1. Move in day/Saying goodbye: As a parent it is important to recognize that both you and your student will experience a vast array of emotions on this exciting day.  However, it is essential that you convey both support and encouragement for your student. Some students will feel a hesitancy to leave friends and family, and being positive about the new challenges is the best way to fight homesickness. Most students at UNL move on campus into a residence hall or a Greek house.  This is an opportune time to meet the roommate and the roommate’s parent

2. The first weeks: Many students face new freedoms and responsibilities. Students must take care of their own laundry, exercise financial responsibility, choose whether or not they will attend class, decide how they will manage their time, select what campus activities they want to be involved with, and make new friends. Offer a listening ear to your child. Don't take over his/her responsibilities (i.e. calling his/her professors or roommate, doing his/her laundry or homework). Allow the student to exercise responsibility, but be there as a system of support.

3. Mid-Terms, Academic Advising and Registration: Students experience increased stress during the first set of college exams because some may not do as well as they had hoped; while others may gain new confidence after they perform well. As a parent, you can continue to encourage your student by reminding him/her of the campus services that are offered and avoid lecturing him/her. Many students have not declared a major or have decided to change their major within the first semester of college. This is completely normal and part of the college and career exploration process. Suggest that your student visit Career Services so that a career counselor can assist him/her in choosing a major and future career. Academic Advisers are knowledgeable of University requirements and help students select courses for the following semester. Encourage your student to meet with his/her adviser in order to develop an academic plan for success.

4. End of Term Anxieties: Final exams are a time when many students feel overwhelmed. College course work is much more demanding and many students procrastinate and/or underestimate the amount of time necessary in order to perform well on final exams and projects. Roommate stresses, failing high school relationships, and/or lack of exercise and sleep may be additional stressors and leave your student feeling worn down. If he/she is irritable when talking to you, or does not have time to communicate, do not take it personally-this is a hectic time in your child's life!

5. The Overwhelmed Student: Many first-year students have a melt-down moment when college seems too difficult, confusing, and overwhelming. What can you do to be ready for this?  Remember that sometimes stress speaks louder than reality. If your student calls you crying, frustrated, and ready to give up, don't panic! Listen to your student's concerns, ask them questions to help them figure out a solution (but don’t solve the problem), and encourage them to persevere. In developing autonomy, students need to work out these predicaments on their own.

6. Home for the Holidays: Most students are excited to go home for an extended break. They are excited to sleep in their own room, eat home-cooked food, and to relax and spend time with old friends. It is important that both parents and students communicate their expectations for the visit. If both parties know what the other's expectations are and are willing to compromise, it can make the vacation more enjoyable for everyone.

7. A New Term, a New Beginning: Before the new semester begins, parents should sit down with their students and evaluate the successes and disappointments of the previous term. Identify methods to have a successful second semester. At the beginning of second semester, students are typically more comfortable with the college atmosphere and have started to learn the swing of things. However, second term presents many interesting challenges:

1. Discovering their niche: While many students have developed a solid friend base and have gotten involved in organizations, some students may still be searching for their place. Encourage your student to go to Student Involvement, respond to those fliers in the residence halls, and do whatever they can to get involved. Involvement is crucial in order to meet new people on campus, build your resume, and develop life skills that typically aren't learned in the classroom.

2. Pressure to select a major: Many students have not yet declared a major, or after a semester of classes are wondering whether their selected major is right for them. Encourage your student to go to Career Services or to meet with an academic adviser to discuss future academic and career goals.

3. Living arrangements for next year: Unless your child lives at home, all freshmen live on campus during their freshman year. At the beginning of second semester, students need to start pondering where they want to live the following year. Students are able to stay in the residence halls another year, move into one of UNL's apartment style living facilities, and/or rent a house, duplex, or apartment off campus.

4. School is out, let summer begin: As the school year ends, parents and students face another transition especially if the student moves back home. Students have several options to choose from when deciding how to utilize their summer. Will they attend classes to lessen their fall course load? Will they get a job/internship to save up money for next year and gain work experience? Or, will they leave the country and study abroad? Have your student prioritize things they want to accomplish throughout their four years of college. Also, help them work out a budget for expected expenses. This will help your student determine how he/she wants to spend the summer.

Information based on Chapter V: The Academic Year in Empowering Parents of First-Year College Students: A Guide for Success.