Information for parents and supporters of students

Your student is embarking on an exciting new chapter of their life, and so are you! This guide is designed to help you navigate this transition together, highlighting key campus supports that promote a successful journey of learning, wellness and self-discovery.

The University of Alberta welcomes you! As a Top 5 Canadian university and one of the Top 150 in the world, our success is built on the strength of our students and the communities that support them. Your shared journey starts here.

Expectations and transitions

Community and change

It is completely normal to feel a mix of excitement, enthusiasm and anxiety right now. Your student is likely feeling the exact same things. However, while you are navigating these emotions as a mature adult, they are experiencing them as a maturing adult. There will be many life lessons ahead as they find their footing in post-secondary life.

Moving into a university environment means adapting to a brand-new community. This transition takes time, and every student processes it at their own pace. Outgoing students might build a social network quickly, while more reserved students may take a bit longer to find their core group of friends. Be patient and supportive as these unique social situations unfold.

Embracing change

During the first year, it is incredibly common for students to rethink long-held career goals, change their major or switch programs entirely. If your student decides to pivot, please know this is not a sign of struggle or "giving up." Rather, it means they are actively discovering who they are and aligning their choices with their long-term future.

Adapting to university life

The post-secondary academic environment is a major shift from high school. Your student is now part of a much larger campus population, which brings new academic demands and a greater need for independence.

• Self-management: The routine reminders for assignment due dates that they relied on in high school will no longer happen. The course syllabus is now their ultimate roadmap for tracking deadlines and planning their weeks.
• The grade adjustment: Because the academic rigour is significantly higher, it is very common for first-year grades to be lower than what your student was accustomed to achieving in high school. Adjusting to university-level grading typically takes at least one full semester.

Managing the urge to intervene

When you see your student experiencing academic, social or emotional difficulties, your natural instinct will be to step in and fix it. While parental encouragement is a wonderful confidence booster, over-involvement can inadvertently signal to your student that you don’t think they can handle things on their own.

Express your support, listen deeply, but give them the time and space to problem-solve. Offering a supportive home base while trusting them to make their own choices builds resilience and strengthens your bond.

A note on student privacy: While family support is vital, university staff and academic advisors are legally bound to protect student confidentiality to promote independence. The University of Alberta strictly adheres to the principles of access to information and privacy outlined in Alberta’s Access to Information Act (ATIA) and Protection of Privacy Act (POPA). Advisors cannot share your student's academic or personal details with you directly, so we encourage you to use this guide to discuss options with your student so they can reach out when they are ready.

Creating a supportive environment

Whether your student is continuing to live under your roof or moving away for the first time, your role as their supportive home base is vital—it just takes on a different shape depending on where they sleep at night.

Option A: If your student is living at home

If your student is commuting, their daily routines and habits will shift significantly as they try to balance family life with university demands.

• The 3-for-1 study rule: For every single hour spent in a lecture, your student should expect to dedicate roughly 3 hours to independent study, reading and assignments outside of class.
• Shifting house rules: You may notice challenges to established household expectations, such as curfews or chores. Time management looks different in university, and routines will require some flexibility and mutual understanding.
• Practical ways to support: Keep them fueled. Bringing a quick snack or meal to their desk is a simple, tangible way to show care during heavy exam seasons.
  • Establish quiet hours: If you have a busy household or younger children, sit down with your student to compare schedules and carve out dedicated quiet blocks to respect their study time.

Option B: If your student is moving away from home

Stepping away from the family home is a massive milestone. During the first few weeks especially, many students experience profound homesickness. It can be heartbreaking to hear your student struggle, but how you react matters. Instead of rushing to "rescue" them or feeling hurt if they seem distant, you can provide stability from afar.

• Clearly define communication expectations: Don't leave communication to guesswork, which can lead to anxiety on both sides. Sit down before they leave and make a concrete plan for how and when you will touch base. Whether it’s a quick daily text or a dedicated Sunday morning FaceTime call, having an agreed-upon rhythm gives you both something to look forward to without overbearing them.
• Plan visits in advance: Whether it is scheduling their first trip back home for a long weekend or planning a weekend where you travel to Edmonton, put these dates on the calendar early. Knowing exactly when they will see you next gives students immense peace of mind, beats back homesickness, and helps them manage their heavy academic schedules more effectively.
• Normalize the "dip": Expect a dip in emotional well-being around the 3 to 6-week mark as the initial excitement wears off and reality sets in. Remind them that feeling lonely or overwhelmed is a normal part of the transition, not a sign that they made the wrong choice.

For students living on campus, residence also features dedicated Student Life Coordinators and specialized mental health support tailored specifically for campus residents. Encourage your student to chat with their RA or visit their residence front desk if they are feeling isolated or overwhelmed.

Campus wellness and academic resources

If you notice changes in your student's mood, stress levels or behaviour that suggest they are struggling with their mental health, gently encourage them to utilize the professional, confidential resources available on campus.

• Health and wellness resources
• Academic success resources