CLEVELAND, Aug. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Students heading off to college are about to experience a number of "firsts." These include new friends, a new level of education and new freedom to make choices. While it's easy to get caught up in the euphoria, taking time to plan before leaving for school can ease the transition, according to Andy Will, executive vice president, Consumer Product Management, at KeyBank. Key offers these suggestions that can benefit freshmen and seniors alike: For drivers: - Make sure your driver's license is current; contact your local license bureau to determine the best way to renew the license if it expires while you're at school. - Remember that car keys can be lost or misplaced. If you're taking your car with you, consider taking an extra set of keys or make a note of the key numbers on the tags that came with the vehicle -- and make sure you store either in a secure place in your dorm or apartment. For your computer: - Regardless of whether it's a desktop model or laptop, make certain you've recorded the serial numbers of your computer's components -- this is also a good idea for stereos and televisions -- and file the serial numbers in a secure place. Leaving a copy of the list at home is a good idea as well. - Make sure your computer equipment is password-protected and is equipped with the latest anti-virus software and Internet firewalls. - Be wary of using "community computers" in local Internet cafes, especially if you're planning to log on to check your bank account or credit card status -- you can't be sure if data-gathering software or spyware has been installed on that computer. Use your own computer or your bank's toll-free number to perform these functions. - Finally, if you're living off-campus, make sure you have renter's insurance and that computers, MP3 players and other personal electronic devices are covered. For your checking account: - Are you working with a bank that specializes in student banking services? - Many banks understand that students are looking for both convenience and cost-savings. For example, students who open a new checking account with a debit card at KeyBank receive a unique ATM benefit if they choose to receive their statements online and receive approval for a credit card. - Ordinarily, most banks charge you if you do not use their own ATMs. In the case of the KeyBank Student Checking package, if the account holder uses the Key debit card to make a cash withdrawal at a non-KeyBank ATM, this distinctive new program provides a refund of the first two ATM surcharges that these banks typically charge non-customers -- up to $6 per statement cycle. Additionally, fees will not be charged by Key for using another bank's ATM. For your wallet: - Instead of heading off to school with a large amount of cash, consider prepaid debit cards. Cards like the Key Possibilities prepaid MasterCard gift card can be used anywhere a MasterCard debit card is accepted, and are protected in the event of fraud, loss or theft. These cards can be used for everyday spending (even online), and are also a great source of emergency funds. In general: - A good shredder for the dorm or apartment is a must to help safeguard against identity theft. - A fireproof, lockable storage box for valuables is also a worthwhile investment. If you take these tips to heart before heading to college and off to class, all you'll have to worry about is getting an "A" on your first exam. Cleveland-based KeyCorp is one of the nation's largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $91 billion. Key companies provide investment management, retail and commercial banking, consumer finance, and investment banking products and services to individuals and companies throughout the United States and, for certain businesses, internationally. DATASOURCE: KeyBank CONTACT: Ann Gurin of Public Relations Partners, +1-216-520-0092, ext. 230, or Web site: http://www.key.com/ http://www.key.com/newsroom

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