Homesickness

Well, by this time your student has been in college almost two months. They are probably experiencing a bit of homesickness. For those of us 35 and older we often wonder how could this be? In the age of technology, now more than ever we are in constant communication via home, text, Facebook, a Twitter and Skype. So how can a student be homesick? It's easy to miss home cooking, friends, family traditions, pets and even those pesky siblings.

The best thing is to remind the student they can always call home. I've worked with students who have been heartbroken being away from home. Fortunately, they have been able to go home. When this isn't the case, it's best to remind them to keep in contact. Another reminder for students is to get involved in campus activities and meet other students. Participating in events gives an opportunity to make friends and pass the time.

The beauty to become the person, they desire to be lies in the separation from the familiar. The options become limitless when you're not bound by people who think,they have you figured out. 

Encourage your student to utilize their new surroundings to do new things, meet new people and grow as a person.

The Mid Summer Epiphany

Over the years  of working with students in Residence Life, I have been made aware of the strange happenings over the summer. Although the summer is known as a time for work and play, something happens to the student who has just completed their first year of school and living on campus. There is an epiphany that occurs. The student reflects on the good and the bad. They realize their parents had a point about responsibility (although the confession of the realIzation won't comes until their 30's). 

These students will return to campus more confident about their abilities, surroundings and resources. The staff will immediately see the change and smile because they finally got the epiphany. 

Parents, don't lose hope. Remember to guide not coddle your student. Teach them how to maneuver paperwork, people and situations. Don't do things for them because it's easier for you. This delays the preparation for their success.  Don't block the epiphany. 

Settled In

Your student has finally settled in to the routine of classes, friends and fun. But, how has independence affected their maturity. Many parents are surprised by how much their student has changed. Most times that change is for the better. The student seems to learn the value of a dollar or they are even neater than they were before living on campus.

The challenge will be those home visits. Campus life tends to create a larger sense of independence. There are often no curfews and no one "nags" them about what to do and how to do it. The challenge will be for parents to recognize them as adults but remind students the structure of home is different than the structure of school. Compromises will have to be made with respect being the foundation on both parts. This is a conversation you may want to have before the Thanksgiving visit. Weekend home visits are pretty easy to handle but those longer visits can be a bit more to handle.

Shopping and Packing

The most mind numbing thing can be shopping for the dorm, especially if this is the first experience of living on campus. Many people tend to buy too much and over pack as well. Here are some tips to remember...

Remember, there may be a roommate and limited space. Consider that your roommate may also want to coordinate with you in decorating or in buying supplies. So make sure you contact them in advance to set a plan in motion to make sure your room is functional as possible.

Take notice of the list of items suggested by the dormitory of what to bring and what to leave home. The last thing you want to do is bring items that you should not have the dorm. 

Also remember if you live close to home don't bring the entire house with you! LOL! Remember that you can always go home on holidays or weekends if possible to make changes in your wardrobe or take things back home with you. If this is not an option, remember to pack smart and know that you will have resources around you to get other items that you may need.

Don't shop too much, and don't packpack too  much. It is the best thing that you can do to prepare for campus living.

😉

The Transition

As the summer fun moves quickly, housing paperwork begins to flood the mailbox and visions of campus living become frightening. The transition for student and parent can be very scary. As you journey through this blog in the coming days, you will learn what you need to help make this a great process!