Ways to Ease Your Student’s Transition to University

1. Become Aware of Available Services / Resources
Most universities offer a wide range of services to students ranging from tutoring to counseling to part time employment opportunities.  The services can be found on the University website with details of what they offer and who to contact for information and assistance.  Encourage your student to read all of the material the university provides them with.

2.  Encourage Involvement in Extracurricular Activities
University life offers so many more learning opportunities than those found in a classroom.  By joining a club, sports team, or coming out to events held in the residence, students learn new skills, make new friends, improve self-esteem and develop a balanced lifestyle.

3.  Have Realistic Expectations
Have a conversation with your student to discuss any concerns, both academic and personal, that you both may have.  Help them set realistic goals and expectations.  Many students who have excelled in high school may find it difficult to maintain their academic successes, especially at first, therefore it will be important that they receive support from you even when they are experiencing difficulties.

4.  Learn to Let Go
This will be a challenging time for everyone and you will probably experience many different types of emotions along the way.  Allow your student to exercise their greater independence and personal responsibility.  Allow them to make mistakes and encourage them to grow from those mistakes.  Make sure they know you are there to support them and that you are always there to offer advice, but that you are also happy to just listen.

Excerpted from Nipissing University’s "The First Year Experience – A Guardian’s Quick Guide".  Reproduced with the permission of Nipissing University Office of Student Development and Services and Nipissing University Residence and Conference Services.

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