Students are all individuals and respond in their own ways to events during their first year. However, parents may anticipate several stress points when many first year students need extra support and encouragement:

Leaving Home
Students often experience anxiety over fitting in, getting along with roommate, achieving academically.

Three to four weeks into the semester
The roommate "honeymoon" period ends; homesickness often begins; and "syllabus shock" ensues as students receive study assignments.

September
New students are allowed on Patterson Court for the first time as fraternity "rush" and self-selection begin.

Midterm examination and papers
Grades are often mediocre or poor for the first time in the student's life.

Second Guessing/Self Doubt
Students may regret their choice and talk of transferring to another college they considered or one attended by other friends.

Thanksgiving vacation
Students may wonder, "Have old friends changed?" As newly independent young adults, some may struggle to relate to parents.

End of the semester
Papers and final assignments due. Exams.

Winter Blues
Students often consider transferring or taking a leave from school.

Room Lottery
Students must negotiate room and roommate choices for the coming year. Typically, some sophomores are waitlisted for residence hall space.

Summer Planning
Will the student have a job? Will the student live at home or elsewhere?

Throughout the year, a parent can help make the college experience a positive one. The more aware and informed you remain of your son or daughter's college experience, the more effectively you will be able to listen, encourage, or advise as needed. College can be an educational exploration for parents as well as students; asking questions and discussing issues can be mutually beneficial.

As parents balance words of challenge with those that convey perspective, faith, and unconditional love, they can help a son or daughter assess new ideas critically, face decisions with confidence, and make the most of their time at Davidson. Sometimes a humorous card, a gift package, or just a simple note from home in the student's mailbox can make first-year stress more manageable.