College Zone - Printable Version - Parent Zone

collegezone.com	Print page	Close window

While in college, you’ll want your student to feel comfortable in an entirely new way of life—meeting new people and adjusting to new roommates. If your student has not lived independently before, this may be the first time cooking, cleaning, taking care of finances, and taking full responsibility for personal decisions. Do your best to encourage good study, eating and social habits. Because, as you know, one’s living situation can greatly affect all other aspects of life.

Study

In addition to getting involved, getting good grades is very important for your student’s success. Stress the importance of grades as being crucial to getting jobs or furthering education after college—in graduate school, law school, medical school, or any other post-graduate studies.

Roommates

If your student is already in college and has already had roommates, you’re probably aware of the many challenges associated with two strangers bunking with each other for a year. In addition to living independently for the first time, your student will now have to manage more responsibilities and take on the stresses of college. As the parent, understand that this is all a part of the college experience, and your student can only grow as a result. Do your best to be supportive.

Residence Halls (Dorms)

For most students, the biggest adjustment once on campus is communal living. However, with a little bit of preparation, the transition from home to the dorms can be relatively painless. Click here for student advice about living in residence halls.