1. PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS
2. CURRENT STUDENTS
3. FACULTY & STAFF
4. ALUMNI
5. COMMUNITY & FRIENDS

1. CAMPUS LINKS
   1. Inside UNCG
   2. Admissions
   3. Academics
   4. Libraries
   5. Administration
   6. Research & Centers
   7. International Programs
   8. Continuing Education
      & Outreach
   9. Technology
   10. Arts & Entertainment
   11. Employment
   12. Corporate Resources
   13. Giving to UNCG

Useful Family Resources:
Talking with your Student about the Transition to College

Keep the lines of communication open as your family adjusts to the changes that inevitably follow the pursuit of an academic dream. Be a cheerleader for your students’ independence and growth — help build their confidence by demonstrating faith in their ability to take on new responsibilities and duties. Help your students make the most of the experience by talking through issues before and during the transition to college life, so they are equipped to make excellent choices on which to build their bright future.

Personal Care

• Give your students tips on how to do daily chores from car maintenance to laundry. (UNCG residential students may appreciate laundry money added to their E-cash.)
• Share a few basic cooking skills and talk about food and sensible nutrition so students can stay healthy. Encourage them to eat breakfast to help improve mental performance throughout the day.
• Discuss the importance of safe and healthy choices regarding relationships, alcohol, and drugs. Students can contribute to campus safety by being alert and aware of personal safety — using good judgment, locking doors, walking in groups, not leaving drinks unattended, staying away from unsafe areas, and refraining from unhealthy behaviors that may make them vulnerable. You may want to learn more about the UNCG safety escort or the RAD self defense course available through UNCG Police (http://police.uncg.edu).
• Talk about time management: in order to get to class on time, make sure they know they’ll be waking themselves up every day! Without the curfew they may have had at home, students are sometimes tempted to burn the candle at both ends.
• Make sure your students are prepared if they become sick while away at school. Do they know about their medical records, insurance, and any current medications they may be taking? Help students get familiar with what Student Health Services offers before they need to visit: http://studenthealth.uncg.edu/.

Finances

• Does your student have a bank account and know how to pay for and track expenses? Look at the overall cost of your student’s education together and plan a monthly budget.
• Discuss how to avoid credit card debt by not applying for the credit card offers that often bombard college students.
• Complete the financial aid application process with your student; fill out the FAFSA together. Make sure you both understand the financial aid refund process. Refund checks typically go directly to the student, so have the discussion about where this money will be spent (academic expenses, summer school, etc.).
• Encourage walking, biking, or taking the HEAT bus to save on transportation costs and preserve resources.

General Tips

• Try to be aware of your students’ point of view when you talk with them; ask questions and be interested in their progress. Let them share new insights, interests, or possible career goals.
• Don’t worry if you don’t hear as often as you might hope — if you’re concerned, talk to your student about how often and when you’d like to touch base. Students often tend to keep very different hours than their families, so don’t be surprised if they mention an 11pm study group — with jobs, evening classes, and other commitments, sometimes students schedule late night study groups because that’s the only time all members can agree to meet.
• Surprises in the mail can be a boon to students, especially around exam time. Consider packing up a few of your student’s favorite treats or sending a thoughtful note with a reminder of home—these can be real pick-me-ups in peak stress seasons.
• While enjoying a wide spectrum of novel experiences, expect students to “try on” new things — college can be a time of exploration as students test out new ideas and self-concepts. Just as you’ve witnessed in their growing up years, there may be many stages along the way as your student progresses to maturity.
• Talk with other parents and see how they have optimized this experience for their family. In addition to some “road-tested” tips, you may find a support group!
• Take care of yourself in the transition — sometimes the students aren’t the only ones who get “homesick” for those who are far away.
• Overall, help your students become independent and make sure they know how to utilize campus resources when they need help.

The information above was adapted from the following sources:

• http://www.cofc.edu/~orientat/pages/family_orientation.htm
• http://studentlife.unlv.edu/transition/parent-transitions.html
• http://www.news.wisc.edu/packages/drinking/parents.html

More Useful Family Resources

• Helpful Web Sites
• Recommended Readings for Parents

Page updated: 13-Feb-2007

Accessibility Policy