student transition

A time of excitement and possibilities

College is a rite of passage for students. It’s a time filled with excitement and possibilities. Moving on to college represents a significant step towards adulthood, whether the student lives at home or goes away to attend school. This transition into adulthood is a huge development step for your student, for you as a parent and for the rest of your family. 

Common Challenges

• Homesickness. This can hit any student at any time. It’s not uncommon for it to come in waves, receding and reappearing over the course of the year.
• Balancing School with Social Life. There are many new interests, friends, activities, things to do and places to go, especially in a vibrant city like Seattle. Learning to balance the new workload and freedoms of college takes time.
• Roommate Conflicts. Living with a new person in close quarters when both are experiencing a great amount of transition can be stressful.
• Risk-taking Behaviors. The opportunity to make decisions on one’s own and the excitement of being in a new place are a part of the maturation process. In some cases, it can lead to poor decision-making.
• Coming Back Home. Students returning home for their first extended break brings another transition, as family dynamics in the home may have changed since their departure.

What Parents Can Do to Help 

As parents, you know your student better than any one. The art of parenting an emerging adult requires the right balance between intervening thoughtfully during a true crisis and standing aside during mild difficulties so students can develop their own competencies. 

Your on-going communication with your student will help you know when you need to actively support your student and when he/she needs to stand on his/her own. 

If you become aware of a significant change that seems beyond these normal transitions, encourage your student to seek out the variety of resources available on campus.