SEPTEMBER 2021 • LONGISLANDPRESS.COM 81
EDUCATION
DORM LIFE
PLANNING FOR COLLEGE
Much has been made of the challenges
that have faced students and their families
during the Covid-19 pandemic. The
shift to remote learning and shortened
school days was difficult for many families,
forcing students to adapt to virtual
school on the fly as their parents adjusted
to working from home full time while
doing their best to keep kids engaged in
their studies and occupied when school
let out each day. Given those challenges,
it’s no wonder so many families are
looking forward to what figures to be
a more normal school year in 2021-22.
But that return will pose its own unique
challenges as well.
Some students may be a little anxious as
they prepare to return to campus this
fall. That transition could be especially
difficult for incoming college freshmen,
who must overcome any pandemic-related
concerns about returning to campus
while also making the transition
to life on a college campus. Here are
some ways to make that transition go
smoothly.
ENGAGE IN THE COMMUNITY
The Health, Counseling and Disability
Access Services at the University of
Missouri-St. Louis urges students to
take advantage of opportunities to engage
in their new communities as early
as possible. The HCDAS notes that firstyear
experiences are designed to help
students connect with their new life
on campus and make new friends. All
incoming freshmen are facing the same
set of unique circumstances as the 2021-
22 school year begins. That includes the
adjustment from remote learning with
limited social contact with peers to a
return to more traditional academic and
social settings. Navigating that transition
alongside other incoming freshmen
can make it a little easier to handle.
PLAN AHEAD
Parents and their college-bound children
can prepare for the coming school
year by learning about on-campus
policies over the summer. Will masks
be mandated? Will classrooms remain
socially distanced? Are vaccinations
required to attend class in person? The
sooner families learn these policies, the
sooner they can begin planning for life
on campus. Parents also can look into
on-campus resources designed to help
students readjust to being back among
their peers. Knowing where to go for
help should students need it can ensure
that any issues that arise are addressed
promptly.
SHARE CONCERNS
Opening up about any concerns they
may have can help students as they
emerge from the pandemic. Many parents
were concerned about returning
to the office in person, and they can
share those concerns and the ultimate
outcomes of their returns with students
concerned about moving onto a college
campus. Parents are urged to periodically
check in with college students
about any anxieties they may have
about being on campus.
Returning to full-time, in-person
learning after the pandemic may be
especially challenging for incoming
college freshmen. Such students can
work with their parents to conquer
their fears and prepare for the coming
school year.
-Metro Creative Connection
Returning to campus can be stressful.
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