Socialization, or being engaged outside of class, is such an important part of the formula for academic success and helping your student transition to life at the university. It is without question that social interactions are vital to the emotional health and well-being of all of us, students and parents alike. As you might witness, students of today have often spent a great deal of time isolated from interacting with others in a non-virtual way. The Office of Academic Success and Intercultural Services (OASIS) staff can assist your student with the transition to campus, including meeting new people and identifying campus resources.
College is an important time in a young person’s life to meet new people and engage in ways that are significant to their overall collegiate experience. This being said, it is also vital to encourage students to bridge out of their comfort level and expand their networking groups to encompass a different and broader range of what they have always known.
OASIS provides a plethora of opportunities to take advantage of finding out who you are as a student, while also continuously learning about the world around you. Here are some tips to share with your student to promote growth in connecting with others while on campus:
1) Take part in Big Red Welcome events. The newness and fresh start to the year is a great opportunity to know everyone has anxiety and excitement just the same.
2) Encourage asking questions! Even if this is to a fellow classmate or administrators, there is value in making connections with others just by opening up dialogue.
3) Study with someone. Encourage students not to do homework only in their room. There are community lounges, and Study Stops throughout campus that open the door to meeting others and connecting to FREE campus resources.
4) Be comfortable with being uncomfortable. OASIS offers several FREE diversity enhancement and social events throughout the year. Don’t let fear or being uncomfortable discourage trying or attending something different or new. The university is a community of constant learning. It would be a disservice to the college experience to never confront and challenge previous experiences or invite new perspectives.
Those of us working with college students know the more connected students feel to campus, the more likely they are to stay and complete their degree. OASIS offers a variety of resources and opportunities for supporting student success. Encourage your student to stop by and meet with an OASIS staff member to learn how we can support their success at UNL!