The First Year

You can expect an array of emotions from your Boilermaker during their first year of college. Certain times of the academic year tend to be universally challenging to students, while other times are times of great joy and accomplishment. Families who understand the ups and downs of the academic year are better able to coach their students to navigate these challenges. Here are several common themes or stressors your student may face their first semester on campus.

August

• Excitement to start the semester • Adapting to sharing a room with a stranger • Excitement, anxiety, or disappointment around Greek Life decisions

September

• Trouble transitioning study habits from high school to college level • Homesickness • Fitting in

October

• First illness away from home • Honeymoon period for roommate ending • Midterms • First test grades returned • Rethinking their plan of study/major

November

• Time management issues • Anxiety and/or excitement about Thanksgiving Break (returning home for the first time) • Increased responsibilities on campus and opportunities to feel overwhelmed • Deciding where to live next school year (on-campus and off-campus locations start their contracting for the following academic year)

December

• Financial concerns • Final exams, projects, papers • Transitioning to expectations of living at home during holiday breaks vs. living on campus

Families can help their students through this transition by listening and asking probing questions (to help get the complete story) then respond by saying, “How do you think you should handle this?” If your student is still struggling, encourage them to use campus resources noted throughout this publication.

However, if you talk to your student and feel your student is displaying behaviors that may interfere with their ability to be successful and/or function well in their living, learning, or work environment, we ask you to inform us through a Student of Concern Report on the ODOS website, purdue.edu/odos, or by calling (765) 494-1747. After receiving a Student of Concern Report, a member of the Dean of Students team will reach out to the student to offer support and assistance. If it is ever an emergency that requires immediate attention, please call 911.