College Dorm Stuff

College dorm living is one of the biggest changes a student new face. Firstly, many dormitories are at least two people in a room. Then there are shared resources such as bathrooms, common areas for dining or study, and it is generally nowhere to get real privacy.

Then there are the hundreds of new friends that you need to interact with on a daily basis. Learn how to play in this big of a sandbox can be a bit overwhelming. Add to that many dorms are mixed, it introduces new issues to the table. For many new college students is their first experience being away from home and lose the support of family and friends.

This is perhaps the first time many college students do all the new owners of their everyday decisions, as when, where, how to eat, sleep, and even getting up in the morning. Not to mention some of the equipment class time and study each day. That's a lot of changes and self-discipline to absorb in the first weeks of college life.

The social, peer pressure, pressure grades, and being yourself is a new experience. And temptations of all kinds can be seductive. Some can adapt quickly, some may need a little real world example to demonstrate the obvious (so obvious, once you've been there).

What can you do to helpa It's a difficult question because each new student is different. My mother and my father would be very different. My father looked into my eyes and told me that my notes do not reflect my thinking. I had a thing about it for a while. My mother told me everything myself act, be friendly, and make sure I did it to class everyday. Of course, it ended up not worry too much about little things, be attentive in class and always time to study.

There was much talked about, but that's about what struck me. I paid my way for that money rarely entered the conversation that my parents helped when ever they could. I also had at least one telephone call per week (if I did not call home) to see how things were going. A few weeks these phone calls really helped when I had problems with this or that.

I think that's the best position for most parents and family members to take. Encourage them, add a little parental assistance, and be there when they have questions. Check them but not anymore. The whole family can be part of the support group. Older brothers and sisters, uncles and aunts and grandparents all can participate too.

The packages also help. My family often sent me things from food to blankets. The content was always very practical, but I think the fact that you knew someone was there and took the trouble to send you something was good. Packages always had a short note on the photos and even family news.

Ultimately each student must find his own way to learn how to deal with the college dorm life. Being positive can mean just being there when needed. Offer advice when asked, and often just listening can help make sense of new life. There will be mistakes, that's what learning is all about. The key is to try to let them know that we all go through these tribulations when you're young.