Family Advice
Some of your best resources through this transition are other
Gator families. Learn from some of our veteran parents and family members
as they share important advice from their students’ first year at the
University of Florida. This advice details the adjustment to their students
leaving home for college, how they supported their students in the transition
to the UF and which resources have been helpful in this transition.
“My student had a very successful transition to becoming a Gator. The
resources that the University of Florida provided at Preview and during Parent’s
weekend were especially helpful to me. I also look at the website regularly.
I feel the biggest factor that contributed to my student’s successful
transition was that I recognized that he was an adult who had to make his
own choices and I trusted in the fact that my husband and I raised a child
who believed in our basic values. My son is aware that he can come to us for
advice at any time and for any problem and I have enjoyed the way our relationship
has matured since he has been at UF.”
• Lorie, Jensen Beach, FL
“Listen to your child about how he or she is feeling. When you take
them to college try to let the separation not be too emotional even though
it is difficult. There is a course that UF offers to new students. It’s
only 1 credit hour and it is very helpful and informative about UF and how
to handle being on your own. [First-Year Florida]”
• Donna, Delray Beach, FL
“As painful as it is, remember: your ‘child’ is now 18,
and needs to make decisions on her own. As tempted as I was to fix something
for my daughter, I realized it’s time she learns to do things for herself.
You’ve given your child roots, now give him wings...”
• Dave, Miami, FL
"Make sure you go to Preview and take advantage of everything
offered there. They answered every question we had, and those we didn't, but
should have. We were able to accomplish so much that weekend, and especially
as an out of state student it made our transition so easy. We mail lots of
care packages, and call frequently. Our daughter is having an amazing experience
at UF. Go Gators!"
• Cheryl, Barnegat, NJ
“Listen don’t tell.
Offer support BUT let them think it is their idea.
Encourage them to study and attend class (in case they have forgotten why
they are at UF).
Be forgiving of mistakes and try not to sound shocked.
Make sure they are eating well (bad food will ruin anyone’s day).
Tell them that you love them.
Text messaging is great!”
• Elizabeth, Gainesville, FL, “Parent who is
still in the learning phase!”
“Please make sure that you write a wonderful letter to your son/daughter
about how well they settled down in the new environment as these words of
encouragement would make them try harder to do even better. Please mention
in that letter that you miss him/her so much but understand that he/she is
on an important mission. Most importantly, tell your son/daughter to socialize
and have fun with their friends. But please mention a word of caution that
investment of time in academic performance makes that happiness continue for
a prolonged period of time.”
• Sridharan, Tampa, FL
“UF has been a great experience for my daughter and myself, so far.
I believe that our having utilized all the resources offered by the college
for orientation and student involvement has helped to make this as stress
free as possible for both of us. Having no previous experience with American
college life the preview was invaluable (even having already had 2 tours)
and we have always found answers we needed to our many questions.”
• Deborah, Dunedin, FL
“Cell phone calls are acceptable in most cases as long as they are not
intrusive (mealtime, social time or class time), they really do want to know
what’s going on ‘back home’. Be supportive and let them
know you miss them, but don’t go overboard.”
• Laura, Jacksonville, FL
“My daughter has had a great experience in her first year at UF. Best
thing parents can do is be supportive, when your chills calls LISTEN, let
them air their topics, and just listen. I also send frequent goodie bags to
help with the adjustment from home, to aid in the homesick feeling. She always
gets excited to receive mail or packages to brighten her day from the home
front.”
• Edna, West Palm Beach, FL
“Listen to the presentations during new student Preview program. They
are right on the mark.”
• John, Tavernier, FL