Helping Your Freshman Succeed

Financial Challenges

College is expensive. Your student needs a plan on how to pay for it all whether through scholarships, grants, or loans. Do they want to work while in school? Do they have a budget?

Career Center:

The Career Center can help students get part-time jobs on and off campus. (http://www2.humboldt.edu/acac/)

Financial Aid Office:

The Financial Aid Office is a great resource on money management and information on financing college. (http://www2.humboldt.edu/finaid/)

Thank you!

Great video on budgeting as a college student:

Cultural Challenges

Humboldt County can be a completely different world for many students, especially those coming from more urban settings.

Multicultural Center:

The Multicultural Center offers activities and clubs that create a safe space for students to Explore, Experience, Express, Empower and Engage in the college setting.

http://www2.humboldt.edu/explore/living.html

First Generation Students

Being the first in the family to attend college can be very difficult. These students may need more support to succeed.

Helping Your Freshman Succeed at HSU

Student Support Services:

Staff members are available to help you reach your academic, personal, and career goals, and we take great pride in our ability to deliver our services to you on a personal and individualized basis. Check out our website for eligibility requirements and how to apply. (http://www.humboldt.edu/sss/index.html)

Life Challenges

Life skills such as laundry, cooking, and money management can sometimes be overlooked when planning for college. Be sure to give your student practice doing these skills before leaving home.

Life Skills Workshop Series:

All freshman can self-enroll in an online course that covers many life skills. This course is not graded and can be paced to one's choosing.

To self-enroll, go to: http://www2.humboldt.edu/counseling/index.html

Find "Life Skills" in right-hand menu

Some Additional Great

Time-Management Resources

Time Management

Basic tips:

http://www.campuscalm.com/time_management.html

Using your Gmail calendar on your computer and phone to stay organized:

http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/organized-semester-google-calendar/

Video on time-management:

Study Skills

Time management in college is pivotal to success, but is often very different than time management in high school. Students spend far less time in class and are expected to do much more on their own.

The Learning Center has great time management resources: http://www2.humboldt.edu/learning/handout-index#organization

Your student can also sign up for time with a 1:1 tutor to help develop a schedule and organize assignments.

Need some motivation? Looking for primary research or scholarly articles? Want help prepping for tests?

Tips and resources for parents

https://library.humboldt.edu/node/835

Helping your first generation college student succeed

Check out these additional resources for first generation students and this video with students sharing their experience.

http://www.firstgenerationstudent.com/

http://professionals.collegeboard.com/guidance/prepare/first-generation

Finding the Balance

Academic Challenges

Ultimately, success in college is finding balance. As college parents, you can help by providing them with the skills to succeed and a positive attitude to ride the ups and downs.

Many Freshman experience academic difficulties during their first year. Here at HSU we have many programs and services to help!

RAMP Mentors:

Did you know all first time Freshman are assigned a RAMP mentor (Retention through Academic Mentoring Program). This person can help your student get academic help.

The Learning Center

The learning center offers a variety of services from supplemental instruction, 1:1 tutoring, a writing center, a math lab, and much more. (http://www2.humboldt.edu/learning/home)

Challenges of Independence

Some students may struggle with being away from home and being independent. Students need to manage their finances, their health, and much more.

Homesickness:

Have your student check out this Prezi on Homesickness: http://prezi.com/vokxvjxqeegg/homesickness/

Also, check out this video and article on homesickness in college:

http://www.howcast.com/videos/172319-How-to-Deal-with-Homesickness-at-College

http://www.collegeparents.org/members/resources/articles/what-do-i-do-if-my-college-student-homesick

Social Challenges

College is a new social world and often students have difficulty making the transition and making new friends. Luckily, HSU has a club, event, or program for nearly every interest!

Clubs and Activities:

Have your student join a club. This is a great way to meet new friends and explore interests. Check out this link to browse all the clubs: http://humboldt.edu/clubs/site/directory/category/all_clubs/

MORE Health Resources!

Center Activities:

Physical Challenges

Center Activities is a non-profit service organization located on the Humboldt State University campus. Their intent is to provide outdoor and social experiences emphasizing adventure, environmental awareness, education, challenge, personal development, safety, and a sense of community and fun. (http://www2.humboldt.edu/centeractivities/)

Student Health Center:

Coming to college often has some physical changes as well, including the infamous "freshman 15". HSU has a variety of resources to stay healthy and happy.

The student health center offers a variety of services and can help your student stay healthy. (http://www2.humboldt.edu/health/student-health-center-welcome)

Student Recreation Center:

The SRC has drop-in recreation, group fitness classes, indoor climbing, personal training, and special events. (http://www2.humboldt.edu/centeractivities/department/student-recreation-center)

HSU Peer Health Educators:

Challenges of Responsibility

The peer health educators develop programs and information about a variety of subjects including sexual health, healthy eating, stress relief, and much more! (http://www2.humboldt.edu/centeractivities/department/recreation-wellness-center/student-health-and-wellness-services)

College may be the first place your student experiences so much responsibility. They are responsible for all their choices and actions. You will be an important source of advice and support, but remember they must take ultimate responsibility for their actions.

Decision Making:

Have your student check out this Prezi on Decision Making: http://prezi.com/8t_8pkugonyi/decision-making/