What to Expect
Although each Resident experiences different issues and concerns when coming to college, the Office of Student Housing has provided some brief insights that will be helpful as you work to understand the challenges that your son or daughter may be facing.
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 bathroom facilities with others for the first time. Whatever the case, the journey through these first few weeks sets the course for your student's 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 help throughout the year.
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 laid back 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. Direct your student to the resources on our website which will help them, help themselves.
