{"id":13074,"date":"2025-07-31T10:55:36","date_gmt":"2025-07-31T15:55:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/?p=13074"},"modified":"2025-07-31T10:55:37","modified_gmt":"2025-07-31T15:55:37","slug":"how-to-support-your-texan-during-their-first-semester-of-college","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/how-to-support-your-texan-during-their-first-semester-of-college\/","title":{"rendered":"How to support your Texan during their first semester of college"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

You\u2019ve helped them apply for scholarships, register for Texan Orientation and move-in to their new home. However, a parent (or guardian\u2019s) job is never truly done! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Now that your Texan is safe and sound at Tarleton State University, there are a few things you can do to ensure that they have a seamless first semester of college. 
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SUPPORTING YOUR NEW TARLETON STATE TEXAN <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Establish open communication <\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Believe it or not, your Texan will miss you just as much as you miss them! They might not show it by calling and texting every second of every day but that doesn\u2019t make it any less true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With that being said, it\u2019s important to give them space to adjust to their new world. It is equally important to answer when they call<\/strong> (because they WILL call). Once the excitement of Transition Week and WOW Week wears off, your student will be eager to share their adventures with you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When they do, ask questions<\/strong>! Find out how they\u2019re adjusting to being away from home and offer any support they may need. However, asking questions also means listening. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Listen without judgment<\/strong> and only offer advice if they ask for it<\/strong>. Keep in mind that they are a mini-adult now. The path they forge for themselves should reflect their own beliefs, values and interests. As their parent\/guardian, it is important that you offer a listening ear and gentle heart. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let them roam and know that they will come back (probably for food and free laundry). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Visit <\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Whether you live 5 miles away or 5,000 miles away, your student will appreciate the times you come visit them on campus. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Pro Tip: Make sure to let your student know you intend on visiting. Although surprise visits can be fun at times, it might feel overwhelming and poorly timed if you choose to surprise them with no prior knowledge of their plans.)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tarleton State offers a number of visiting opportunities for parents\/guardians looking to reconnect with their student while also being engulfed in the university\u2019s rich traditions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Events like Family Weekend and Homecoming Week offer the perfect environment for reconnecting with family and friends! 
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(Pro Tip: The official Tarleton State and Tarleton Student social media accounts will share information and updates about Family Weekend and Homecoming as the dates approach.)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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