Let the students unpack their own belongings.  After all, it's their room.

Tell your child to be politely assertive.  A student has the right to ask questions.

Read the information you receive from IUP, and encourage your child to do the same.

No one likes an empty mail box.  Send mail and e-mail.  Share your child's address with other family members.

It's okay if your child changes a major or withdraws for a while. Sometimes things don't go as planned; but, we all make changes.

If you must use your child's room for another purpose, discuss it before he/she leaves for school.  This will let him/her know what to expect when returning home.

Be realistic about roommates. This may be a life-long friendship or a semester-long inconvenience.

Give your child family pictures.

College will be different than high school.  Your child will no longer be the big dog.  At first he/she may seem to be more like a lost puppy.

Encourage your child to consider school as a job. 
He/she should spend time studying and going to class.  8:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m.

Visit.  If distance allows, an afternoon visit may be very welcome.

Don't forget that brothers and sisters who are still at home are also faced with changes now that their sibling is in college.

A work-study job on campus can be a great way to meet people and learn about the campus—especially if he/she is a commuting student.

Establish a plan for sharing information BEFORE your child leaves for school.

Let your child choose his/her major!!

Encourage your child to solve his/her own problems.  Check back to be sure the situation has been resolved. 

If your child is commuting, encourage him/her to get involved in activities and to stay on campus after classes.

Be available by phone for moral support. 

About life outside the classroom

• Be actively involved in a couple of student organizations.
  
• Attend plays, concerts, and lectures.
  
• Follow your inner voice, not the noise of the crowd.
  
• Get to know people who are different from you.

About getting along with roommates - Get to know them by sharing... 

• Information about your background
  
• Your personal preferences, habits, and characteristics

About succeeding academically

• Don't cut classes.
  
• Sit in the front section in class.
  
• Study in two-hour blocks—don't cram.
  
• Join a study group and don't wait until the last minute.
  
• Use caution when using internet sites for information.  Check the credibility of the internet site.  

About managing money

• Think before you buy.
  
• Avoid credit cards.
  
• Don't create excessive long-distance phone bills.
  
• Develop a budget and keep money aside for emergencies.

About relationships with significant others

• Call home when you need to, but resist the temptation to go home during the first month. 
  
• Talk honestly with your boyfriend/girlfriend about the relationship you want to maintain.