College Transition Tips: Helping Your Student Succeed in Their First Year

Transitioning to college is an exciting but challenging time, full of new opportunities, relationships, and responsibilities. A successful first year starts when your and your student plan for the upcoming changes and ensure the right supports are in place. From building academic and personal skills to setting realistic goals, these tips provide a roadmap to help your student navigate this important achievement.

Planning for Success

The foundation of college success lies in support systems, accountability, and self-advocacy. To prepare for the transition to college, your student can benefit from laying the following foundations to serve as a roadmap:

• Understand the academic demands of college, like lengthy assignments, research, and analytic thinking.

• Build executive functioning skills, such as task prioritization, time management, and goal setting.

• Practice self-advocacy by identifying needs, communicating effectively, and accessing available resources on campus.

By creating an individual roadmap, your student can anticipate the inevitable changes that come with college life and they will be able to stay on track to achieve their goals.

Skills for College Success

Academic Skills: Success in college requires your student to shift to independent, self-motivated learning.

Honing in on these essential skills will help your student succeed:

• Study Skills: Use strategies like note-taking, outlining, and organizing lecture information.

• Text Analysis: Summarize central ideas, evaluate sources, and use evidence to support arguments.

• Research & Writing: Develop structured writing plans, synthesize information, and cite sources accurately.

Personal Skills: Adaptability and resilience are essential.

Cultivating personal skills can make new situations for your student feel more manageable:

• Self-awareness: Recognize emotions, strengths, and boundaries.

• Self-regulation: Manage stress and maintain focus.

• Flexibility: Embrace new challenges and adjust course as needed.

Interpersonal Skills: College is about collaboration. Finding meaningful ways to collaborate with others is key for your student to feel connected to their community and to their academics.

Work on:

• Communication: Listen actively and adapt your tone to different audiences.

• Teamwork: Balance roles, navigate conflicts, and encourage peers.

Goal Setting

It is critical for your student to set realistic goals for their coursework, time management, and personal development. Reflecting on their past successes and challenges by crafting a list of personal goals that connect their interests to academic and career objectives can motivate them to stay the course in difficult times.

Beginning the Transition into College

Teach your student how to stay organized with managing emails, deadlines, and orientation details. Learn how to navigate the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and set clear channels of communication with you, your student, and institutions.

First Semester Success

Your student can work on establishing these routines to stay on track:

• Organizational Tools: Use a planner to track tasks and deadlines.

• Academic Preparation: Review syllabi thoroughly, learn to use campus portals, and organize materials for each course.

• Study Habits: Create study schedules, find multiple study locations, and partner with an accountability buddy.

Access support resources like academic assistant centers, library services, and professors' office hours to enhance learning skills.

Course Selection

Your student needs to plan their schedule wisely. It is essential that they focus on the following when selecting courses:

• Balance course content, rigor, and workload.

• Familiarize themselves with graduation requirements and general education expectations.

• Prepare for meetings with advisors by researching courses and understanding degree requirements.

Clear Expectations & Accountability

Discuss having your student partner with someone who can provide feedback and recognize concerns. Developing strategies to handle increased academic demands and manage a less structured schedule through regular check-ins and accountability pacts can help your student maintain their focus on goals.

Support for Your Neurodiverse Learner

Neurodiverse students benefit from tailored approaches:

• Access accommodations like priority registration, assistive technology, and flexible exam arrangements.

• Strengthen skills in time management, academic organization, and independent living.

• Advocate for their needs and utilize support services, such as summer bridge programs or academic coaching.

Starting college marks the beginning of a transformative journey. With proper preparation, planning, and support, you and your student can embrace the challenges and exciting opportunities ahead.