A Brief Look at What You Need to Know When Your Student Has Been Admitted to UIUC
First, I want to congratulate you on being a newly accepted UIUC mom, dad, or support person in your student's life. Being admitted to UIUC is no easy task and you have shown your student how to be dedicated and persistent in their education. Congratulations!
6 Tips for Parents of Newly Admitted Students
These easy tips will help you be sure that you don't miss anything and that your student's transition to college goes as smooth as possible.
Tip # 1 -- Know the Important Dates
One of the biggest challenges for newly accepted students and their parents is knowing all of the dates that are important. The University of Illinois Parent and Family Programs Office (PFPO) is your first stop for great resources, dates, events and information. Get connected and sign up for the E-Update here. The university also keeps a great updated calendar of important academic dates.
Tip #2 -- Help Your Student Stay on Top of Important Emails
College is vastly different than high school in that your child is now an adult. In most cases, you will not be able to take care of issues that arise for your child. This means that you will want to help your child learn to stay on top of their important emails. Teach them to check their UIUC email regularly for important information.
This can be a struggle for some parents who are used to helping their children as you have to learn to let go. It can also be difficult for some students who are used to having their parents help with these types of things. Working with your student while they are still home to help them get in the practice of regularly checking their email is going to set them up for success when they arrive on campus this fall.
Tip #3 -- Book Hotels Early for Big Days on Campus
There are a few things to keep in mind with these dates though. You'll notice that there is a range of dates for move in and move out. This is because there is no single date for this. For move in, your student will be assigned a move-in date and time their first year on campus. When it comes to moving out, commencement is the Saturday after the last final. Students are able to move out after their last final, and with graduation taking place so close to these dates, it is much easier to pack up your student and get out when there are not a lot of extra people on campus to celebrate with their students.
August 13-20, 2023 - Move In
October 21, 2023 - Homecoming
November 10-12, 2023 - Dads Weekend
April 12-14, 2024 - Moms Weekend
May 3-10, 2024 - Move Out
May 11, 2024 - Commencement
Tip #4 -- Start Shopping Early for the Things Your Student Will Need
Dorm life is vastly different than home life. Keep posted to our blog for a detailed list of the things that your student needs for college as we are working on a detailed list of the things that our students have actually used while on campus.
Start thinking early about the things that your student regularly uses in your home and how they will organize their space. This will give you a great place to at least start looking for items and determining what your student is actually going to need.
Tip #5 -- Start Teaching Your Child Life Skills They Might Not Know
When your student goes away to school, they are on their own. This can mean that they might be doing laundry for the first time or learning how to cook (if they are in an apartment). Make sure that you spend some time working with your student on these skills.
It is also important to teach your student how to budget. Talk to them about the difference between needs and wants and discuss how much money they will have available. Then teach them to look at the breakdown for this. You will be able to offer them a life skill that will carry over long after college and will help to ensure that they do not run out of money too soon.
Tip #6 -- Connect with Other UIUC Parents
If you are the type of parent who was a member of the PTO and loved volunteering with your student, that doesn't have to change. The Dads Association at the University of Illinois and the Moms Association at the University of Illinois are always looking to find the best new members and are also always looking for volunteers. Sign up for both of their newsletters to stay on top of exciting events and happenings on campus that offer opportunities for you to be with your student and share in their college education.
We are so glad that you are here and so excited to get to know you. Be proud of your student and stay patient as this time can be challenging and overwhelming for students who are completely new to the college experience.