Parent’s Guide to Freshman Orientation Everything You Need to Know

Parents often experience the same mix of excitement and anxiety as their children do when it comes to starting college. Its a big shift in the parent-child paradigm you have experienced so far, and you likely have a lot of questions regarding what your students life will be like while they are away. Luckily, many colleges and universities understand that parents are just as interested (if not more so) in getting information about what the future has in store. To help you get ready for the freshman orientation experience, here are some tips to prepare.RELATEDARTICLE:Students Guide to Freshman OrientationWhat Does Freshman Orientation Offer Parents?The college or university your child chooses to attend will play a big part in not just their lives, but the lives of their entire family. And it will do so for the next four years. Freshman orientation offers students and parents the chance to familiarize themselves with the campus, experience the schools culture, and gain a more accurate p icture of what life will be like while your child attends classes.Youll have a chance to learn the rules and policies that will govern much of your childs life as well as see how they will be living, especially if they are going to be staying on campus. Additionally, details regarding the academic calendar will be available, giving you a chance to plan if your child will be returning home for breaks.Another benefit freshman orientation offers parents is the chance to meet other parents who are standing in the exact same place as you. This can help build a sense of comradery, letting you know you arent the only one concerned about what your childs experience will be like.How Parents Need to Prepare for Freshman OrientationWhile most parents worry about what their child will need during orientation, it is also important to bring certain items along for your use as well.During the orientation process, you need to think both like a parent and like a student. Make sure you bring somethin g that allows you to take notes along the way. That way, you can track important details easily or write down questions you want to ask when given the opportunity. You can also record contact information for key officials or other individuals who will play a significant role in your childs life, including any contacts in the dorms who can help reach your child (or may reach out to you) in the case of an emergency.To make sure you are comfortable during the orientation, make sure to dress appropriately. Youll likely spend a significant amount of time on your feet touring the campus, certain facilities, and even the surrounding area, so choose shoes and clothes that will work during a relatively active day. Since a good part of the tour will be outside, you also need to consider the weather when you pick your attire.You may also want to bring beverages and snacks along, especially if the process will take up the majority of the day or longer. While meal breaks will be part of the sche dule, you dont want to be stuck without something to eat or drink and end up distracted during the orientation.If your child must present certain documents during the orientation, then it is best to discuss who will be responsible for them during the orientation. While it can be a great learning experience to have your student manage this task, it is also prudent to make sure they have everything ready before you head out for their freshman orientation, especially if the school isnt local.What You Will Do During Your Childs Freshman OrientationYour students freshman orientation will include a variety of sessions as well as tours of the most important buildings on campus. Typical sessions include the history of the institution, an introduction to key administrators and faculty members, discussions on school policies, as well as overviews on financial aid.Many of the sessions give parents and students a chance to ask questions if certain pieces of information arent covered during the presentations. Some potential questions to keep in mind include:How are move-in days coordinated?What types of transportation are available?Do most students bring cars?How can parents get updates on a students academic performance?How can students be reached by family members during an emergency?Are there any other financial aid opportunities (even if they are for future years)?During the freshman orientation process, it is also common for certain details to be finalized during the process, such as your childs class schedule and dorm assignment. When these activities are taking place, it is important to take a position as an observer in many of these instances. Many parents find it tempting to interject in certain areas, but it is important to remember that your child will be making many of these choices on their own in the very near future. However, dont be afraid to be available, as your student may want your input, especially as they work through the process for the first time.In some cases, universities actually separate you from your child, sending them along one path and sending parents down another. In this case, you may not be present while they select their schedule so you may want to talk it through with your child before orientation.Some topics to sort out regarding schedule:Early or late classes?Batch them together or spread them out?Are you going to study abroad? If so, they can save easy class requirements for that semester.How many classes can they handle while still meeting requirements to be a full-time student?If the orientation involves an overnight stay, students may have a chance to spend the night in the dorms, especially if they will eventually be living on campus. While you may prefer your child stay with you, it is actually a good idea to let them have this experience on their own.Consider getting a room at a nearby hotel, so you can be reached if necessary, but, otherwise, let them spread their wings and take this test flight solo. It can give them a chance to socialize with other students from their freshman class without the pressure of a parent being one step away. Then, get together for breakfast the next morning and have them tell you all about their experience.Its Really About ThemYes, your child going to college is a big change for you, but the experience is really all about them. They are going to be nervous and excited, often at the same time. This is the first step in their journey to adulthood, so do your best to be supportive and available, but give them a chance to grow, explore, and learn in a way that will make them comfortable.Get the information you need to feel good about how their first year as a college student will go and dont be afraid to gather some emergency contact information. Then, just sit back and smile. Your child is going to college, and that is an amazing moment in a parents life. Relish in the joy. You both earned it.We mentioned financial aid questions. While the university may not have more to offer at this point, there are scholarships deadlines as late as July for that fall semester. So once orientation is over, have your child kick it into high gear on those scholarship applications!If youd like help finding scholarships and learning how I secured over $126k for my education, join me on my next webinar! You can learn more at:thescholarshipsystem.com/freewebinarDid you see we created a Students Guide to College Orientation? You can check that out here: https://thescholarshipsystem.com/blog-for-students-families/a-student-guide-everything-you-need-to-know-about-freshman-orientationOther helpful articles:Students Guide to Freshman Orientation75 Ways to Save Money in College3 Scholarship Seasons: When Your Child Should Start Applying for ScholarshipsHow to Help Your Senior Finish the School Year with Enthusiasm (and Avoid Burnout)Pin22RedditShareLeave a Comment