Leaders from across campus offer advice on how to prepare yourself and your
student for the first year at IU. From the practical to the philosophical, they’ve got you covered.
“For some students, the transition from home to college life can be challenging, but for others adjusting to the new environment is easier. For all of them, however, it tends to be an exciting time when academic goals are set and new friendships are made. Parents play an important role in helping their new college students through this transition by being encouraging and supportive. Becoming familiar with the University’s resources, academic expectations and general campus culture will benefit parents in assisting their freshmen students through this important transition.”
Sandy Britton
assistant director for international student life
Office of International Services
assistant director for international student life
Office of International Services
“While not an issue for all, the cost of higher education is an issue for many. Familiarize yourselves and children with loans, interest of loans, available scholarships and degree requirements. All in an effort to ensure incoming students get the full quality liberal arts education while mitigating costs.”
Jose Mitjavila
IUSA president
IUSA president
If your student comes out to you:
“Realize that you’re not alone. There are lots of parents who have discovered this about their children. And it’s really not about you, what you have done or not done. It just is. Take time to listen closely to what your student is saying and to the feelings they are expressing. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, but try to do so without being judgmental. For example, ‘Tell me more about how you know this. What can I do to learn how to support you?’ Lastly, remember that sexual orientation and gender identity is not a choice. It is a discovery.”
“Tell students to always be prepared. Write down all important serial numbers of valuable items such as iPods, laptops and cell phones. This can come in handy later if anything happens to these items. Parents should encourage students to have all local contact information including the police department’s number, Bloomington or IU, but preferably IU.”
“Let your kid be at college. Most parents around my age, we have cell phones and emails and texts and constant communications. (When I was in college), we would call our parents on Sunday nights under penalty of death because of the long-distance phone bill. I get that there’s some comfort by being in frequent communication with kids, but I would encourage parents to give their kids some room. We’re not a suitcase college. Let your kids grow and have some room while they’re in Bloomington.
I encourage parents to encourage their kids to get them out of their comfort zone. Those four years go awful fast, and you’ll wish you did more than you did in Bloomington.”
“Consider the alternatives to bringing a car to campus. IUB was one of the first 20 universities designated as a Bicycle Friendly University and most students walk to classes. ZipCar is available to rent to students for a minimal fee and they include insurance and gas with rental. ZimRide is a social-network-based safe ride sharing program for students that is great for getting home for a visit. By using these alternatives, students can save hundreds of dollars per month and also get some free exercise. Less cars also means less congestion, pollution and need for parking lots and makes for a more beautiful, walkable campus.”
“Eat on Fourth Street. Eat at all the international restaurants — it’s great food at cheap prices. Step out of your comfort zones, meet people from different cultures and embrace all this community has to offer.”
“Make a commitment to talk (and listen) to your student about their choice of major, career-related issues and other challenges. Talk about the importance of striving for a 3.0 GPA or above, getting involved with student organizations and campus activities. Most importantly, encourage your student to visit the Career Development Center. Our goal is to partner with you and your student to ensure their long-term success.”
"Be patient with homesickness — most students overcome it in two to four weeks. A little extra support can be helpful, giving them enough room to find friends and activities on their own. Avoid overly frequent home visits, but setting one up in mid-October, for example, can give your student something to look forward to. If it does not lift, you might suggest your son or daughter call CAPS. CAPS staff are also available to consult with you.”
“Realize that you’re not alone. There are lots of parents who have discovered this about their children. And it’s really not about you, what you have done or not done. It just is. Take time to listen closely to what your student is saying and to the feelings they are expressing. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, but try to do so without being judgmental. For example, ‘Tell me more about how you know this. What can I do to learn how to support you?’ Lastly, remember that sexual orientation and gender identity is not a choice. It is a discovery.”
Doug Bauder
coordinator of GLBT Student Support Services
coordinator of GLBT Student Support Services
“Tell students to always be prepared. Write down all important serial numbers of valuable items such as iPods, laptops and cell phones. This can come in handy later if anything happens to these items. Parents should encourage students to have all local contact information including the police department’s number, Bloomington or IU, but preferably IU.”
Laury Flint
interim chief of police for IU Police Department
interim chief of police for IU Police Department
“Let your kid be at college. Most parents around my age, we have cell phones and emails and texts and constant communications. (When I was in college), we would call our parents on Sunday nights under penalty of death because of the long-distance phone bill. I get that there’s some comfort by being in frequent communication with kids, but I would encourage parents to give their kids some room. We’re not a suitcase college. Let your kids grow and have some room while they’re in Bloomington.
I encourage parents to encourage their kids to get them out of their comfort zone. Those four years go awful fast, and you’ll wish you did more than you did in Bloomington.”
Fred Glass
director of IU Athletics
director of IU Athletics
“Consider the alternatives to bringing a car to campus. IUB was one of the first 20 universities designated as a Bicycle Friendly University and most students walk to classes. ZipCar is available to rent to students for a minimal fee and they include insurance and gas with rental. ZimRide is a social-network-based safe ride sharing program for students that is great for getting home for a visit. By using these alternatives, students can save hundreds of dollars per month and also get some free exercise. Less cars also means less congestion, pollution and need for parking lots and makes for a more beautiful, walkable campus.”
Bill Brown
director of sustainability
director of sustainability
“Eat on Fourth Street. Eat at all the international restaurants — it’s great food at cheap prices. Step out of your comfort zones, meet people from different cultures and embrace all this community has to offer.”
Eric Love
director of diversity education
director of diversity education
“Make a commitment to talk (and listen) to your student about their choice of major, career-related issues and other challenges. Talk about the importance of striving for a 3.0 GPA or above, getting involved with student organizations and campus activities. Most importantly, encourage your student to visit the Career Development Center. Our goal is to partner with you and your student to ensure their long-term success.”
Jan Nickless
senior associate director
internal relations & human resources
senior associate director
internal relations & human resources
"Be patient with homesickness — most students overcome it in two to four weeks. A little extra support can be helpful, giving them enough room to find friends and activities on their own. Avoid overly frequent home visits, but setting one up in mid-October, for example, can give your student something to look forward to. If it does not lift, you might suggest your son or daughter call CAPS. CAPS staff are also available to consult with you.”
Nancy Stockton
director of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
director of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
