ISU Home

Find People >>

Home for the Holidays

Easing the transition from college to home

Going home from college for the first time can be a little uncomfortable for both students and their families.

Parents and students need to anticipate that new changes affect people differently. There are some ways, however, that you both can work together for a smooth transition from college to home.

* Students have enjoyed three solid months of independence for the first time. Therefore it can be hard going home to "rules." Give your student some time to ease back into family life. Be proud of how "grown-up" they've become.

* Communicate. Communication is a key to a smooth transition. many different types of problems or potential situations can be avoided if you talk from the get-go. You are all adults and you all can enjoy "adult" conversations together.

Talk to your son or daughter about any new developments. The week before Christmas is not the time to find out your son is vegan or your daughter has had her nose pierced. If any changes have taken place at home, let your child know in advance of the visit. Talk with your student about the house rules; do the "old" house rules still apply? Will more or less be expected? Will there be a curfew? If you talk about these things up front it will allow for a more peaceful stay at home.

Ask your student about how finals went and if they are exhausted or burnt out by finals. instead of coming home excited and full of energy they might just want to go home and go straight to sleep.

* Time and lack-of-it can be a potential problem. This is your student's first time back and they to contact all of their high school friends to hang out or have holiday shopping and parties to attend, which may leave them with minimal time to spend with you and/or siblings. When you get home schedule in time to hang out throughout the break. Understand that they probably missed you lots while they've been off to college and therefore want to spend as much time with you as they can.

* Curfews are often an issue. College students will argue that they have been staying out as long as they wanted at school. One way around this is to ask your student what time they expects to be home and to call or text message if he/she will not make it home by the time indicated. Parents can also require that the car be back by a certain time.

 

Pack a wellness kit

As your student gathers supplies for his or her return to school, be sure to replenish or put together a wellness kit. In addition to those things your student may need and use on a regular basis you might also include over-the-counter medicines such as:

* Non-aspirin pain reliever and fever reducer
* Nausea medicine
* Diarrhea medicine
* Cough medicine
* Cold medicine
* Throat lozenges
* Decongestant medicine
* Allergy medicine
* Vitamins
* First Aid kit (adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze and tape, etc.)

Other items to include:
* Thermometer
* Chicken soup
* Crackers
* Salt (for gargle)
* Electrolyte balanced fluids (sports drinks)
* Tissues
* Hand cleaner (alcohol based)
* Surface cleaning wipes

 

Flu shots are available at the UAP Clinic-ISU Health Center Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. and from 1:00-4:00 p.m. Cost is $20 for students. Students should call the Health Center at (812) 237-3883 to setup an appointment.

Safety 101

While Indiana State University’s campus is relatively safe, it is important for students to be responsible for their own personal safety and use common sense in protecting themselves and their belongings. 

Theft is the most frequent crime on college campuses.  Below are safety tips for your student to follow:

* Never walk alone. Students are encouraged to use the buddy system, travel in groups, or use the campus escort service after dark or early in the morning.

* Know where the campus emergency phones (blue lights) are located.

* Park in well-lighted areas, especially if coming to campus at night.

* Travel only on well-lit streets and avoid narrow walkways between buildings.

* Do not loan your room key to anyone and immediately report lost or stolen keys.

* Only sign in your visitors in the residence halls

* Sign up for RAVE Alerts to receive text messages when there are weather warnings or dangerous situations on campus.

* Make sure you have the Public Safety number (812-237-5555) in your cell phone contacts.

* Do not leave valuables such as jewelry, wallets, and ATM/debit cards out in plain sight.

* Do not keep large sums of money in your room or car.

* Always lock your residence hall room door and car doors.

* Never leave your laptop, cell phone, or iPod unattended. Invest in a lock for your laptop.

* Engrave audio, video and computer equipment. Engraving is available through Public Safety.

* Register your bicycle with Public Safety and invest in a lock.

* Be careful what you post online. Avoid posting information such as your class schedule, detailed information of your comings and goings, or the fact you’re gone for a few days.

Tips on raising a Successful Sycamore

Because the first few weeks of school are critical to your student’s success at Indiana State, we have come up with tips that will encourage behaviors, attitudes, and actions that will help students not only get adjusted to living alone and being on campus but also make them successful Sycamores!

Encourage your student to use these tips and reinforce them when you speak to them throughout the next few weeks!

1) Respect others.

2) Want great grades? Go to class! Never miss, never fail.

3) Stay committed to your values in relationships -- personal and social.

4) Use a daily planner. Manage your time wisely. Set and focus on daily priorities.

5) Set academic goals. Parents, here’s a message to send to your student -- What R UR academic goals? DK? Time 2 meet UR advisor!

6) Find your fit. There is something here for everyone! Get involved in campus activities to complement the learning that goes on in the classroom.

7) Program emergency phone numbers into your phone. Call 911 or University Police at 812-237-5555.

8) Sign up for RAVE Emergency Text Messaging System, to receive crime and weather-related emergency information.

9) Keep family contact numbers in your wallet for yourself and your friends to use in an
emergency.

10) Need to improve your writing skills? Contact the Writing Center, located in Root Hall or the Library.

11) Need help with classes? Contact the Student Academic Services Center at 812-237-2300 to receive tutoring.

12) Be proactive - Meet your professor early in the semester. Contact him or her in case you are ill, going to miss class or have a family emergency.

13) Never prop open residence hall doors or let unfamiliar people into your residence hall room.

14) Spend your money wisely.

15) Think before you act (conflict resolution).

16) Don't procrastinate.

17) Seek help from the Student Counseling Center if you feel overwhelmed, stressed or unable to cope.

18) Protect your Student ID card, credit and debit card. Don’t leave them out in the open. Be cautious with your info on the Internet. This goes for your laptop too.

19) Follow your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, change directions, go to an emergency phone or into a public building, or call University Police.

20) Never take drinks from other people and don't leave your drink unattended.

21) Get an early start on your career! Utilize the many services at the Career Center, such as career exploration, resume review, interviewing workshops, and career fairs for FREE.

22) Form a study group. If you’re uncomfortable with a group, find a study buddy.

23) Be a good listener to your friends, help and support them when they need it. Don’t hesitate to ask for help and encourage others to seek help when needed.

24) Consider giving back to your new community. Contact the Office of Public Service and Community Engagement to volunteer with a Terre Haute not-for-profit agency or to participate in Alternative Sprint Break.