Adapting to University Life

Parent & Family Guide

Adapting to University Life

Transitions
Milestones You undoubtedly have fond memories of your students first smile, first steps, and first year of school. From the early years through high school, you shared many milestones. College is another first, as your student embarks on a journey to a new place with different expectations. When students enter college, they move deeper into adulthood. This is a significant developmental phase with new responsibilities and commitments. Communication, and Problem Solving Your students communication patterns may change in college. Dont be surprised if your student doesnt tell you all of the details of his or her university experience or if the news is sometimes negative. Students often share the positive aspects of college with friends, but save problems or disappointments for their families. Furthermore, technology has dramatically changed the way students communicate and, as a result, families often hear reactions to problems before the student has taken the time to think things through and develop a practical solution. You may need to ask specific, impartial questions, evaluate your students responses, recognize hidden messages, and guide your student to campus resources. Your student may ask you to solve his or her problems. We highly recommend that parents and guardians serve as advisors and coaches, rather than problem solvers. By doing so, you help students build the critical thinking and problem solving skills they need to succeed in college and beyond.

Late August Through September

First Six Weeks The first six weeks of college are crucial to students success. When everything is new, students may worry about how they fit in and may seek confirmation from you that everything will be okay. With plenty of free time and few rules (compared to home), alcohol can become a problem for some students. Communication with your student before and after he or she begins college will have a big impact on his or her transition. Identity, Independence, and Interpersonal Relations College students devote considerable time and energy to these three areas. As they do so, although their childhood values are still in place, they may question and test certain things, including alcohol and other drugs, morality, religion, sexuality, diversity, appearances, and social expectations. Finances There is often an adjustment period as new students learn to develop and adhere to a budget and to be accountable for their own finances, especially if it is something they havent done before. Commuting to UB In the beginning, commuter students may continue the pattern that they established in high school of going home at the end of their school day or to a part-time job off campus. However, once they become involved in activities outside the classroom or obtain part-time employment on campus, they start meeting people and begin to develop a sense of belonging. Roommates Sharing a room with another person is a new experience for many, and it can take time for some students to adapt to living together. The biggest mistake roommates make is letting problems fester instead of discussing issues as they develop. Homesickness As students adapt to university life, they may experience a wide range of emotions, including

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Rhythm of the Academic Year

While each student is unique, there is a noticeable rhythm to the academic year. As students progress through stages of development, they generally face certain issues at predictable times. Please keep the following in mind: While we have placed these issues into specific  months, most scenarios can occur at any time  The list was written from the perspective of students entering the university in the fall semester; there will be some fluctuation for students who initially enroll in the spring semester

Parent & Family Guide

Adapting to University Life

homesickness. A student who is homesick may want to come home on weekends. Unfortunately, going home frequently is counterproductive to the transition process, as it prevents the student from fully experiencing college life. Adjusting to the Academic Demands of College It can take time for some students to adapt to the academic difference between high school and college. As students learn to handle their new-found independence, procrastination often becomes an obstacle that they have to make a concerted effort to overcome. Disenchantment with College Some students find that their original idea of college is very different from reality. They may tell you that they want to transfer to another school or even drop out. While these messages may be unsettling for parents and families, the best antidote is typically time and patience. Students usually figure things out on their own or by seeking guidance from university support services.

November
Mid-Term Exams Returned The results of mid-term exams can be a reality check for students who didnt do well. The Freshman 15 Some students have trouble establishing proper eating patterns and, instead, overindulge in high-fat alternatives, causing them to gain weight (known colloquially as the freshman 15). It may take time for some students to achieve a healthy balance in their lives, including diet, sleep, and exercise. Colds or Other Viruses With the changing weather and increased demands on students time, they may come down with a cold or other virus. New students sometimes try to cope with illness on their own, perhaps missing classes instead of seeking medical attention at Student Health Services. Spring Semester Course Registration Undergraduates register for the spring semester during assigned enrollment appointments in October and November. As students engage in course selection and registration, those individuals who are undecided may worry about choosing a major.

October
Mid-Term Exams The first set of mid-term exams can be an eye-opener for some students, especially for those who have not yet developed productive time management or study skills. Self-Advocating and Using Campus Resources In the beginning, new students may be timid about seeking out campus resources, including professors, teaching assistants (TAs), academic advisors, and tutoring centers. However, once students start advocating for themselves and taking advantage of the support available on campus, they begin to be skillful problem solvers. Questioning an Intended Major If a student encounters academic difficulties, especially in coursework required for an intended major, the student may become frustrated, may want to resign from a class, and may question his or her original objectives. In some cases, a different major may be advisable. However, in other instances, the students intended major may be a good choice, but the student may have to improve his or her time management or study skills. Making Friends Students are sometimes concerned if, by October or November, they dont yet have a close group of friends. They often forget that it takes time to develop strong friendships.

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December
End of Semester Issues Final papers, projects, and exams may cause student anxiety levels to increase. For some, the end-ofsemester stress may be compounded with guilt and the consequences of missed classes, procrastination, or unproductive studying throughout the semester.
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Parent & Family Guide

Adapting to University Life

Reconnecting with Family and Friends at Home Once the fall semester ends, students are excited for winter recess to begin. However, integrating back into family life may be challenging for both students and their families as expectations and priorities are defined. Some students may test the boundaries of their newfound independence and values. Open discussion and compromise (on both sides) are often needed to ensure a successful experience that meets everyones expectations. wants to travel somewhere other than home Depending on the situation, parents/families may not only be concerned about the cost of a spring break trip, but also about other issues, such as alcohol and other drugs, personal safety, or sexual pressure. These are legitimate concerns that typically call for an open, frank discussion between parents/families and students.

April
Choosing a Major Toward the end of the academic year, students who are still undecided about a major may be concerned. Students who entered the university with a specific major may vacillate, question their initial choice, and perhaps want to change majors. Summer Plans By April, along with preparing for the end of the semester, students who have not yet solidified summer plans may be anxious about how they will spend the summer.

January
Returning to School Some students may find it difficult to leave the security of home and get back into the routine of campus life, which can cause emotions, such as homesickness to surface. Spring Semester versus Fall Semester Students who had a successful fall semester may worry about maintaining the same level of achievement. Students who didnt do well during the fall semester (academically, emotionally, or socially) may feel increased pressure to improve in the spring semester.
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May
Warmer Weather and Procrastination Early May is busy and can be stressful for students as they finish course requirements and prepare for final exams. However, with the onset of warmer weather, students may also be eager to spend time outdoors, which can lead to procrastination. End of the Academic Year The end of the academic year typically produces a wide range of emotions, including happiness, sadness, satisfaction, disappointment, exhilaration, and relief. The good news is that most students are able to look back on their first year as a time of growth, discovery, and a great learning experience.

February
Relationship Anxieties and Valentines Day As students begin to either strengthen or weaken their ties with others, relationship anxieties may emerge, including problems with long-distance friendships. Regardless of the circumstances, most students appreciate a Valentines Day card, baked goods, or small gift from home.

March
Mid-Semester Academic Challenges Studying, writing papers, and completing projects create pressure for most students, especially if a student has any unresolved transition issues. Academic stress may lead to increased use of caffeine; changes in eating habits; less sleep; reduced productivity; and a lower tolerance for family, friends, and roommates. Spring Break Spring break may trigger disagreements between students and parents/families, especially if a student

The Second Year

Most students return for their second year with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment. However, if a student has any lingering transition issues that were not resolved in the first year, it can impede success in the second year. As a parent or family member, you can help your student by being aware of any unresolved issues and by encouraging your student to seek out campus support services.