Transition
Navigating The Journey
The transition to college is a significant and exciting milestone for both students and their families. At USF, students begin to build independence, take on new responsibilities, and discover their place within the university community.
Supporting Your Student's Transition
As a family member, your role also evolves—from managing day-to-day decisions to serving as a supporter, guide, and encourager. As your student gains independence, your support will continue to play a crucial role in their success.
A key part of this transition is for you to encourage your student to make their own decisions and take ownership of their experience, which helps build up their confidence and resilience.
Another important way to support your student through this time in their life is to maintain open and supportive communication with them. Regular check-ins about academics, well-being, and overall adjustment can help you stay connected while also giving your student space to grow.
As your student explores campus life, encouraging involvement in campus activities, organizations, and events can help them find their community and feel a sense of belonging.
Lastly, it's important to remember that when challenges arise—as they naturally will— supporting your student in connecting with campus resources empowers them to seek help, develop problem-solving skills, and navigate obstacles independently.
Staying Connected to USF
Keeping up to date with university news and resources can help you better understand your student's experience and the support available to them. Parent & Family Engagement is here to help you stay connected, so you can confidently support your student throughout their time at USF. Through our office, you can:
Explore Transition Resources
We’ve created a variety of tools to help you and your student navigate each stage of the college experience. Whether your student is preparing to begin their first year or continuing their journey at USF, explore the resources below to learn what to expect and how to support them every step of the way.