How was your first semester in college?

Question

My daughter's first semester wasn't so good. She is not going back to college the second semester. Have you given up on college and gone back later?

Answer 1

My first semester at a state school was awful, despite being on high honors during high school. I stayed in school, though, struggled for 2 years, and finally turned it around and graduated.

Sometimes, it takes a while to adjust to college life, while balancing studies on top of it. I would suggest your daughter take some general education courses at a local community college that will transfer back into a 4-year degree. She might just need a little more time to adjust to being older and having to take responsiblity for herself which is completely normal. But, the longer she is away from studies, the less likely she will return.

Have her talk to a local community college and see if there are any collaborations between their programs with a 4-year institutions -- most schools do that - they'll make sure 2 years of comm. college coursework transfer into a local 4-year institution (almost like a feeder-group into the 4-year program).

Don't give up on her quite yet - -- without pushing her, try to see if she can at least meet with a counselor to discuss options.

Answer 2

When a child enters into college, the experience can be both rewarding and challenging - for students and parents. While managing the fears and expectations of new college students, parents have the additional task of acknowledging and coping with their own myriad of emotions. Within the first semester of college, parents may feel proud of their child’s accomplishments and experience the joy of new found freedom. Parents may also feel sad about their child’s departure, anxious about their child’s performance and concerned about their child’s adjustment. All of these feelings are normal and it is often good to share them with other family and friends.

In addition to opening up to others about your feelings, here are some suggestions for managing your student’s first semester at college:

Keep the lines of communication open. Establishing a regular routine like Saturday morning phone calls or e-mail updates every Sunday can help new college students feel connected. Get your child’s input on how to create this routine. Knowing when you are going to talk to your child also helps to decrease your anxiety.

Recognize that you still have an important role. You don't have to stop being a parent to your child, you just have to parent from a distance and in a different way. You are a tremendous resource for your child. You have the life experience and knowledge to help them with big life decisions involving career, choosing a mate, etc. Never underestimate your importance in your child’s life.

Pat yourself on the back. Remember that your student is not moving away from you – they are just moving into the next phase of life. That is something you should be very proud of because you helped to make that possible. Give yourself some credit for all that YOU have achieved!

Take some time for yourself. Remember all those things you said you would like to do, but didn’t have the time? Join a group, take a class, learn to make pottery—something you’ve always wanted to do, but couldn’t fit into your schedule.
A family’s transition during the time of an adult child leaving home is, in fact, a transition—not an ending. Interacting with your child as an adult may be challenging, but the rewards can last a lifetime.

Answer 3

The first semester is always a little scary. You have to find your way around the university, learn the system, balance your time wisely, and try not to lose it and freak out. My most difficult semester or quarter was when I started interning...I thought I was going to break. I was completing full-time classes, a part-time internship, and a part-time job. I called my mom during the first week and had a melt down. After that I was able to pick myself up, dry my tears, and keep going. That was 6 years ago when I earned my associate degree! Now I am earning my BS in special education this Saturday. Let her get the fear of overwhelming madness out of her system. Be there and listen. Then support her decision no matter what. My mother never pressured me. She was a positive ray of love and support. Good Luck!

Answer 4

I only have one final left and then my first semester of college is over. I thought it was pretty easy. I'll more than likely finish with two A's and two B's. I enjoy college more than I did high school. It's fun and you have so much more freedom. In college I can wear my shirttail out, wear a cap or sunglasses if I want. Its great! Why was your daughter's first semester not so good?

Answer 5

Actually, yes I have. My first quarter in college was at the University of California, Riverside. There were many reasons why I decided to take a break. However, no matter what those reason were, after FOUR years of doing NOTHING (working for crappy jobs counts as nothing)! I finally opened my eyes and told myself that no matter what my issues were, it is better to face them than to go on doing what I was doing out of school. However, it was a personal learning experience, and your daughter must find her own way and strength.

Answer 6

My first semester was horrible. It was so bad that I was put on probation. I was very inmature and I was undecided for my major. I was then forced by my parents to pay for my own education and I reduced my classes to one. I don't think I would've gone back to school if I would've dropped. I changed once I decided on my major. I believe that was a big factor. I have been geting good grades and maybe that is what your daughter needs. Has she chosen a major yet? Is she planning on going back to school?

Answer 7

I dropped out during my first semester of college. I wasn't ready for it. Then I spent 2 years doing low-paying work before I decided to go back....I was ready for it then.

Answer 8

College isn't for everyone, especially university-level college. It's never too late to go back to school - more and more people are doing it these days. Maybe get her in at a CC.

Answer 9

my first year was the best ever in terms of grades and not being stressed out. Now I hate doing the work, but I'm still in love with the fact of being in college, my grades have taken a toll though...

Answer 10

It was awful. I had the room-mate from hell who brought guys over and slept with them regardless if I was in the room or not. I suggest you do a thorough research on your room-mate before you move in or if you plan on dorming. I wish I had! Eventually, my family and I got the college involved and filed a claim so I that I could move out.