It’s almost time – advice for parents
Hello, prospective U. of I. parents! You may be dealing with a flurry of emotions right now – excited for the start of your child’s next chapter, nervous for how they (and you!) will adapt to these new changes and anxious for the Move-In process – but we’re here to remind you that it will all be OK.
The transition to college is a big one, but you aren’t alone, and neither is your student. Just as University Housing will support your student, we’re also ready to support you during every step of the process!
So, before you say goodbye to your future Illini, we’ve put together some tips and reminders to help ease the transition.
Before Move-In:
Packing: Don’t overpack! Stick to the essentials – items needed for bed, toiletries, weather-appropriate clothing, school supplies and perhaps a few storage bins. Avoid bringing large furniture or appliances that may not fit or be allowed.
Before moving in, you may find it helpful to check the furniture included and dimensions of your student’s residence hall room or view these insightful residence hall tours.
We also encourage you to review our “ultimate packing checklist.”
If you need some ideas of lesser-thought-of (but still extremely useful) items to bring, you can check out these additional packing suggestions.
Saying goodbye: Move-In day can be difficult and come with a wide range of feelings. That’s why it may be helpful to talk about it with your child ahead of time and discuss how you’ll say goodbye. Some families prefer a quick hug and go; others want a few minutes to settle in.
No matter what, keep the mood supportive and encouraging – this is all for them, and they’ve got this (you do, too!).
Setting expectations: Setting expectations on topics such as budgeting or how often to call or check in can be an important conversation to have with your student before they leave. Doing so can prevent future misunderstandings and help build a healthy relationship with your child as they start living independently.
Transition Support:
Homesickness: After the initial novelty of college wears off, your student may be feeling a little homesick, which is completely normal. To help alleviate some of these feelings, consider scheduling periodic calls with your child to give them an outlet to express themselves, but also encourage them to get involved in their hall community and attend campus events.
Once they’re able to create their own “home away from home” on campus, the homesickness will greatly diminish.
Roommate conflicts: Roommate conflicts can sometimes happen – it’s part of learning to live with others. If your student experiences a disagreement, encourage them to talk to their roommate first and then reach out to their resident advisor for support, if needed.
RAs are trained Housing staff, who are equipped with the tools to help your Illini navigate the transition to campus and address a wide range of challenges, including potential issues with their roommate. RAs are part of a large network of support and resources here for your student and all residents.
Safety: Rest assured that University Housing prioritizes student safety and well-being. From secure residence halls to multiple dining options (including for dietary needs), students are in good hands. You can learn more about our safety and security measures on our website.
Growing Independence:
Communication: One question you might be thinking of is how often you should call or text. Each student is different and may require varying amounts of support; you might check in daily at first and then switch to weekly check-ins.
What matters most is finding a pattern that supports your student’s independence while still showing you care.
Housing issues: If your student runs into housing issues, encourage them to submit maintenance requests, reach out to hall staff and advocate for themselves on their own. This is a great way for them to gain confidence and learn problem-solving skills.
Final reminder: Lastly, remember that college is a period of immense growth for both students and their parents. It comes with many ups and downs, and you may not always feel like you’re doing the right thing, but your support, love and presence matter more than anything. Trust the process, give yourself (and your child) grace and know that you’re both learning and growing together. You can do this!
