Helpful Hints for Parents of First-Year Students

1. Suggest exploration of opportunities for involvement in student organizations
2. Encourage your student to visit the Multicultural Center and International Student Affairs (MCISA) to meet people of different backgrounds, nationalities, or cultures.
3. Put funds on Bonus Bucks (if commuter) to save money while eating on campus. In addition to a 5% to 15% bonus, you save on sales tax. Students can sign up in the dining office in Marletto’s Marketplace.
4. If your student does not have a car, he/she can learn about how to use the MetroBus and MetroLink system: www.metrostlouis.org
5. If your student is living on campus, encourage him/her to get involved in Residence Hall Association (RHA).
6. Reassure your son or daughter that what they learn in the classroom may not always seem to immediately apply to his day to day life and that, if he is not directly interested in the course he should still try to get the most out of the class.
7. If your child is undecided about major, reassure him that it is okay and that he/she does not have to decide a major in the first semester; he/she should spend this time getting acclimated to college.
8. Empower your student to be his/her own advocate.
9. Encourage your student to locate a job if he/she has a financial aid work study award to earn, or is seeking an on-campus position through budget student employment. Available positions are posted to www.webster.edu/homecampus/homes/studentEmployment.html. If your student has had difficulty finding an on-campus job, please suggest that he/she visit Career Services for an appointment with an advisor to discuss job search strategies and potential work sites.
10. The MCISA has many discussion groups that support the needs of the underrepresented minorities within the Webster community. Students can attend one of those meeting to meet other students that may have the some issues and concerns that they may have. These groups include: Black Men’s Society, Sister Circle, International Discussion Group, and a Women’s Group.
11. Encourage your student to build a time management schedule and stick to it. A good resource for time management is available through Webster’s Academic Resource Center.
12. Encourage your student to get out and enjoy events at local cultural institutions: Art Museum, Zoo, City Museum, Botanical Gardens
13. If your student is interested in recreational activities, have them contact the Campus Activities office.
14. If your student is living in the Webster Village Apartments, remind him/her to pay the electric bill.
15. If your student is having difficulty in class, encourage him to go to the Academic Resource Center and learn about their many services.

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