As a parent, sending a teen to college can be both exciting and scary. You want to ensure they have the best college experience possible, but where do you start? We found a way to help prepare for the transition and ease our concerns–by attending their college orientation. And the best part? It also supports our students!
Attending college orientation can give insight into campus resources and information about academic expectations, while helping to reduce anxiety and provide a chance to connect with other parents. It can even strengthen your bond with your young adult.
If you’ve been debating whether to attend your teen’s college orientation, we’re here to convince you to go.
Gain a Better Understanding of Campus Resources
Attending college orientation will give you a better understanding of the resources available on campus. During orientation, you’ll learn about the various academic support systems, tutoring, counseling services, health clinics, and more.
As parents of college students, we felt it was time for us to be their coaches, not their problem solvers. Understanding what’s available to them on campus helps you to point your student in the right direction, so they can solve the problem themselves when they run into issues.
Learn How to Navigate the Financial and Legal Issues
College orientation offers more than just a chance to tour the campus and learn about academics. There are some big changes in how things are done when your “child” is actually an adult. While your student is meeting an academic advisor, registering for classes, and making friends, parent sessions include topics like FERPA, HIPAA, and billing. You’ll also learn how the college handles billing and financial aid, what health services are available on campus, and any health insurance requirements.
For instance, did you know you won’t have access to any of your student’s records once they’re enrolled? Even if you’re the one paying. Hello, FERPA restrictions! FERPA stands for Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. It’s a federal law that gives parents the right to their children’s educational records. However, when a student turns 18 or goes to college at any age, the rights under FERPA transfer from the parent to the student.
Speaking of privacy laws, if your student has already turned 18, you may already know about HIPAA restrictions at the doctor’s office. Now is the time to think about what to do in case of a medical emergency. Some families choose to draft a durable power of attorney for healthcare and/or a healthcare directive to avoid any issues in case a student is unable to decide for themself in an emergency.
Connect with Other Parents and Families
Meeting other parents is another benefit of attending college orientation. It helps to know you aren’t alone in your feelings about sending your student off to college. We learned about online Facebook parenting groups for our students’ schools that ended up being great places to get insider information!
We also learned everything from tips for off-campus housing to the best restaurants in the area when visiting for family weekends and even where to order a birthday cake for delivery to our kids’ dorms.
Reduce Anxiety and Stress for Both You and Your Student
Some students may feel anxious about going to college and all the upcoming changes, so having a parent at orientation can help ease their mind. It also shows that you’ll still be there to support them if they need it during this next phase of their life.
On the other hand, some students may prefer not to have a parent with them! Open communication is always the key. Let them know you feel the need to be there to help with letting go. Since orientation is typically broken into two tracks, you’ll likely only be together for the opening session. Ultimately, you should do what’s best for your family’s dynamic.
It’s natural for parents to feel a mix of emotions about a student leaving home and beginning a new journey. But learning more about the campus, its safety measures, and the protocols the college has in place in case of emergencies, can help reduce anxiety and stress for both of you.
Once you can put those worries to rest, you can better prepare yourself for the journey ahead and focus on the positive experiences yet to come as you navigate this new chapter together.
Build a Stronger Relationship with Your Student
Going to college orientation with your student gives you an opportunity to build a stronger relationship with them. The shared experience can create a bond between the two of you as you both learn more about their college and what it has to offer. You’ll also feel better equipped to support them emotionally and academically throughout their college journey.
Orientation is also a chance to spend quality time with your student away from home. We’ve had some of our best conversations with our teens while riding in the car or eating at a restaurant together. Take the time to engage in meaningful conversations and create lasting memories. Whether this is your first college student or your third, every college and every student is different. This is a chance to show you’re still present in their life and that you’re still there for them in this next stage.
We believe attending college orientation with our teens is an investment in their future. It’s an opportunity to gain insight, learn, connect, and strengthen our relationships with them. Your presence will not only increase their chances of success but also shows them you’re truly invested in their education. Remember, college is not just a destination but part of a journey. Together, you can make it a successful one.
