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ORIENTATION
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simply do what you have done to ensure the success of your student up to this point. The following
are five tips we have identified as beneficial in aiding a successful transition from high school to
college.
1. Ride the Emotional Roller Coaster and Practice Soft Skills
The next few years will seem like a roller coaster for you. There
will be ups and downs, twists and possible mistakes made along
the way. Your student will need your patience, a listening ear
and a healthy dose of empathy. You know your student better
than anyone. Listen to them and allow them to solve their own
problems themselves. Trust you have done a great job raising
them. Remember this is their time to shine!
2. Promote Autonomy
Your natural inclination is going to be to solve everything for
them in the next few years. We urge you to not do this. They
need to handle their own problems. Realize you will likely see
and talk less to your student. Wait for them to reach out — they
will do so when and if it is needed. This distance does not mean
anything is wrong, it simply means they are becoming more independent and becoming their own
decision makers. Encourage them to utilize the numerous campus resources, especially the free ones
— the Academic Success Center, writing centers, Counseling and Psychological Services, student
organizations — and remember the Clemson Parents website also offers many resources. Good
parenting is learning to let go, and everything up to this point has been about letting go. You created
good boundaries for them, and they will be successful because of the experiences you fostered.
3. Embrace Your Own Changes
Simply because you sent your child to Clemson does not mean you will not worry and share
concerns for them. Your worry does not go away — you will worry about their safety, what they are
doing and who they are hanging out with. When experiencing such feelings, remind yourself there
are hard-working, dedicated staff and faculty to help them. You will never stop being their parent,
but can and should begin reframing that relationship. Work to find the appropriate balance. Now
is the time to think about yourself and what changes this transition brings for you. One note — if
this is your second student, it is likely easier, but do not assume transitions will be the same as with
your first student. Each student has a different experience as they map their lives.
4. Opportunity to Start Over
College can best be defined as a period of “transition.” For some, it is a time to create a new or
altered identify from the one they had in high school. Many students will develop new identities,
seek new roles and engage in experimentation. Recognize as they are in this time of exploration,
they may look and act different. For example, they may develop new eating habits, express new
HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT
• Encourage your student to start
a schedule to use on the weekdays,
allowing time to work between
classes.
• If your student is struggling,
have conversations with them
about their schedule and how
they are balancing social and
academic life.