IMMEDIATE
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
Most students should start thinking about college in their ninth and tenth grade years. “Parents can play a vital role in this time by teaching their child basic skills such as cooking, how to do laundry, and how to deal with credit cards,” said Martin.
There are more important aspects to consider when starting the college preparation. “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 catalog, going on the website, and making appointments with administrators to address any concerns that may arise.
“Also, get to know the area. If possible, have things like finding a bank done early. It will make the transition to college a lot less stressful,” Martin said.
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 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.”
Students who are feeling homesick should get involved. “Join clubs, get to know roommates. Going away to college may be the biggest transition in your life, but by getting involved that transition doesn’t seem so scary,” Martin said.
Students also need to know what is available to them as a college student. Take advantage of services such as free tutoring, the campus health center, personal and career counseling, and job placement. All activities, such as plays and live music, are usually free with campus ID.
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 into 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.
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.
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