Moving away from home and starting classes at a new school both uncharted territory for anyone, yet will occur simultaneously for college freshmen all across the country in the next few months. Whew. Talk about cause for sudden mood shifts.
Here’s some advice, as the transition continues through the summer months:
- Be prepared for orientation. Know the process for registering for classes, browse the course catalog for potential classes, contact the academic department for advice. For parents, develop a list of questions about financial aid and healthcare (i.e. can my student use our insurance carrier at health services on campus?) to help students transition to college life.
- Browse the Facebook page for the incoming freshmen class of the college to start meeting friends or even potential roommates.
- Check the college online portals and email regularly for housing application deadlines and orientation registration.
Teens and their families have worked for years to be facing this next “fork in the road”, making for mixed emotions of celebration and uncertainty. More informed decision making can reduce the uncertainty and leave space to deal with the change of starting college.
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Jill Yoshikawa, Ed M, is a University of California and Harvard trained educator and Partner at Creative Marbles Consultancy. Contact Jill at [email protected] or, read her short biography.
