Your student might be experiencing new schedules, multiple roles and different demands when making the transition to college. As a family member, you can help support your student by understanding some possibilities of what to expect.

August/September

• Choosing classes
• Buying books
• Loneliness
• Feelings of being lost
• Wondering how and if I will “fit in”
• Money concerns
• Preconceptions of college life challenged
• Feelings of academic inadequacy
• Fears about first exams and papers
• Time management problems

October

• Being overextended
• Loneliness/depression
• Questioning whether to drop classes
• Trying to find tutoring services
• Relationship problems
• Money problems realized
• Feelings of not being successful
• Fears about mid-terms

November/December

• When will I adjust?
• Burnout
• Missing being home to prepare for the holidays
• Winter colds and flu
• Money problems
• Worries about grades and final exams
• Pre-registration concerns
• Questioning moving/change of transportation

January/February

• Stress of getting back into a routine
• Adjusting to a new schedule
• Buying books
• Bad weather and commuter complications
• Desire to get more involved in campus life
• Renewing friendships
• Pressure to improve grades
• Valentine’s Day – relationship issues

March

• Spring fever sets in
• Facing commuter and housing decisions for next year
• Mid-term panic
• Questioning choice of major
• Considering taking summer classes
• Money concerns
• Summer job search begins
• Pre-registration concerns

April/May

• Pressure over deadlines
• Anxiety over missing college during summer
• Questioning whether to return next year
• Summer job worries
• Finals
• Not wanting to study during spring weather
• Concerns about grades

Source: National Clearinghouse for Commuter Programs, University of Maryland