The College Transition: What to Expect
College is a time of transition for young adults as they move toward their pursuit of academic and professional goals.  For many, this will be their first time away from home.  Not only will the rigors of college level courses feel challenging, but students are also in the process of navigating their new social environment.  Living in dorms, meeting new people, and managing their time are just some of the many challenges facing university students.  As with any major life transition, individuals may experience feelings of loss, anxiety, denial, fear and anticipation.  While it is helpful to encourage your child's maturation and independence during this time, remember that they will continue to need your support.

 
How Can I Support My Child in Their Transition TO SETON HALL?

• Stay in Touch
  While your son or daughter may be away from home, it is important to stay in contact with them.  Reach out and let them know you are still there to offer them whatever support they might need.  Whether you are around the corner or live far away, your child needs your support and encouragement.
  
  
• Encourage Them to Develop Contacts
  Coming to college and meeting new people can be daunting.  Remember that your son or daughter is likely to have gone to high school with kids they've known throughout their lives.  College presents new social challenges as student begin to meet and now live with new people.  Encourage them to reach out to others and forge friendships.  If your child is having difficulty meeting other students, encourage them to join clubs, join teams, and/or establish relationships with professors or mentors.
  
  

• Model Self-Care
  Not only is college a stressful time for students, but it can also be stressful for you too.  It is normal to feel sad, relieved, ambivalent, nervous, and overwhelmed.  Make sure to get the support you need during this period of transition so that you can be available to your child.  It is common to experience ups and downs.  Model for your child how important it is to take care of your overall physical and mental health.
  
  

• Encourage Opportunities for Independence
  As a parent, it is difficult to lessen our involvement with our children. It is difficult to take a step back because you are uncertain whether your child will make responsible decisions and choices.  However, college is a time when young adults move towards greater maturity and independence.  They can not do this without the confidence and encouragement of their caretakers.  As members of the university, students choose their classes, extra curricular activities, and what they will do with their free time.  Encourage opportunities where your child can manage these tasks on their own.  Respect their choices and offer your guidance and feedback when and if it is solicited. Provide your children with the space they will need to set their own agenda while making your self available for consultation and support. Talk about issues of financial independence.  Encourage them to explore various choices and opportunities they will have as university students.
  

 
Signs that my Child may need additional support? 

• If you child is engaging in dangerous or risky behaviors that could harm themselves or others
• Significant changes in mood or behavior; difficulties managing tasks of daily functioning
• Persistent bouts of depression, chronic worry, or anxiety
• If your child is having difficulty making connections and needs someone to talk with
• Ambivalence about choosing a major, selecting a career path, or applying for jobs
• If your child has been in counseling in the past and needs to follow up with a mental health professional
• Alcohol or drug abuse or dependence
• If your child is at risk of being dismissed from school
• When your child is coping with the loss of a loved one
• Difficulties managing a significant medical or mental health issue
• If your child is experiencing significant family turmoil and distress
  

 
What Can I help if my Child needs counseling? 
If you are concerned about your child and feel they might benefit from counseling, please encourage them to call our office to set up an appointment.  If your child is not yet willing to call the office, but you are concerned about their wellbeing, you may call and ask to speak to one of our staff psychologists and we can provide you with additional options.
 
Counseling Services provides free year-round counseling, crisis intervention, consultation, and referral services to the Seton Hall University community. All matriculated students, including undergraduate, graduate, law, and seminary students, are eligible for direct services.  Direct services include individual and group counseling. We offer short-term individual counseling with 15 maximum sessions per academic year.  The duration of participation in group counseling is unlimited. University faculty, staff, administrators, and alumni can receive referrals and consultations.

Students seeking counseling are encouraged to call to set up an appointment at (973) 761-9500. Students may also walk-in and request to meet with a counselor.  Our offices are located on the second Floor of Mooney Hall.  We are open Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm.  Limited evening hours are available by appointment only.  Counselors are available after hours (between 5pm-9am weekdays and on weekends) for emergency phone consultation and crisis intervention.  To reach an on-call counselor, please contact Public Safety at (973) 761-9300.