The transition from high school to college can be difficult for both students and parents. We’ve collected some advice to help make yours a smooth one.
Advice for Parents of New College Students
Realize the academic challenges are much different than high school
It’s okay for your student to go into college on a singular path and change their mind along the way
Encourage them to get to know their professors and attend office hours
Set expectations early
Talk about a communication plan
Don’t encourage them to come home every weekend
Know that your student will be busy
Send care packages
Don’t rush in to solve their problems
Encourage them to get involved and use the resources on campus
Ask open ended questions
Make plans to visit (but not too often)
Benefits of Campus Involvement
We realize that our students are busy. Many students are balancing a full course-load with a part-time job, caring for family members, and/or participating in an internship in addition to the many other responsibilities in their daily lives.
However, we hope that all of our students do make the decision to become involved and take advantage of the many social and co-curricular involvement opportunities that are available to them at Purchase College. Please encourage your student to become involved in something they are already interested in or challenge them to step outside of their comfort zone with new opportunities. Joining a club or deciding to go to a free campus event is not just a playful way for students to spend their time. There are many benefits to getting involved on campus, many of which will make a lasting impact on a student’s social and emotional development.
Social
Joining a club or attending a free event is a great way to meet new people and have a lot of fun.
Connections
Students will have the opportunity to meet and network with other people with similar interests and connect with campus leadership.
Promote Awareness
Students with various passions will be able to help promote education and awareness about causes that are close to their heart.
Volunteer
We hope all of our community members are able to give back to others and make a difference to the great Purchase community.
Extra-Curricular
Students who get involved on campus learn many transferrable skills that make having non-academic commitments and responsibilities look great on job applications and resumes.
Growth
Members in clubs and organizations will be encouraging and supportive of other students’ personal growth and leadership development.
Purchase College students have many opportunities available to them during their time as a student. The Office of Residential and Student Life and the Purchase Student Government Association (PSGA) are happy to support student engagement and provide various opportunities for engagement.
Commuter Students Need Support, Too
Even if your student still lives at home, it’s important to give them the freedom that you would if you had left them and their suitcases in a residence hall. They have earned the right to spread their wings, even if they are returning to the nest at night.
Three Ways to Experience College Life Fully
As parents of commuter students, encourage them to experience college life fully.
Release them from their traditional childhood roles (if possible).
Talk to your student about:
Not setting a curfew and allowing them to hang out with friends at their leisure
Whether or when you will have meals together
Household chores and responsibilities
Encourage your student to experience all that campus has to offer.
Talk to your student about:
Joining a student club or organization to find a sense of belonging
Staying on campus between classes and use the spaces on campus to study
Getting a meal plan to eat with other students in the dining hall
Explain the advantages of an on-campus job.
Talk to your student about:
A healthy number of hours to balance work and school
Which office or resource they like most on campus and see if they are hiring
