Make sure they have the basics.
Ensure your student’s basic needs are covered. How do they plan to get their meals during college? Does their class schedule/work schedule also allow for them to decompress and take care of themselves? Do they have a solid living situation? Do they have all the school supplies they need? If they are living on their own for the first time, are there any items that they will need that they might be
forgetting? Even if it isn’t possible for you to physically or financially provide these items, helping ensure they have a game plan and are thinking about these things can help them be more ready for their transition to college.
Emotionally support them.
College is an enormous transition, not just for you but for them as well. They might be moving away from close friends, uncertain of what their experience is going to be like, nervous about differences in expectations from high school to college. There are so many thoughts that are likely rushing through your student’s mind, whether they share those thoughts out loud or not. It is important to make sure that your student knows that you love them, you support them, and you want them to succeed. And, more importantly, that you trust them and that you believe they can and will succeed. It is easy to fall into the trap of micromanaging or negative talk when you as a parent have just as many nerves as your student about the whole transition. Remaining centered in your love and support for your students will help both of you to have a smoother transition.
Give them some room to grow.
Watching your child grow up (more quickly the older they get it seems) can be hard. At this point in your student’s life, they are entering into the stage where they will have the most independence they’ve ever had in their lives. This is two-fold if they are going out and living on their own for the first time. It makes sense that this would be scary, and it is easy to begin to count all the dangers and mishaps they could face along the way. But you must trust that you have raised your student to be as strong, resilient, and grounded as they can be, and trust that they will make the right decisions. At this point, you might notice Newton’s Third Law coming into play in your relationship with your student. The more you pull them closer or the more you push them in a certain direction, the more it seems that they do the opposite. If you are noticing this happening, it may be time to release your grip on your student and center in trust. They are their own people, with their own thoughts, beliefs, goals and passions. Help them celebrate who they are and grow into the best person they can be.
Maintain open communication.
Your student is going to face a lot of heavy decisions in college. Remaining and open and non-judgemental in your conversations with your student will help them to feel more comfortable coming to you when they feel conflicted or need help. You want them to come to you when they are in a tough spot. Keeping communication open will help them feel more comfortable doing that.
Keep reminding them that they are loved.
Rates of poor mental health are high among college students. Your student will be facing so many changes when they go off to college. They may feel that their identity, values, and beliefs are challenged during their college process. They may feel alone, especially if they do not feel represented or like they can relate to anyone else on campus. Reminding them that they are loved, that you are proud of them, that you believe they can and will succeed will help them to feel supported (even if they don’t seem to appreciate it as much). The T2C Studio is always here to help if your student needs assistance finding support on campus.
Help them complete their FAFSA applications every year.
As long as you are claiming your student as a dependent, your tax information will be requested every year to determine how much state and federal aid they will receive. Even if your tax information isn’t being factored into their award amount, they still may benefit from your help and support while completing their FAFSA application. If you or your student would like additional support through the FAFSA process, reach out to the T2C Studio and we can help you complete and submit the application. T2C Studio is open Mon-Thurs 10a-5p and by appointment to help you figure out ways to support your college student.
