The comfort and solace of a room can be a good thing for studying, he said, but the most successful students are those who are not afraid to venture out and meet people. He also urges freshmen who will live on campus to sit down with their parents before arriving to discuss visiting expectations. To avoid possible conflicts down the road, Searcy said, families should decide how often they plan to visit each other and then commit to those decisions. Because the first few weeks are so critical, he recommends all freshmen stay at college for at least six weeks before going home. It's not good to go home every time you get a little homesick.
Money is also an issue to be discussed.
Freshmen who will move to a new town may need to open a bank account or find a job. Others may need to work out a plan with parents as to when and how money will be sent from home. Ms. Sloan said freshmen should also remember to bring certain items with them as they move to campus. Living on campus can also be an easy way to put on weight. As they plan their schedules, freshmen should think about whether they want to incorporate a fitness routine into their days.