Many parents naturally wonder how their student will adjust to life away from home. My husband, Bob, and I already had several opportunities to observe such adjustments at other colleges with our older daughter, both as a freshman and a transfer student. In addition, Bob is a college professor so we are very familiar with that institution’s orientation and freshman seminar programs. The combination of the Philadelphia University START programs, the optional family orientation and the First Year Experience (FYE) are as comprehensive of any that we have seen. They provide thoughtfully planned opportunities for students to ease into college life and for parents to understand and play a supportive role in that process.
The student and family START programs are offered during the summer. Incoming students meet faculty and staff, find out about PhilaU services and have a chance to explore Philadelphia with returning student leaders. Although Bob and I didn’t attend the family START program, I recommend that you consider attending if you have concerns about academic and social transitional issues. You’ll also receive tips that will help you to provide parental encouragement and stay connected with your student once they’re on campus.
There is a START program for transfer students too, and, having been the parent of a transfer student (at a different college), I strongly recommend that your student not only attend, but participate fully in the activities offered. Being a new, but “experienced” student on an unfamiliar campus is a unique position. Since social bonds have already been formed between returning students of the same age, it is important for your transfer student to meet others who are in the same shoes. The START program allows your student and other transfers to explore the campus and the city together as they get to know others students in their class.
My daughter, Ronnie, thoroughly enjoyed “Finding Philadelphia” during the First Year Experience program which spans both semesters. She and her classmates were exposed to Philly culture and history and went on many excursions to learn what the city had to offer. She especially enjoyed the trolley tour of Philly and the opportunity to buy discount tickets to Rent and Avenue Q.
If you want to get your own take on Philadelphia, look over the daily newspapers: The Philadelphia Inquirer and The Daily News.
Best of all, for a ”front-steps perspective on every aspect of city life, from the sublime to the stupid,” I recommend So, What Happened Was... , a blog by Daily News writer and life-long Philadelphia area resident, Ronnie Polaneczky. She has a perspective on Philly life that will enlighten and entertain you. By the way, I have known Ronnie since first grade and, yes, her name was the inspiration for our own Ronnie/Veronica.
Is there anything you love about Philadelphia that you’d like to share with out-of-town parents to ease their students’ transition? Let me know and I’ll help you get the word out.
