Support Your Student Through College

Now that your student has made it to college it might seem like all the hard work is behind both of you, but its really just beginning!

The first year of college is the most difficult for most students. Adjusting to living on their own, navigating new systems and meeting new people can be challenging. Not to mention the academics! Its important that they connect with resources on their campus as soon as they arrive, and that they have your continued support. Read these tips for succeeding in college so that you know how to advise them. Keep reading below for a list of things to do over the summer, important people to know on campus, and resources they should connect with.

If your student is the first in their family to go to college, the transition can be even more overwhelming. Make sure they know that they aren’t alone, click here for a PDF of a book written for students in their situation with advice from other first generation college students.

Summer Reminders

Over the summer make sure your student continues to check their email and mail regularly. Their college will probably send registration information, housing forms, and bills over the summer. Some of this communication might need a quick response, so make sure they open anything they receive immediately.

If your student plans to do WorkStudy or find a different job on campus it is a good idea for them to contact the student employment office over the summer. Campus jobs can go fast, and WorkStudy jobs are not guaranteed, even if they are included in the financial aid package.

If their college offers a summer program or orientation for first year students, encourage them to attend. These programs are a great opportunity for them to become familiar with the campus and make friends before classes start.

Helpful Campus Resources

Bursars or Business Office: Some colleges call this the Business Office, others the Bursars. This is the office that all payments are sent to, and the first office a student should contact if they won’t be able to pay their full bill on time. They often offer payment plan options and can help students figure out what their options are. If your student is not sure they will be able to pay their bill they should contact this office and the Financial Aid Office immediately.

Financial Aid Office: The financial aid process doesn’t stop when students get to college, they must reapply for financial aid each year. When your student arrives on campus they should connect with the Financial Aid Office and ask about financial aid deadlines for existing students, which are often different then those for prospective students. Students should not be afraid of the Financial Aid Office, they are there to help students, and asking for help will not reduce their financial aid package!

WorkStudy or Student Employment Office: Student employment is usually separate from the Financial Aid office. This is where your student should go to find out about WorkStudy jobs and other forms of student employment on campus. If they plan to work, they should visit this office as soon as they get on campus.

Advising and Academic Support Services: All colleges make sure students have access to an advisor, but they usually won’t seek students out. Freshmen should schedule an appointment with their adviser during the first week of classes for advice on choosing classes and adjusting to college level work. All students should meet with their adviser at least once a semester to make sure they are taking the right classes for their major and are on schedule to graduate on time.

Your student should also talk with their adviser, or student academic services, if they are having difficulty in any of their classes. Free tutoring or study sessions should be available for all classes. Students should not be afraid or ashamed to ask for help! Successful college students acknowledge when they are struggling in a class and find assistance before their grades suffer.

Writing Center: For many first year students, learning how to write college level papers can be one of the greatest challenges. Most colleges have writing centers that can help all students improve their writing skills.

Counseling and Health Services: Campus counseling services can help with the non-academic challenges that can make college difficult. Counselors can help make sure students are taking care of themselves, eating well, sleeping well, and managing stress. They also help students deal with homesickness, depression, anxiety, roommate  problems, etc. If your student isn’t feeling well or needs to see a doctor they should contact Health Services, some campus health centers have doctors on staff, others may be able to refer students to a local doctor’s office or clinic.

Residential Services or Housing Office: If your student is having difficulties with a roommate or a housing problem they should talk with their Residential Adviser (RA). RA’s are usually juniors and seniors, their job is to be a resource to students in their dorms. If their RA can’t help, they should contact the Housing Office.

Career Counseling: The Career Office can help students learn how to write cover letters, help with their resume, and connect them with summer job and internship opportunities. Students should not wait until their senior year to stop in! The sooner they start building work experience, the easier it will be to find a job after graduation.

Athletic Facilities: A great perk of being a student is access to the campus gym. Students usually have free access to campus athletic facilities.

The Library and Computer Labs: If your student doesn’t have their own computer, they should stop in at the library and ask for a list of all the student computer labs on campus. Colleges have computers all over campus in a variety of settings that are open for students to use.

Librarians themselves can be a great resource to students.They can help students learn how to research and find the materials they need in the library. If your student is not sure how to start researching for a paper they should ask to schedule a time with a librarian to talk about researching strategies.