Gearing Up For the New Year Series: Conversations to Have Before Leaving Home

With the semester beginning on Monday, August 28, the campus is busy preparing on all levels to welcome new and returning students home. To help our newest students gear up for the new year, Charis Ochu, a junior biology major, shares tips and advice from her experiences as a student and RA.

Charis Ochu is active across campus. She is an RA, a member of the chapel band, and an officer for the International Student Fellowship.

Leaving for college is exciting! But it’s normal to feel emotional. It’s a big deal- you are moving away from your hometown and family.

Before going off to college, I suggest talking with your parents to make sure you are on the same page on matters relating to your college life. Below are some good topics to cover:  

Expectations/Goals: Talking about your goals and aspirations for college will give your parents an idea of what you want to achieve. This will help them figure out the best way to support you, depending on what your goals may be. By having these conversations, your parents can also let you know what their expectations are for you. 

Concerns and Fears: Communicate any concerns you may have regarding the college experience to your parents. Let them know how you feel. Sharing your concerns can help your parents help you.  

Finance/Allowance: Discuss how your college fees are going to be financed. This will help to avoid any confusion or expectations in the future. Are your parents helping you financially? If so, how? Do you need to get a job to help cover expenses? Car insurance? Phone payment? What about paying for those late nights at Whataburger with friends? How do you need to budget to cover bills? Even if you are covering finances on your own, your parents can still provide insight on budgeting.

Parental Advice: Before heading off to college, you need as much good advice as you can get. Ask your parents for advice on areas such as time management, relationships, safety, and cooking.

Frequency of home visits: To make the most of your college experience, I advise you to spend as much time on campus as possible. Core memories are made with friends on campus in the most random moments. It’s helpful to set specific dates when you plan to return home so you are not leaving campus every weekend.