September
Just Like Clock.
The Rhythm of College Life*
- Excitement
- Testing new-found freedom
- Frequent calls and visits home
- Homesickness and loneliness
- Anxiety about roommates, professors, classes
- First exams
Your student will find that Freshman year will be more challenging than high school. Students should be prepared to read a lot and to study more than they did in high school. At the same time, they will want to budget their time carefully so they have time for social and extracurricular activities.
Generally speaking, Freshmen shouldn't take all tough courses in their first semester. That will make it harder to adapt successfully.
Your student will do best if he or she gets to know his or her teachers. Suffolk professors are willing to give assistance when it's needed. But when help is required, your student will need to ask. The same holds true for advisors. Students should get in touch with their advisor as frequently as they need to.
Freshmen need to develop good time-management skills if they don't already have them. This means setting aside time to study on a daily basis, paying close attention to deadlines, and keeping up with class assignments.
While it's only natural to want to make new friends, Freshmen shouldn't try to be too popular too fast and make friends right away. Developing a new social life takes a little time, and shouldn't be forced.
Acknowledge the challenges your student faces in beginning college life, and be supportive. Don't assume that because your student was a good student in high school that things will come easily in college.
*Electronically reproduced with permission from Helping Your First Year College Student: A Guide for Parents, Richard H. Mullendore and Cathie Hatch (© 2000 by The University of South Carolina)
To order a copy of Helping Your First Year College Student: A Guide for Parents, contact The National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience, University of South Carolina, 1728 College Street, Columbia, SC 29208. Tel. 803-777-6229.
October
Just Like Clockwork:
The Rhythm of College Life*
- Roommate problems begin to arise
- Students question: "Do I fit in here?"
- First test grades returned
- Midterm exams
- Love relationships from home remain strong
- Consequences of decision-making experienced
Once your student settles in, he or she will learn to depend more on his or her own judgement. While it may be easier in the short run, students shouldn't blindly follow the crowd. They'll do better if they learn to rely on and respect their own decisions.
By this time, all Freshmen should be sure they have a good advisor to assist them in effectively planning their schedule and selecting courses for next semester. Procrastination has a cost. Students should preregister when the time comes. By preregistering early, your student will have the best chance to enroll in the courses of his or her choice. And don't forget the deadline for filing for spring financial aid.
Not all your student's focus will be on the next semester. Students shouldn't forget the deadline for withdrawal from classes without penalty. A late decision can be costly.
Day-to-day decisions are also critical. Student's shouldn't skip too many classes. It gets harder and harder to keep up. On the other hand, this is a period of adjustment, and some students will fall behind in the first month. Regardless of the reason a student falls behind, it is possible to catch up. Lagging students should be sure to use all available resources, including their professors, advisors, and if necessary, university-wide resources like the Ballotti Learning Center. Other students can also be a useful resource.
*Electronically reproduced with permission from Helping Your First Year College Student: A Guide for Parents, Richard H. Mullendore and Cathie Hatch (© 2000 by The University of South Carolina)
To order a copy of Helping Your First Year College Student: A Guide for Parents, contact The National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience, University of South Carolina, 1728 College Street, Columbia, SC 29208. Tel. 803-777-6229.
November
Just Like Clockwork:
The Rhythm of College Life*
- Midterm grades returned
- Roommate challenges become more clear
- Many exams and papers due before Thanksgiving
- Excitement and/or anxiety regarding going home for Thanksgiving
- First series of campus-wide illness (cold, flu, strep, etc.)
In November, your student is still learning the system. Most students will do better if they ask students and faculty for their advice and, where appropriate, make use of the help and tutorial services available.
Some students get discouraged or depressed if they do poorly on your first tests or papers. Encourage them to hang in there, keep working and things will gradually improve.
Students should be making every effort to keep up with their work. It's important to get in the habit of doing the work when it is assigned, and not to put it off. At the same time, students need to limit themselves to what they feel they can effectively handle, making sure their family, work and school responsibilities don't interfere with one another.
Advising, course selection and registration for spring semester come to the fore. We encourage students to plan ahead, see their advisors, and talk to students in their major for effective selection of courses. It's better for students to remain "undecided" if they are are not sure what they want to study.
*Electronically reproduced with permission from Helping Your First Year College Student: A Guide for Parents, Richard H. Mullendore and Cathie Hatch (© 2000 by The University of South Carolina)
To order a copy of Helping Your First Year College Student: A Guide for Parents, contact The National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience, University of South Carolina, 1728 College Street, Columbia, SC 29208. Tel. 803-777-6229.
December
Just Like Clockwork:
The Rhythm of College Life*
- Anxiety over preparations for finals
- Excitement and/or anxiety regarding going home for holidays
- Sadness about leaving new friendship and/or love relationships
- Roommate challenges continue
Final exams are coming, and this is not a time to put things off. Students should begin studying for their exams as soon as possible. Waiting until the last minute and then cramming is inefficient use of time and effort.
Students should continue to use all the resources available to them. It's a good time to get tutorial help in preparing for exams, if needed. as you prepare for final exams. As students prepare for exams, they need to cut back on social activities. At the same time, they shouldn't stop living their lives. Don't stop living. It takes a balanced perspective to work well on exams, and it pays to eat regularly, sleep well and relax.
As a Freshman, it may be easy for your student to underestimate the amount of work he or she needs to do to prepare for exams. Encourage a student who is unsure about how to study for exams to ask advisors, tutors and other students for assistance. Now is not the time for your student to be alone with his or her doubts and confusion. It's best to plan carefully, not to under- or over-study.
Once exams are over, your student should double-check to be sure he or she has prepared for the spring semester. The reward of enjoying the vacation will help your student come back refreshed, expecting to succeed again the next semester.
*Electronically reproduced with permission from Helping Your First Year College Student: A Guide for Parents, Richard H. Mullendore and Cathie Hatch (© 2000 by The University of South Carolina)
To order a copy of Helping Your First Year College Student: A Guide for Parents, contact The National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience, University of South Carolina, 1728 College Street, Columbia, SC 29208. Tel. 803-777-6229.
January
Just Like Clockwork:
The Rhythm of College Life*
- "Fresh Start" mentality sets in with new term
- Satisfaction an/or disappointment with fall term grades
- Homesickness
- Loneliness for love relationship back home
- Relief being away from home and back at school
Final exams are coming, and this is not a time to put things off. Students should begin studying for their exams as soon as possible. Waiting until the last minute and then cramming is inefficient use of time and effort.
Students should continue to use all the resources available to them. It's a good time to get tutorial help in preparing for exams, if needed. as you prepare for final exams. As students prepare for exams, they need to cut back on social activities. At the same time, they shouldn't stop living their lives. Don't stop living. It takes a balanced perspective to work well on exams, and it pays to eat regularly, sleep well and relax.
As a Freshman, it may be easy for your student to underestimate the amount of work he or she needs to do to prepare for exams. Encourage a student who is unsure about how to study for exams to ask advisors, tutors and other students for assistance. Now is not the time for your student to be alone with his or her doubts and confusion. It's best to plan carefully, not to under- or over-study.
Once exams are over, your student should double-check to be sure he or she has prepared for the spring semester. The reward of enjoying the vacation will help your student come back refreshed, expecting to succeed again the next semester.
*Electronically reproduced with permission from Helping Your First Year College Student: A Guide for Parents, Richard H. Mullendore and Cathie Hatch (© 2000 by The University of South Carolina)
To order a copy of Helping Your First Year College Student: A Guide for Parents, contact The National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience, University of South Carolina, 1728 College Street, Columbia, SC 29208. Tel. 803-777-6229.
February
Just Like Clockwork:
The Rhythm of College Life*
- Feelings of claustrophobia and depression set in with winter
- Potential increase in alcohol and other substance abuse
- Challenges with love relationship back home
- Valentine's Day brings out loneliness, isolation
It's important to keep focused, and deciding on a major is one way your student can focus better. He or she should know the the requirements and career opportunities for for a chosen major before selecting it. If it's not time yet, it's wise to not force the decision. It's better to wait than to make the wrong choice and have to backtrack later.
Self-discipline is the key to academic success. It's also the key to social fulfillment.
Encourage your student to continue introducing him- or herself to fellow students. Those interactions will help combat the rough times which may discourage your student.
If your student considers dropping out, don't feel he or she is the only one thinking that way. Many students have similar thoughts. Most stay in school. Encourage your student to talk with a friend, advisor or faculty member if the thoughts persist.
Most faculty members try hard to get to know as many students as possible. encourage your student to talk to them about academic concerns or problems of a personal nature.
Encourage your student to keep managing time effectively. That means going to class and not getting behind in his or her studies, and keeping up with assignments. For balance it's a good idea for students to keep reading campus bulletin boards and newspapers for announcements of activities which might be of interest, rather than sitting back and waiting for people to ask.
*Electronically reproduced with permission from Helping Your First Year College Student: A Guide for Parents, Richard H. Mullendore and Cathie Hatch (© 2000 by The University of South Carolina)
To order a copy of Helping Your First Year College Student: A Guide for Parents, contact The National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience, University of South Carolina, 1728 College Street, Columbia, SC 29208. Tel. 803-777-6229.
March
Just Like Clockwork:
The Rhythm of College Life*
- Anxiety regarding finding roommate(s) for next year
- Excitement and/or disappointment regarding Spring Break plans
- Midterm exam stress
- Concern over summer employment
- Concern over winter weight gain
As spring break approaches, it's important for students to keep assignments up to date. That can help avoid a scramble at the end of the semester to get ready for exams. At the same time, students need to watch for the partying aspect that follows spring break. It's wise to not get too caught up in it—to keep studying and even set aside time in the library.
Now is the time when effective time management pays off. Too many competing interests can make studying more difficult than normal. It's better to study, relax and socialize in good proportions, and keep things in perspective.
If any courses are presenting problems, now is the time for your student to get tutorial assistance, and to keep in touch with the advisor. Students must consider whether or not they need to withdraw from any courses, because now is the time to do so without penalty. Thinking further ahead, students must also be prepared to preregister for fall courses.
As for spring break, it can be a great time to have fun, but some students may find that they'll do better by using the time to get caught up.
*Electronically reproduced with permission from Helping Your First Year College Student: A Guide for Parents, Richard H. Mullendore and Cathie Hatch (© 2000 by The University of South Carolina)
To order a copy of Helping Your First Year College Student: A Guide for Parents, contact The National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience, University of South Carolina, 1728 College Street, Columbia, SC 29208. Tel. 803-777-6229.
April & May
Just Like Clockwork:
The Rhythm of College Life*
April
- Excitement with arrival of spring
- Concern over declaring major
- End of semester pressure
May
- Final exam anxiety
- Apprehension about returning home for summer
- Sadness over leaving new friendships and/or love relationships at school
- Realization of how college influences life decisions
It is very hard to break old habits. Students have to work hard this month if they want to have different outcomes. Sometimes, it's smart to drop a course and not get a bad grade. Sometimes, it's better to hang in there and try to finish the course. Students should get advice, and be realistic.
They can't assume that their grades will get better. They will need to do something different to improve them.
That means not falling behind in classes. Starting early to study for finals—the last two weeks are too late. Students should be encouraged to keep working on and improving their study skills. There is a lot of planning and studying ahead in the next month.
This may be the hardest time to stay self-disciplined and focused. At the same time, it's a good idea for your student to to try to enjoy the end of the year, and find something to do that is relaxing.
*Electronically reproduced with permission from Helping Your First Year College Student: A Guide for Parents, Richard H. Mullendore and Cathie Hatch (© 2000 by The University of South Carolina)
To order a copy of Helping Your First Year College Student: A Guide for Parents, contact The National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience, University of South Carolina, 1728 College Street, Columbia, SC 29208. Tel. 803-777-6229.
DIfferences Between High School & College
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Teacher/ Student Contact
High School
Contact closer and more frequent (5 days a week).
College
Faculty are available during office hours (only a few hours a week) and by appointment to address students' concerns.
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Competition/Grades
High School
Academic competition is not as strong; good grades can often be obtained with minimum effort.
College
Academic competition is much stronger; minimum effort may produce poor grades.
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Status
High School
Students establish a personal status in academic and social activities based on family and community factors.
College
Students can build their status as they wish; high school status can be repeated or changed.
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Counseling/Dependence
High School
Students can rely on parents, teachers, and counselors to help make decisions and give advice. Students must abide by parents' boundaries and restrictions.
College
Students rely on themselves; they see the results of making their own decisions. It is their responsibility to seek advice as needed. Students set their own restrictions.
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Motivation
High School
Students get stimulation to achieve or participate from parents, teachers, and counselors.
College
Students apply their own motivation to their work and activities as they wish.
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Freedom
High School
Students' freedom is limited. Parents will often help students out of a crisis should one arise.
College
Students have much more freedom. Students must accept responsibility for their own actions.
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Distractions
High School
There are distractions from school, but these are partially controlled by school and home.
College
The opportunity for more distractions exists. Time management to students will become more important.
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Value Judgments
High School
Students often make value judgments based on parental values; thus, many of their value judgments are made for them.
College
Students have the opportunity to see the world through their own eyes and develop their own opinions and values.
