they're enrolling in big lecture classes and want to find the best professors.

Never buy textbooks from a college campus bookstore because they tend to be overpriced. Instead, check out sites like Amazon, where students with a university email will get free shipping.

If your daughter plans to bring her car on to campus, make sure she's aware of the pros and cons.

Because you won't be able to pop into their rooms to offer medicine and hugs.

Parents will always check in on their kids, more often than ever once they go off to college. They should always call or text back Mom and Dad, because you're just worried.

How to have fun! And enjoy the college ride.