ADVICE FOR PARENTS The First Few Weeks on Campus The first few weeks on campus are an exciting time for students. They meet new people, test the boundaries of their new found freedom and begin a new and challenging academic experience. These first few weeks can be the biggest highlight or the biggest struggle of your student’s college experience. Your student has a lot on his or her mind: living with a roommate, finding the right classroom or sharing housing facilities with others for the first time. Whatever the case, the journey through these first few weeks sets the course for your students’ college career. Many of these experiences will test your student’s ability to balance their academic and social lives. Our staff is available to answer questions and guide them through this transition period and provide assistance throughout the year.
What to Expect this Semester New students face many challenges as they adjust to living on campus. For some, it may be the first time they have ever shared a room. Others may be struggling with the approach college professors take and the realization that they really are responsible for managing their own time. Though it doesn’t happen with every student, most parents should expect an occasional worrisome call home from their student. Your student may say, “I want to come home,” “I hate it here,” or “I don’t fit in.” Or your student may be more specific and tell you, “I was up all night studying for a test,” or “My roommate’s boyfriend is over all the time.” For the most part, your student just needs to vent. Although you may be tempted to dive in and troubleshoot, we encourage you to listen to your student and allow him or her to work it out for him/herself. Direct your student to our staff and faculty, who will help them, help themselves.
Self-Care Students should be conscientious about eating healthy balanced meals and getting regular exercise. It is also important that they are aware of and are attending to their emotional needs. If your student needs to talk with someone, the Counseling and Disability Services Department can help.
Time Management Effective time management skills are important to your student’s success. It is important that your student has a basic understanding of his or her parameters (i.e., class schedule, wake-up time, sleep time, time for socialization, time for work) and ability to set priorities. 28