Is Your Student Living On-Campus?

So you’re looking at your student waving in the rearview mirror in front of the University Center, you may be holding back tears and that’s okay! But what’s next?

This is definitely a big moment; your child won’t be at home with you anymore. Great, no more mess, right!? But you still want to know what they’re up to. Here are some tips for this transition into college! 

-Prepare for change. Your student is going to be experiencing being away from home, possibly for the first time! This is big! They are going to be trying new activities in their major and as well as meeting completely new people who aren’t from their hometown. Encourage them to participate as soon as they get to campus. Check out the TallyHo in elevators. So maybe when they visit home, they will be sporting a new hipster style, but don’t worry if you stay in touch you’ll be hearing about the exciting changes. If you are ever concerned for their transition going a little too rough, they can contact Counseling Services about the adjustment to college. 

-Helping from afar. Yes, the urge will be present always. We completely understand. The best way to help them is to show them how to do it for themselves. Teach how to do laundry before they leave. Review Orientation materials with the Student Handbook, and bookmark the link of theDirectory for all those campus numbers. This is their time to be successful, your students will have the responsibility now to make deadlines if they need help for example with a paper, instead of proofreading remind them that we offer free tutoring through the Learning Center. Also encourage them to become a part of a student org, this way they can begin to build their support group of peers and make a home, away from home. Doing this before hand will help both of you feel more prepared for the move and set them up for a great year. 

-Plan to stay connected. Before you help them move in with that new futon, make a plan. Decide what is best for both of you to stay connected. If you set the plan now, the expectation is there so you won’t have to constantly call trying to get ahold of them. One phone call a day, or once a week? Email? Text? Every family is different, so make a plan that is right for you. Establish that your student will initiate the call, don’t worry, they will miss you too! Some other little ways to remind your student that you’re thinking of them? Good old snail mail or a care package is always appreciated and sure to make your day after checking the mail box!