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Excited and a little anxious about your child’s first year of college?
You’re not alone! Whether you’re the parent trying to navigate this new chapter or a college freshman looking for a smooth start, these tips are here to help. We’ve gathered the best advice to ease the transition, keep stress levels down, and make sure both parents and students are ready for what’s ahead.
First Year College Tips
Here are 10 tips to make the first year of college a little easier for both parents and students—plus some advice you might not find in the usual guidebooks. You can even use an essay writing service like Academized to help give you examples of essays that your professors would grade highly!
1. Forget the Myth of Perfection
Parents, remember: not everything will go according to plan, and that’s okay. There will be a few bumps in the road (hello, laundry disasters and missed alarms), but that’s part of the journey. Letting your child figure things out—even if they stumble a little—is one of the best ways to help them grow.
Students, it’s okay if you don’t nail every assignment or immediately click with your roommate. College is all about learning how to adapt and thrive. Give yourself some grace and room to make mistakes. You’ll be amazed at how much you’ll grow in just one semester.
2. Help Them Create a Weekly Routine
For parents, this is a great way to offer support without hovering. Help your child create a weekly routine that balances academics, social life, and self-care. Encourage them to schedule study blocks, but also remind them to pencil in time to relax and unwind.
Students, take this tip to heart. A consistent routine keeps you from pulling all-nighters and feeling overwhelmed. And yes, showering is part of self-care. Trust me on this.
3. Encourage Essay Writing Early
College essays are a whole different ballgame. For parents, if your child didn’t get a lot of essay practice in high school, encourage them to get comfortable with writing now. Offering to proofread is helpful—but resist the urge to rewrite.
Students, essays are about to become a big part of your life. Get a jump on this by starting your assignments early, outlining your thoughts, and asking for help when needed. Most campuses have writing centers or peer tutors. Don’t be shy—use them! Essay writing is a skill that can save you a lot of late-night stress.
4. Encourage Exploration (Without Going Overboard)
Parents, remind your kid to try new things—but maybe avoid the classic “you should join every club” advice. Instead, suggest they pick one or two activities that genuinely interest them. It’s not about quantity; it’s about quality experiences that they actually enjoy.
Students, dip your toes into something new. That random club might just become your new favorite thing. But don’t feel pressured to overcommit. There’s plenty of time to explore over the next four years!
5. Send the Care Packages
Who doesn’t love getting mail? Parents, send care packages that have a mix of essentials (like snacks or laundry detergent) and fun stuff (like a handwritten note or a silly pair of socks). These little surprises help keep your kid connected to home, especially during those tougher moments when they might be feeling a little homesick.
Students, don’t be afraid to ask for a care package now and then. There’s no shame in wanting a little comfort from home!
6. Teach Practical Skills Before They Go
Okay, so this one might be obvious, but it’s essential. Parents, give your kid a crash course on cooking a couple of easy meals, how to budget, and—this is a big one—how to fix a printer jam. They’ll thank you later.
Students, learn these skills before you go! Trust me, knowing how to whip up a quick pasta or reset the Wi-Fi router at 2 AM will make you the dorm hero.
7. Support Without Spying
Parents, keep the communication lines open, but don’t overwhelm your child with constant check-ins. A simple “How’s your day?” text will go a long way in showing you care without making them feel smothered. And, spoiler alert: they might not respond right away. That’s okay. They’re probably napping.
Students, make an effort to stay in touch. Parents just want to know you’re alive, so drop a quick text or FaceTime them on Sundays while you’re doing laundry.
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8. Have a Money Talk
Parents, before your kid leaves, have an honest conversation about budgeting. Help them understand the difference between a need and a want (and why buying Starbucks three times a day isn’t sustainable). Set expectations for spending and what financial help you can offer.
Students, take control of your budget. There are apps out there that can help you track spending, and trust me, knowing where your money is going will save you a lot of stress. Make sure to account for some fun money, too. Life’s too short to skip out on the occasional pizza night.
9. Mental Health Matters
Parents, remind your child that mental health is just as important as physical health. If your kid starts feeling overwhelmed, it’s important they know there are campus resources—like counseling centers—available to them.
Students, don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re struggling. College can be tough, and it’s okay to not have it all together. Whether it’s talking to a friend, a counselor, or even your RA, know that you’re not alone.
10. Let Them Make the Call
Parents, when it comes to the big decisions, trust that you’ve done your part raising a capable young adult. They’ll likely call you for advice, and that’s great, but they should feel empowered to make the final decision. After all, learning to navigate life is what college is all about!
Students, seek advice when you need it, but know that these moments are where you get to practice making your own choices. Lean into it—this is your time to start shaping your future.
