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Transitioning to the College Life

This is it…college has begun! Students and parents both will go through emotional ups and downs during this first year. Students will often not discuss these changes, emotional challenges, and this transition with parents or family members. As you make your way through this first semester, here are a few topics that you should keep in mind and some discussions that you should have with your student.

Expectations:
The start of the fall semester is a time that is both exciting and nerve racking. Students are preparing to step out on their own and move away from home. Use the first few weeks of the semester to have conversations with your student about expectations. Discuss things like what you expect from them in the academic arena, how you will handle finances during the semester, and what you expect from them in terms of communication with you. Remember, however, that your student will also have expectations of you during the semester. Support your student as he or she adjusts and becomes acclimated to campus. Be there to listen when there are roommate conflicts, social challenges, and concerns in the classroom and encourage your student to make the most out of college. Getting involved and participating in things during the first semester will help tremendously.

Homesickness:
During the first month of school, many students begin to feel homesick. It is ok to miss home and the things that are familiar. While we always encourage students to call home and visit, visiting every weekend prevents students from truly experiencing college life. Encourage your student to spend some weekends here on campus and see what is going on. Remember to listen – homesickness is often not about missing home, but about some other problem. Roommate problems, struggles in the classroom, and social anxiety can often lead to homesickness.

Balance:
For many students, the change from being in school seven hours a day to attending class for one hour some days and five hours another is shocking. Balance during a student’s first year is important. While getting involved is important, over extending and not having time for class work can be a problem. Talk to your student about time management, being realistic, and saying "NO." In addition, you should remember that balancing your role is important as well. This is not your college experience; it is your student’s. Allow your student to experience new things and to fail. Always be there for them and stay in touch, but let this become what they want to make of it.

Fall Break:
As the semester progresses, students will begin to think about fall break and everything that comes with it. By this point, students will begin to feel more at home. Many will want to return home for break, while others will decide to stay on campus or travel with new friends or roommates. Talk to your student before break and find out what he/she is doing. In addition to traveling, fall break brings about major stress for some. Not only is it time for break, but in many classes, it is also time for mid-term exams. Many students experience stress and anxiety around exams and many are not used to having one or two tests for an entire course. Take some time to discuss this anxiety with your student and remind them that our Academic Resource Center and Counseling Center can help them through this.

Wellness:
As winter approaches, stress builds up and sleep happens less and less, students find themselves much more susceptible to sickness. Students should make sure they are getting enough sleep and taking care of themselves. If your student does find himself sick, know that there are resources available to them. Averett University partners with Piedmont PrimeCare for medical services for our students. If your student needs transportation he or she should contact the Dean of Students Office or his or her Resident Assistant (RA). Remind your students that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, Thanksgiving break. This will give students an opportunity for some much needed rest. Remind your student that the University does close over Thanksgiving break, and all students must leave campus.

Success:
We each define success in a different way. Have conversations with your student about what each of you are looking for to declare the first semester and year a success. Remember that a student away from home for the first time may define success not only through academic performance, but also through becoming involved in campus organizations and building a new social network. In addition, academic success may be defined differently in different subjects. If your student sees that additional resources are needed to be successful in the classroom, know that they are available. Students can seek out assistance through a variety of areas, including our Academic Resource Center and Writing Center.