University is a very exciting time for students as they meet new friends and engage in the social and scholarly life of the university. For the parents and family members of these students, the start of university can be filled with mixed emotions. We are thrilled your student is joining the Carleton community, and we’re here to help you help your student through the transition into their new life as a university student.
Everyone reacts to the university transition in their own way, but there are some common challenges all students face.
Students are getting oriented to a new campus, learning university policies and procedures and adjusting to different class sizes and academic expectations than they were faced with in high school. Keeping up with lectures, assignments, financial pressures, part-time jobs, extracurricular activities and social engagements means time management will be a priority.
The student experience at Carleton expands beyond academics. During their time at Carleton, students are balancing transitions, relationships, financial pressures, academic commitments and extra-curricular activities, all while getting to know who they are and learning how to manage multiple demands. Within their first few months of being here, you may start to notice changes in how they think about certain issues and interact with others. As they’re introduced to different ideas, cultures and beliefs they will begin to adopt new values and explore new identities.