Part 3 Academic, Social, and Financial Advice for College Freshmen

Discuss Expectations With Your Parents: There can be a significant gap when it comes to the expectations students and their parents have surrounding the roles each will play during these formative four years. Your parents, who may be paying for college, may presume that they still have some control over your life and expect you to come to them before making important decisions regarding academics, social life, or finances. However, you may assume that because you are living on your own, you can make your own decisions. Take some time now, as opposed to in the heat of the moment, to reach some common ground regarding resources, priorities, budgets, and values. Some good topics to discuss are grades and academic commitment, finances (including living expenses, internships and work, and financial responsibility), and lifestyle (such as communication expectations, weekends and nightlife, and future summer plans). This is both an exciting and anxious time for students and parents alike. By following this advice from our expert counselors, there will be plenty of time to enjoy summer, prepare for fall and smoothly transition to the next phase of your life. Good luck from all of us at!