As students prepare to arrive on campus, it can be reassuring to know when they will see you next. If possible, the occasional visit can provide comfort for your student and preclude any feeling of homesickness. The fall semester is filled with several breaks and holidays. While it is not required, many students use this time to connect with family by making a trip home, sharing their life on campus with loved ones, or meeting at a location in the middle. Plan ahead for visits if possible!
Over the summer, discuss whether or not your student will be coming home for any breaks during the semester. These dates can be found on the Academic Calendar. Outside of these scheduled breaks, it can be difficult to plan visits ahead of time, especially if it requires a long drive or plane flight. At this point in the summer, your student cannot anticipate the dates for their exams or major events for a student organization they want to join. If you are planning to visit your student on campus, consider attending Parent and Family Weekend in October.
There are plenty of students who do not travel home during the semester. Students utilize technology to stay connected when visits are not possible. With FaceTime and Zoom, you can plan virtual calls, dinners or movie nights.
“Over the summer, make sure your students know that you're going to miss them. When you drop them off, have set plans for the next time you'll see each other. Are they coming home for fall break? Are you picking them up at Thanksgiving? That sort of thinking helps students feel secure.” —Andi, Class of 2025