BREATHE!

Your college kid will be fine! And here’s why:

As a parent, you are always warned about the terrible twos and those emotional teenage years. But what you aren’t always enlightened on is sending your baby off to college. There are so many unknowns!

Are they going to eat their fruits and vegetables?

Will they know how to work the washing machines?

Can they survive off of the dining hall food?

Questions like these and so many more are common for a nervous parent. But fear not! The University of Northwestern – St. Paul is prepared for all of your parental jitters. So, sit down, breathe into a paper bag if you have to, and read.

Will my kid make friends?

Making friends can be tough at any stage of life, even more so at college when you are in a completely new environment. Understanding the importance of community, UNW has numerous opportunities to meet new people! Student Organizations and Clubs are all over campus, planning events and fun activities to meet new people on campus, especially at the beginning of the year. Our biggest event planning group on campus is CORE, whose motto is ‘centered in community’. They have a hand in new student orientation and plan some of the biggest events of the year. If large events aren’t your kid’s thing, the Resident Assistants plan events throughout the year for just the people in their hall, making them perfect for a more introverted student. There are opportunities al over campus to meet people and gain those lifelong friendships and community.

Will there be lots of parties and alcohol?

It is often thought that a great college experience must include some crazy parties with all the cheap alcohol that broke young adults can afford. A group of intoxicated 18–22-year old’s is a potential recipe for disaster.  Luckily, UNW is a dry campus, meaning there is no alcohol allowed on the grounds. We also have the Declaration of Christian Community that every student signs upon admittance to the university. These are the guidelines that help to uphold the Christian Community values we have on campus. According to this, students are not allowed to drink while attending the university. While some students might be frustrated about missing out on this supposedly integral part of college, it makes campus much safer and helps students stay accountable throughout their experience.

Is campus safe?

A question commonly asked on every college tour, no matter the college, is ‘how safe is campus?’ UNW causes people to pause, considering its proximity to the Twin Cities. Luckily, we are far enough removed from the cities that there is very rarely any crime near campus. In the last two years, there is only one issue that comes to mind and it didn’t come within a mile of campus. An added bonus to our location is that we are surrounded by a lake on three sides of campus, creating an extra barrier between us and the outside world. Additionally, we have full time public safety officers on campus, who are there for anything from crime to squirrel attacks.

Can they afford it?

It’s no secret: college is expensive. About 70% of students have to work throughout their years of college. Finding a job that is flexible with a college schedule can be very difficult, adding on to the stress that is already present. Since UNW is so close to a mall, multiple grocery stores and many other employment opportunities, there are options! If your student doesn’t have a car for an off-campus job, there are tons of on-campus opportunities. Options range from major specific jobs to positions that anyone can work with no experience required.

You’ve trained them for this!

Most of all, know that your child is an adult now and can take care of themselves. You’ve trained them for this! The last 18 years of their lives were spent under your roof with you teaching them everything they need to know. And if they do need a little extra help, there are resources in place to help them through it. But most importantly, they know that you’re only a phone call away.