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Michael D. Chason |
IMMEDIATE JULY 11,
2006
TIPS EVERY PARENT AND STUDENT SHOULD KNOW
ABOUT COLLEGE
TIFTON—With fall just around the corner, high school graduates
begin to prepare for the next stage of their lives . . . college. There are many
different aspects to college life that may be challenging for both parents and
students. Dr. Maggie Martin, Director of Student Development at
When preparing students for college there are many things a parent should consider. “Let the students choose their own major,” Martin said. “You may want your student to be a doctor when he wants to major in art. Students’ perspectives change a lot in college. Let them find out what they want to do on their own.”
Before students go away for the first semester, there are a few things both students and parents should do. “Students and their parents need to learn all they can about the institution,” said Martin. Some ways of getting to know the institution are familiarizing students and parents with the college catalog, visiting the website, and making appointments with administrators to address any concerns that may arise.
“Also, get to know the area,” Martin said. “If possible, have things like finding a bank done early. It will make the transition to college a lot less stressful.”
Parents are sometimes surprised by “hidden” expenses once students begin their college career. One of the major “hidden” costs is activity fees. If a student joins a club or organization, there could be expenses for uniforms, dues, and other costs that parents do not become aware of until later in college life.
Some bigger fees that parents need to take into consideration are gas, car maintenance, and travel costs – for both parents and students. “Travel can be expensive, especially if your student lives out of state,” said Martin. Also, having a cell phone can help cut costs of phone calls home.
Students aren’t the only ones with a hard change to face. Parents have a difficult time letting go of their students once it’s time for them to leave the nest.
“Parents should realize that their students will become more independent during college and make some mistakes along the way,” Martin said. “The important thing is that if they have a problem, the parent doesn’t become the problem-solver. Parents should make suggestions, not solutions. This way, students become more independent.”
Once students have left home, they, along with their parents, have to adjust. Parents who feel the effects of the “empty nest” should get involved in activities they could not have done while the child was there. “It’s like retirement,” Martin said. “It’s important to have something to retire to.”
Sending your new college student off is a hard task to do. But there are some things parents really need to take into consideration and avoid doing in order to make the departure a positive one. “If parents are helping to move in, don’t stay. Just move in and go. It makes the transition so much easier,” Martin said. “It’s also very common for grades to drop from high school to the first year of college, so don’t have unrealistic expectations.”
Once the parents have gone, there are a lot of ways students can easily adjust to college life. First and foremost, get involved. “By getting involved, the student isn’t thinking about home or what his old friends are doing,” Martin said. “He is too busy enjoying new experiences and getting to know new people.”
When it comes to class time, students should not be afraid to ask questions or for help from the professor, if needed. “That is what the professors are here for,” Martin said.
Students should also not miss class and take into consideration that for every hour spent in class, they should study for two to three hours. “You have to treat college as preparing for your career,” Martin said. “Being organized and managing time efficiently will help a student out tremendously,” Martin said.
Students shouldn’t miss class or think that any class is going to be an easy course. “Take every class seriously . . . even freshman seminar,” Martin said. “Classes like those will help you get acquainted with the campus and its resources that you may need to know about down the road.”
For students who may have a difficult time adjusting to college, there are a few things to consider. First, look for signs such as drastic behavioral changes, running up expenses, and calling/e-mailing home three or more times a day. “All colleges have certified counselors ready to help with problems like adjustment to college,” Martin said. Parents can help by keeping the lines of communication open with their students.
Classes for the ABAC fall term begin Aug. 21.
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