It is important for parents to understand the ups and downs attributed to a student's transition to college.
Here are some typical issues faced throughout the first year:
August/September
- Excitement
- Anxiety about classes, roommates, and a new environment
- Freedom
October
- Students begin to question whether they made the right choice
- First test grades are returned
- Midterm exams
November
- Roommate challenges become clear/potential room changes
- Many exams, papers, and projects due before Thanksgiving break
- Excitement/anxiety about going home for their first break
December
- Fear about preparing for upcoming finals
- Different emotions about going home for the holidays
January
- “Fresh start”
- Homesickness/excitement for return
- Satisfaction and/or disappointment with Fall term grades
February
- Depression may occur with the onset of winter weather
- Anxiety about finding housing for the following academic year
March
- Midterm exam stress
- Concern finding summer employment/activities
- Spring Break plans
April/May
- Excitement with the arrival of spring
- Final exam anxiety
- Apprehension about returning home for the summer