As parents, you know the transition back to school is an important time of year for your student. The first six weeks of the academic year are especially critical to a student’s success, says St. Olaf Associate Dean of Students for Residence Life Pamela McDowell. What are some keys to student success?

1. Establish a routine
   “Students who transition easier have a schedule they follow,” says McDowell. Often the amount of freedom available in college can be overwhelming for students. Students should eat on a regular rotation, go to bed at a similar time, and schedule time for homework and physical exercise.
2. Introduce yourself
   For many students, college will be their first experience in a long time meeting an entirely new group of people and making new friends. While some friendships will happen easily, meeting new people takes time and effort. “You can’t replace a whole social group in a few days,” says McDowell. She also cautions that roommates do not have to be best friends. While a healthy relationship with a roommate is important, there are plenty of places to make friends beyond the dorm room. McDowell suggests students participate in a student organization that appeals to them, try joining Hall Council, or find an Honor House with a service project that interests them. The best place for students to meet people they like is to do things they like.
3. Stay on campus
   It is natural for students to feel homesick, and it may seem like a quick fix for them to go home for a weekend. But the Dean of Students Office recommends students make an effort to stay on campus, at least until Fall Break (October 14-17). It’s easier for your student to establish a routine and meet new people at St. Olaf if they are actually on the Hill.

There will be challenges and hiccups in the transition back to school, whether this is your student’s first year on campus or their last. St. Olaf Associate Dean of First Years and Seniors Tim Schroer knows one of the biggest challenges for parents can be to temper the desire to “fix” things for their student. He suggests that whenever possible, encourage your student to ask for help and use resources on campus. When in doubt, the Dean of Students Office is happy to help students and parents with the transition.