How do you adjust/recover from your Horned Frog’s return to campus?
“Each return to campus is a little emotional. I miss my daughter immediately, but I also feel proud as I watch her step back into her independence. I stay connected with her through quick check-ins and remind myself that this is exactly what we’ve been preparing her for. I also stay busy and trust the process, and that makes the transition easier. It also helps that she is always looking forward to going back to TCU because she loves the school and loves her life there.” – Angela G.
“As our student returns to her routine, we do likewise. We reach out a little more to stay in touch to start the semester, then as needed thereafter.” – Jeanine P.
General tips:
- Communicate frequently to check-in on their adjustment.
- Ease your mind by adjusting your routines at home.
- Plan and discuss your next in-person visit whether it’s in the coming weeks or on move-out day!
What has helped your Horned Frog readjust to being on-campus?
“For my daughter, returning to school and getting into a consistent routine as soon as possible helps her adjust. She tries to stay organized with a planner, joins study groups, reconnects with friends, connects with her professors as soon as possible, and makes it a habit to take advantage of office hours. She is a junior now, but she learned in her freshman year to take advantage of TCU’s incredible campus resources. If she has a problem with ANYTHING, there is someone at TCU to help. You can ask any professor or administrator; they are supportive and happy to help or point you in the right direction.” – Angela G.
General tips:
- Recommend that they review their syllabus! Some dates and deadlines may have shifted because of the winter storm.
- Connect them to the Student Success Center if you’re concerned about academic needs.
- Organizing early is going to be key in preparing for the semester!
Are there any important conversations that you recommend having? (Spring Break plans, move-out, Summer Plans, Fall Housing, etc.)
“Start thinking about where the summer months will be spent. Is the student traveling home? Or getting a job in Fort Worth? If they are moving back home, and moving out of their dorm, a storage unit really comes in handy. Start looking at locations and deciding when to lease one. I don’t know that off campus housing needs to be as rushed as my kids made it feel. There seems to be housing available year-round.” – Jennifer and Trey K.
“I think the most important conversations are those that help reduce stress by encouraging them in their ability. Remind them of their successes, strengths and abilities. As you build them up, they will be able to handle all the upcoming tasks. Plan to be safe in all activities, plan to be successful in classes then plan for future activities as they get comfortable with their “new” schedule.” – Nick P.
General Tips
- Inquire about storage, move-out, shipping, and other logistics NOW.
- Make sure you know how they intend to spend their Summer. Are they coming home, staying on campus, studying abroad?
- Think about their future living situation. Our current first-year students will live on campus their second year as well. Our current sophomores and juniors may have secured housing off campus. Our on campus housing process will open soon for any student interested in remaining on campus.
Family Council consists of around 40 families who serve as ambassadors to TCU, advocate for the needs of TCU family members, and support the work of New Student & Family Programs.