Advice FROM A RESIDENCE LIFE STUDENT LEADER

By Cambria Pilger

While working as an RA in college, I learned a lot about helping students through challenging times. The best thing family members can do is listen to and love your student, and encourage them to engage in wellness programs and opportunities.

What Services Are Available on Campus?

There is support right in your student’s very own dorm! Residence Life staff care about students and are a key resource. Developing a relationship with their RA can be a lifeline for a first-year student.

And it’s absolutely worth checking out what’s going on at the campus counseling center. In addition to scheduled appointments with a counselor, the center is likely to offer workshops, walk-in sessions, and peer-led support groups. Students can get help with:

• Career/life choices

• Concerns about substance or alcohol use

• Dealing with the adjustment to a new school and group of peers

• Family or relationship issues

• Feeling anxious or stressed

• Feeling lonely or isolated

• Lack of confidence/low self-esteem

• Lack of motivation, difficulty concentrating

• Sleep problems