How to Prepare for College Life Feb 02 '00    Write an essay on this topic. Tweet College life is a new experience and often a difficult one for many. It is the first time a child has been living on their own. It is the first time a child has to do many things that they never had to do by themselves before. One thing that parents can do to help their child is to prepare them and help them know what to expect. First of all, help them to understand what to expect from college. There are many different areas they will need to know about. 1. There will be new academic challenges for them. If, throughout their high school years, you enforced and taught good study habits, that will be a major help. Still, college work is even more difficult and often the student must work much more independently. 2. There will be social challenges and peer pressures. Again, if you've taught good morals and values throughout life, you will be in better shape. Do specifically talk to your child about what college social life can be like and explain your expectations. 3. Teach your child how to budget money. Take them to the stores with you so they have a good idea about how much things will cost. 4. Talk to them about how they might feel homesick and what they can do about it. Can they call you anytime of day or night if they are feeling bad? Help them pick out things to take with them that will make them feel more comfortable. It might be helpful to sit down with your child and work out expectations of both sides (parent and child) before your child begins college. While you work these out, it will help everyone to have a better perspective of the situation. When the student calls home telling you, as parents, about problems or that he can't stand it and wants to come home, you can look back on these expectations and see what's gone wrong. It is important to talk to your student and see exactly why they are feeling bad. Both sides have to really communicate about what's going on. It may be that they absolutely feel that they just can't live with their roommate any longer and you, as parent, can help them to move to a different room. It may be that they absolutely feel "lost" in a particular class and you can advise them either where to find help in that class or let them know how you will feel if they "drop" that class. It may be that your child isn't ready to be so far from home and you can help them to transfer to a closer college. If you understand your child, you will understand this need and be able to help them to do this. In general, it is most important for 2-way communications. If everyone understands what's going on, it will be easier.

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