Preparing for the Upcoming Semester in College
As we get ready for a new school year this fall, many students are preparing for college and their first time at a university. Starting college is exciting but can also feel overwhelming. Between moving into a new dorm, meeting new people, and keeping up with classes, it’s easy to forget a few things.
For young people in foster care, this transition can feel especially overwhelming. While most students worry about class schedules and what to bring to their dorms, foster youth often face extra hurdles: a lack of family support or a safety net as well as financial barriers and housing insecurity.
While this can all feel scary, know that you can do this! We’re here to help you get ready and feel confident and prepared with this simple guide.
Challenges Students May Face in 2025
This year, college students are dealing with rising tuition costs and changes to student loan limits, and financial aid programs like FAFSA. Many universities have adjusted tuition and housing fees due to inflation, making it even harder for students to budget. On top of that, some schools are shifting course formats again, offering more hybrid and online classes. While this can be flexible, it can also create confusion for students.
For foster youth, these challenges can be even more serious. Many don’t have a stable place to stay when dorms close for breaks. Some may not have anyone to help them navigate complicated paperwork, like financial aid forms or scholarship applications. Others might feel isolated without family cheering them on or helping them move in.
Education Funding Under Pressure
- A new federal bill (sometimes called the “Big, Beautiful Bill”) includes tax credits for private school vouchers and cuts to Pell Grants and student loans.
- Cuts to Medicaid, which could affect around 100,000 former foster youth aged 18-26.
- These shifts may indirectly impact college prep support, tutoring, and campus services used by foster youth.
Let’s Start with the Easy Stuff: Dorm Supplies
Desk lamps, storage bins, and other space-saving items are a must. Many students suggest bringing a power strip (or two) because there never seem to be enough outlets. Don’t forget shower shoes and a caddy if you’ll be using a shared bathroom.
Here’s a checklist you can never go wrong with when shopping for school essentials:
Start with the basics:
- XL twin bedding and pillows
- Towels and washcloths
- Toiletries (shampoo, body wash, toothpaste, etc.)
- A reusable water bottle
- Basic first aid kit supplies (Bandaids, Neosporin, Benadryl, hydrocortisone)
- OTC medicines (Tylenol, ibuprofen, Tums, allergy medicine, cough drops/syrup)
- Spare phone, tablet, and laptop charging cables
- Desk lamp
- Power strips (check if they’re allowed)
- Shower shoes
- Shower caddy
- Cleaning supplies, trash bags, and tissues
- Extra bedding like mattress toppers/sheet sets
- Brita pitcher/filter to save on buying water
- Resealable food containers
- A sturdy, fabric laundry bag or hamper
- Masking tape (won’t damage the walls/paint when hanging pictures!)
Wait to bring big extras:
Once you’re settled in, you can bring storage bins, extra racks, or decorative items. You’ll have a better sense of your room layout and what actually fits. Your roommate may already have something you can share, or you might find things like that mini fridge or fan just don’t fit in the room!
School Supplies You Can’t Miss
When it comes to classes, being organized is key. Many college students recommend using a planner or a digital calendar app to keep track of assignments and deadlines. You’ll also need notebooks, folders, pens, USBs and highlighters.
Foster Love is helping students with Back to School Tech Packs! They come with essentials like printers, USBs, and more to help students in foster care prepare for classes!
Learn more about our Back to School initiative here: Foster Love College Tech Packs
Building Your Schedule
Creating a schedule that works for you is one of the best ways to reduce stress. Students online often say it helps to plan out study times, meals, and even breaks to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Many students recommend making a weekly routine and sticking to it as much as possible.
If you work, inform your employer about your class schedule well before classes start so they’re not taken by surprise when you’re suddenly unavailable for shifts in the middle of the week!
Leave space for fun activities and downtime so you don’t overwork yourself. Remember, college is about balance! Burnout is very real, and while some influencers glorify “hustle culture,” there’s nothing cute about nervous breakdowns. Do what you can handle and don’t apologize for going at your own pace.
Extra Tips from College Students
Real college students share some advice that can make a big difference:
- “Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated during long classes.”
- “Get to know your roommate early so you feel more at home.”
- “Keep snacks in your room for late-night study sessions.”
- “Decorate your space to make it feel like yours.”
How Foster Youth Can Prepare
If you’re a student from foster care (or supporting one), preparing for college can feel extra overwhelming. But there are resources and programs designed just for you! Here are some ways to get ready for the fall semester:
Make a list early: Write down everything you’ll need, from bedding and school supplies to tech items like a laptop. If you’re missing anything, many organizations (including Foster Love!) can help provide essentials like school supplies or clothes through programs like our Rapid Response initiative or Shopping Sprees.
Get support with paperwork and financial aid: Navigating forms like the FAFSA can be stressful. Reach out to your college’s financial aid office or a counselor. Many schools have special advisors for students who have experienced foster care.
Work with your college financial aid office or a counselor to check eligibility for:
- Chafee Education and Training Voucher (ETV): Up to $5,000/year for foster students.
- State tuition waivers: Many states waive public college tuition for current or former foster youth.
- Fee waivers and grants: FAFSA fee waivers, state or campus grants, and sometimes emergency funds at colleges.
Plan for breaks and housing: Ask if your campus offers year-round housing or break housing options. Many foster youth don’t have a traditional “home” to go back to during holidays or summer. Some schools also have emergency housing funds — don’t hesitate to ask!
Connect with your campus and community: Joining student support groups can help you feel less alone. Many colleges have programs specifically for former foster youth, providing mentorship, workshops, and social connections. Look for:
- Campus-based support programs
- First-generation student support offices
- Local nonprofits or campus partners offering coaching or scholarships
Explore Foster Love’s academic programs: Foster Love offers scholarships and our Family Fellowship program to help youth continue their studies and build professional experience. Applications open every year, so sign up to stay in the loop and know exactly when to apply.
Preparing for college doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right supplies and a solid plan, you can focus on making memories and learning new things. Take it one step at a time — you’ve got this!
Scholarships and Programs for Students at Foster Love
Foster Love academic scholarships are designed to help transition-aged foster youth pursue their dreams without the heavy financial burden. Our applications open every year, and we encourage students to sign up and stay in the loop so they know exactly when to apply. These programs can make a huge difference in building confidence, covering costs, and creating a strong start for their college journey.
Learn more about our programs here: academics.fosterlove.com
Ways to Help
If you want to help foster youth prepare for college, you can:
- Donate to or volunteer with Foster Love to provide backpacks, dorm essentials, and emotional support.
- Offer to mentor a college-bound youth, helping them practice skills like budgeting and self-advocacy.
- Spread the word about resources and scholarships specifically for students with foster care experience.
By working together, we can make sure every student has what they need to succeed, not just this fall, but all year long.
