It’s natural for first-year students to encounter challenges associated with the transition to college life. For many students the academic demands are great, dorm life may be their first experience sharing a living space, and there is unstructured time to manage. This can also be a difficult transition for parents who feel inclined to comfort their student who is missing home.

Just as the name implies, homesickness can actually make a student feel sick. An unsettled stomach, an aching head, and sleeplessness are common symptoms which often bring students into the university health center during the first weeks of school.

Here are a few tips for helping with the transition to college.

1. Listen. Be a great listener and resist the urge to always offer a solution to your student’s problem or issue. Let them say what they feel, but know that you may be hearing all of their feelings (unfiltered), since they do not know who else to tell (not wanting to tell high school friends, not wanting to tell new friends).

2. Allow them to come home. If the student wants to come home the first few weekends, let them. Also, it’s important to avoid talking about school the entire time. If there is a school issue that needs to be discussed (requesting a room change, dropping a class, possibly leaving school, etc.) designate a time for a family meeting (maybe Sunday afternoon), so that the rest of the time at home is positive for the student.

3. Encourage new experiences. Know that the college experience is evolving, one new friend, one positive experience, can change everything. Encourage your student to get involved in activities that are important to him or her (theater, club sports, community service, academic clubs, etc.).

On a final note, most students feel homesick at some point (so if it has not happened yet, you are not out of the woods). But like most illnesses, they run their course, and then all is right again.

The educational system gives us a second calendar, a new year in September and a time for resolutions. This year I have a few resolution suggestions that I would like to pass on to make the 2009-10 a great year.

1. Get a handle on your time. At the beginning of the semester, create a week-at-a glace calendar with all of your time commitments (block out class times, your work schedule, when you go to the gym, and any standing appointments).

2. Use your time efficiently. Once you can see how you spend your time, add in your class prep time. Review the syllabii for your classes, and determine how much time you will need to prepare for each class session. If you need 2 hours for homework for your math class, determine a time slot the day before the class to prepare. Ideally you can complete all of your maintenance work between the hours of 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, leaving your nights and weekends for papers, projects and studying for exams.

3. Create an academic space. Living arrangements in college can be close quarters.  Designate out a space for you to keep your academic materials (so you can find them) and a place where you can concentrate for reading, doing homework and studying. Keep that space for academic pursuits, and watch TV or play games in another area.

4. Find a place to escape. College has so much to offer, but it does not offer much privacy. Everyone needs some time to be alone. Try to find a place where you can get some space and not be interrupted. It could be the library, a bench under a tree, a coffee shop off-campus or working out at the gym.

I encourage you to make your own resolutions. What can you do to make 09-10 a great year? Do you have some goals or interests that you want to pursue? Now is the time to make a change for the better and make the most of this year at college.

• Land line phone – your cell phone is always with you
• Stereo and CD collection –  load music onto your computer
• Printer – neighbors will have one and there is a networked printer for all students
• Small appliances – toasters, hot pots and foreman grills (contraband)
• Window air conditioning units – a fan will suffice for the week or two
• Valuable jewelry, large sums of cash
• Bed raisers, cinder blocks, loft units, etc.
• Any form of bulk food – it seems like a good idea to bring huge ketchup bottles and 7 cases of water, but space is limited
• Skis, ice skates, snow suits (maybe in January)
• Any decorations from alcohol containers (i.e. a champagne bottle vase is viewed evidence of  consumed alcohol)
• Small pets

A dorm room has limited space, so keep in mind “less is more.”  Family weekend is in early October, which is  a  good time to bring in cold weather clothes and send home the summer stuff.  Lots of clutter can make a small space seem even smaller.

If you attended Orientation, you may have noticed that the topic of alcohol came up in many ways.  There are 2 main reasons why it is such a common theme.

1. We really care about the health and safety of our students
2. It is illegal to consume alcohol if you are under the age of 21.

I have attached the slides from the presentations that was facilitated by a university administrator and the student Orientation leaders during the 2^nd day of Orientation.   Alcohol Slides for Orientation

I hope that the take-away for students was about alcohol content and packaging (for example: a 16 oz cup with vodka and cranberry juice (containing 5 oz of vodka) has the same amount of alcohol 4 cans of beer – see slide #7).  With knowledge of alcohol content and the effects of alcohol on the body, students have the tools to make safer decisions.

We also stressed that watching out for each other is the key to keeping your friends safe: always have a buddy, choose environments where you feel safe, never leave a friend behind and if you are worried about the health or safety of someone, get help.

About 34% of SJU students are non-drinkers.  We are not trying to imply all students will choose to drink, instead we believe that population level education will make for a safer freshmen class.

It was great seeing everyone at Orientation, I hope your experience at SJU was positive and you were able to get many of your questions answered.  I have posted the slides from the “Out of Sight, Not Out of Mind” panel and the “Campus Resources” panel.

Parent Orientation Slides, Class 2013

Student Orientation Slides, Class of 2013

Orientation at SJU has both a student and a parent component. For students it is an overnight experience: being part of an orientation group, having upper-class students serve as orientation leaders, attending information sessions, and sleeping in a residence hall. The students will also participate in many activities such as confirming their academic schedule and getting familiar with the campus.

The parent orientation program is the first day of the overnight. The parents will learn about support services at SJU, meet University administrators, enjoy lunch with other parents and end the day at Mass with their son/daughter.

For students, this Orientation format enables them to test their decision to attend SJU. Throughout the program students are seeking answers to questions like: Did I make the right choice? Will I fit in here? How will I find my way around?

Parents tend to be like sponges trying to absorb as much information as possible so that they can support their son / daughter while they attend SJU.

After Orientation, preferably in the car on the way home, have a talk about all that you experienced at Orientation. Although you were at same place, students and parents take away very different information, and the synthesis of that information will help as you prepare for the first day of classes on August 31st.

At first I was unsure about what would make this blog interesting, and what could be said that would make a difference. Although the college experience is very personal, there are tips that are relevant to students at the various points in their educational journey. When I think of the audience, I expect that new and current students will find the information useful. Also parents/guardians may find that the postings are helpful in supporting their son/daughter. Sharing strategies for making the most of your investment of effort, time and money will benefit everyone. The intention is for this blog to be a forum for dialogue, ideas, observations, questions and answers.