The Foreign Service Journal, June 2008

J U N E 2 0 0 8 / F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L 87 S CHOOLS S UPPLEMENT tact lenses need to be reordered in a timely fashion. All students are required to have health insurance on campus, so they need to know how to use their cards, apply for benefits and either pay or forward the bills home. The best medicine, of course, is prevention. Students need to under- stand their own responsibilities re- garding diet, exercise, and sleep, as well as the dangers of substances such as alcohol, tobacco and drugs, in order to maintain their own health. Parents should also talk to their kids about matters related to sexual health. Moving Out Moving out of the dorm at the end of the year is another major undertak- ing, especially if Mom or Dad is not there to help. The DSSR-280 allow- ance now allows for the storage of a student’s personal effects instead of shipping them back to post, as long as the cost does not exceed that of air- freight (see the regulation for details). In the late spring, signs start to appear on many campuses for college moving companies that drop off boxes and packing materials, pick up sealed boxes for storage, and then deliver them again in the fall. But these ser- vices need to be booked in advance. Another option is to look at short- term storage facilities; many of these businesses know “mom and pop” mov- ing companies that can help out. Some college campuses allow summer storage on campus for international students — call residence life to ask. The student needs to allow plenty of time for pack-out, as it always takes more time than one expects. And remind them to check every drawer for items like passports, eyeglasses and other valuables before leaving for the summer. College is an exciting time. It means accepting responsibility for one’s self — one’s well-being as well as personal and intellectual growth. We want our children to have this oppor- tunity, but we want them to travel wisely and stay safe and healthy. As parents, we know there will be bumps in the road, but the more we can help prepare them for what lies ahead, the smoother the ride will be. Continued from page 84 The more we can help prepare them for what lies ahead, the smoother the ride will be.