New environment, new friends, new classes and new responsibilities are all things teenagers experience when they enter their first year of college. After 18 years of depending on you, their newfound independence forces them to get organized to not only succeed, but to survive.

When preparing for the big move to living on campus, it’s important to keep efficiency and simplicity in mind. When purchasing items for the dorm, make sure they’re stylish and functional, as most dorm rooms have limited space.

The most important aspect of a dorm room is an efficient workspace.  With a dedicated workspace it is easier for teens to focus and stay on task. A few things to consider purchasing are a computer, printer, calendar, and horizontal filing system with color-coded files. This way, everything has its place.

Instill in your teen that it is important to have minimal distractions while studying and doing homework—they shouldn’t be texting, e-mailing, or updating Facebook. Staying focused and on task help keep stuff from piling up.

Next on the list is setting up a study schedule. There will often be times when they study as a group, but it is also important that they learn how to study independently. When scheduling time to study, students should mark on a calendar the dedicated time and what exactly they’re going to work on. Teach them to set timers to keep track of time efficiently and stay on task.

Studying shouldn’t be the only thing on the calendar, however; they should include all the other things college kids need to do, like laundry, exercise and extra-curricular activities like sports or clubs. If all important events and due dates are marked on the calendar, then setting reminders and reviewing the calendar often is a simple step to success.

Scheduling and calendars will help your teenager balance school and a social life. Without parents watching over them 24/7 it can be difficult for kids to always stay on task; they want to have fun and enjoy their newfound freedom, but they also need to understand the importance of staying on top of schoolwork, especially during a hectic freshman year.

By teaching your teen the importance of accountability, responsibilities and priorities, you’ll give them the tools to make wise and informed decisions in both their academic and social lives.