Whether you’re supporting your first Utah State student or have guided many through their journey, the college experience can feel overwhelming. Here are some key tips to keep in mind, no matter where your student is in their college experience.
Incoming and First Year Students
Registering for classes for the first time can feel intimidating. They may have test scores or previously earned credits that they need to transfer to USU. In order to help your student register on time, we encourage them to view their suggested four-year degree plan to create a tentative schedule, meet with an academic advisor, and and fill out the prerequisite override form if they are currently college credits.
First Semester Registration GuideThis two-credit academic course is an excellent way for students to adjust to college life and develop lifelong learning skills. During this class, your student will receive a faculty and peer mentor to help with the adjustment. It also provides a great opportunity to meet peers and become familiar with the campus.
Connections InfoAs your student begins their college experience – attending events, classes, and community activities – they may forget to call or keep in touch. This doesn't mean they've forgotten about you or are in trouble! Before they leave home, take some time to discuss how often you'd like them to reach out and how often they'd like to call home. Setting these expectations together fosters communication while respecting their boundaries as they start this new chapter of their lives.
- Are you helping with tuition, or will they be responsible for paying it?
- Who will cover rent or car insurance?
- What about the phone bill?
- What is their weekly budget, and how will they stick to it?
These are important conversations to have before your student leaves home. If your student feels nervous about affording college, the Student Money Management Center can help them create a budget and plan for the year.
We encourage students to stay on campus and avoid visiting home during the first several weeks of college. Although they will likely miss you and their hometown, the first few weeks of college are packed with events and opportunities to meet new people. Staying on campus helps them build closer relationships with roommates and neighbors. If they return home too soon, they may miss valuable opportunities to form friendships and establish important connections early in their college experience.
Students often explore different academic paths, with the average college student changing their major three times. Your student may switch majors more or fewer times, but it's natural for their career aspirations to evolve. While your guidance can be valuable, allowing them the space to make their own choices is essential for their growth. If your student is unsure about their career direction, they can set up an appointment with Exploratory Advising for personalized support in finding the right path.
Encourage them to take advantage of the many resources available at the university to support their well-being and success. If your student plans to work during college, we recommend they limit their work hours to 15-20 hours per week to maintain a healthy balance.
Instead of solving their problems for them, empower your student to advocate for themselves in all situations. Before they leave home, ensure they know important information like their insurance details and medication needs. They may need guidance on crafting an email to a professor or navigating a conversation with a roommate – but with your support, they can handle it!
Many students wait until they need help before accessing academic resources. Encourage your student to use all resources, like the writing centers or Aggie Math Learning Center, even if they did will in those subjects during high school. These resources can help students improve their skills and stay on top of their new workload.
The Career Design Center at USU offers expert guidance to help students design a life they will love. In USU 1400, your student will asses their interests, values, skills, and temperaments and apply them to major and career options.
Key Info
- We recommend students take an average of 15 credits a semester to graduate in four years.
- We encourage students to stay on campus and avoid visiting home for the first few weeks.
- We recommend they limit their work hours to 15-20 hours per week to maintain a healthy balance.
Second Year Students
Second-year students often experience what is called the "Sophomore Slump" - a period of uncertainty and adjustment. They may feel unsure about their major, struggle with more challenging coursework, or find their social circles shifting. Most of all, the initial excitement of college may start to fade. This is a normal part of the college journey, but your student may need extra support. Encourage them to explore resources like the Counseling and Prevention Services (CAPS) for mental health support, the office of Academic Belonging & Learning Excellence (ABLE) for academic guidance, and Campus Recreation to stay active and engaged. These services can help your student navigate their transition with renewed confidence and motivation.
By their second year, your student may be nearing the completion of their general education credits and will need to start focusing on major-specific courses. If they're still unsure about which direction to take, encourage them to meet with the Career Design Center or complete a Focus2 Assessment to explore their options.
Getting to know their professors can open up a range of opportunities, including undergraduate research, study abroad programs, and job networking. Students can begin fostering these connections by attending class office hours.
The USU Study Abroad Office offers a variety of opportunities for students to gain international and global exposure. They work with existing scholarships and financial aid to make these experiences affordable. Whether your student is interested in studying at an English-speaking university abroad or immersing themselves in a language program, the office can help. Study abroad fairs are held each semester, and students are also welcome to drop by the Study Abroad Office for a one-on-one appointment.
After their first year, it's easy for students to forget all the resources USU offers. Remind them to continue taking advantage of these services to support their ongoing success.
Find Academic ResourcesThe Career Design Center at USU offers expert guidance to help students build confidence in their ability to identify and participate in experiential opportunities. In USU 2400, your student will learn techniques and tools necessary to gain experiential opportunities relevant to their career goals
Third Year Students
Junior year is an ideal time for your student to engage in activities that will enhance their college experience. USU offers an undergraduate research program, allowing students to work hands-on with professors in various fields. The Career Design Center can also assist your student in applying for internship opportunities, helping them build a strong network and gain valuable job experience.
As your student starts thinking about life after college, participating in activities that strengthen their resume will be valuable to future employers. Opportunities might include internships, undergraduate research, or taking on a leadership role in a club or organization.
By their third year, it may seem like your student has a handle on college life. However, this is often when they face more challenging, major-specific courses. They may also be more involved on campus or settled into a close friend group, making it harder to balance academics, social life, and self-care. Encourage them to prioritize their well-being and remind them that CAPS (Counseling and Prevention Services) and other campus resources are available if they need support.
By now, your student is familiar with the registration system and their program requirements. It may be tempting to skip advisor meetings, but with graduation approaching, it's crucial that they continue meeting with their advisor to ensure they are on track to graduate.
Fourth Year Students
Finding a job after graduation can feel stressful and intimidating. While you can't secure a position for your student, you can support them through the transition into post-graduate life. Remind them that career paths are rarely linear – the average person changes careers three times – so their first job after graduation is just one step in their professional journey, not their final destination.
The Career Design Center at USU offers expert guidance to help students prepare for life after graduation. In USU 3400, your student will learn essential skills such as job searching, interviewing, and resume building, setting them up for career success.
Will your student be moving home, heading across the country, or starting a new adventure elsewhere? Creating a safe and open space for this conversation is important. If they plan to move back home, be sure to discuss:
- Boundaries (personal space, privacy, and routines)
- Financial expectations (such as rent or shared expenses)
- Household contributions (chores or helping out with family responsibilities)
Having this conversation early helps set clear expectations and ensures a smooth transition for everyone.
Your student has worked hard to reach this milestone, so take time to celebrate both big and small achievements along the way. As their college journey comes to a close, make plans to attend commencement and celebrate this important chapter in their life together.