How to Connect With Your College Student

College can feel so far away for both mom and student, especially when you're sending your first one off. But the gap in the "great wide open" is not as vast as you imagine, thanks to new technology and good old-fashioned TLC. Make the transition easier with these creative, easy ways to stay connected with your favorite co-ed.

Nothing will bring a smile to your college student's face like a customized care package from mom. You'll have fun putting together all the goodies she'll love. And the process just might be therapeutic, according to I’ll Miss You Too: An Off-to-College Guide for Parents and Students author Margo Woodacre. “I found it actually relieved some of my own empty nest anxiety while I chose and creatively packaged my daughter Steffany’s surprise boxes,” she shares. Of course, you can always enlist a service like CollegeCratez.com, which specializes in pre-made packages.

The next best thing to actually being there is seeing your college student face-to-face over a video conference service. They're easy to use and can typically be accessed from either a phone or computer. “Skype offers a nice face-to-face visit that feels like ‘being there,’” says Woodacre. “Just make sure to set an agreed-upon time that works for both of your schedules, as well as a time limit that can be extended if need be. Your students are busy at school and may choose to make it short and sweet.”

RELATED: Weirdest College Rituals

After months of dining hall monotony, home-cooked favorites go a long way toward reminding your college student of home. Of course, when sending food, it's important to make sure it arrives in one piece. Stick with travel-friendly items like brownies and loaf breads and avoid any perishable items. Around the holidays, seasonal cookies and candies are also fair game. “Think of their favorite nibbles that are too expensive or not easily available at college,” suggests Woodacre. “Include enough for the roommate and other friends in their hall.”

If you want to stay connected, go where the college kids are: social networking services like Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Creating an account on one of these can be a great way to keep track of what your loved one is up to and share notes and photos. Just don't overdo it if you want to keep your "friend" status. “Students today prefer texts and instant messages to long phone conversations, but don’t overwhelm them,” cautions Woodacre.

From smartphone cameras to flip cams, recording home videos has never been easier. "Instead of a quick email, moms can send a video giving encouraging words of advice for their son's first big exam," says Lily Himmelsbach, director of operations for Sociagram, an online service for video gift messages. And it works both ways: "Imagine waking up on a Saturday morning to a video from your college freshman dressed in university colors getting ready to go to the football game — just because she wanted to say hi."

RELATED: Advice From College Admissions Directors

Many campuses host special parents' weekends filled with fun activities for reuniting parents and students. Whether you decide to go on a dedicated weekend or do your own thing, try to visit your son or daughter at least once a quarter. “Visit campus when you can and attend football or sporting events, theatre productions and/or Greek events connected to your student—when invited, of course,” suggests Woodacre.

In the age of email, getting something in the mail that isn't a bill is especially refreshing. Brighten up your college kid's mailbox with a personal letter at least once a month. Seeing your handwriting will be a welcome dose of home and will show your son or daughter how much you care — signed, sealed and delivered.

A great way to keep college kids connected to their hometown is to share news about what’s happening back home and at their former school. “Moms can provide a ‘clipping service’ by sending articles that appear in the local newspaper regarding local events, newsworthy information and updates on former high school sports, activities, teachers and friends,” says Woodacre.

RELATED: College Family Weekend: Decoded