Parents’
Guide to University Life
Help
your child get oriented to campus by aiding him or her in the move-in
process and perhaps supplying living essentials such as sheets, towels,
blankets, pillows, and snacks. The less your child has to think about
those things, the more he or she can concentrate on getting settled.
The
main issues that students deal with, aside from handling themselves
academically, are social. Am I going to like my roommate? Will my
classmates like me? Will I meet new people? These are often questions
incoming freshmen and even returning students ask themselves.
Encountering so many different types of people from across the country
and even outside the United States can be a bit disconcerting,
especially if the student has never experienced such diversity before.
The best way to handle such diversity, in many cases, is to embrace the
differences.
Help
your child understand that as they enter college, they should exercise
an open mind for the many diverse situations that they may encounter.
College is about learning and developing in new situations.
The
first step in cultivating an open mind is to come to higher education
with a positive attitude. The staff knows that it may be tricky for
some students to adapt to the new environment, but they are there to
help the students – academically as well as socially.
On the
practical side, make sure your student has all the essentials cleared up
before arriving on campus: housing, registration, meal plan, financial
aid, and immunizations.
Tips for Encouraging
Communication
Telephone Card.
You pay the bill for your child to call you and others. Cards can be
bought at various places, including post offices, drugstores and
supermarkets. Schedule a time for calls.
Toll-free number.
Get an 800 number at home.
Emergency-only cell phone.
Have the college student pay anything over the monthly charges.
E-mail. If you
don’t have a computer, use a friend’s or the public library’s. E-mail
can be negotiated day or night. A child can answer in a sentence.
U.S.
Mail. It is not
obsolete. There is something wonderful about finding a letter from home
waiting in the mailbox. You can include a self-addressed, stamped
postcard or envelope to be mailed back.
Care
Packages.
Include something extra for roommates in the package. Send baked goods
in hard plastic containers so they survive the journey. And remember,
students rarely complain about getting a little unexpected cash. Do cut
them some slack. Parents want their children to become good problem
solvers and to become independent as well as to stay connected. This
does not happen instantly just because you send them to college.
NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION (SOAR)
Before the start of classes this fall, students
will be able to participate in SIUC’s New Student Orientation. New
Student Orientation is a great opportunity to get a jump-start on campus
life. Orientation provides students with an opportunity to get settled,
see the campus, learn about academic expectations, meet people, and
experience all aspects of college life. It is a time for students to
meet other freshmen and staff members who are there to support them
throughout their transition to college.
Activities include new student move-in, academic
interest sessions, and the University picnic.
If you have questions, please contact:
New Student & Family Programs
Student Development
Southern Illinois University
Carbondale, IL 62901-4425
(618) 453-5714
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