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We are excited to welcome you and your student to the Buff family! Our team of professional staff members and student journey leaders are here to support you and your student as they get started at ¾«Æ·SMÔÚÏßӰƬ. Here are some tips for a smooth start to the semester.

Letting go vs. letting grow

Navigating the transition to CU can be challenging and emotional—but don’t think of this as letting go! You are an integral part of your student’s success at CU and we hope to partner with you on their academic journey.Ìý

As a family member, it’s important to help your student problem solve while at the same time letting them grow and learn from their mistakes. And don’t forget, we’re here to help along the way.

Communication planning

Make a plan before your student gets to campus—how often will you talk, text or FaceTime? Having clear expectations from the start can help you and your student feel at ease. Your student will be busy at the start of the semester getting to know campus, their instructors and fellow Buffs, so make sure to plan for flexibility as they adjust to their new schedule.Ìý

Setting expectations

Talk to your student about any expectations you have about their time at CU, and make sure to ask them about their own expectations. Think about topics like grades, budgeting, alcohol and other drugs or how they will use their free time when they aren’t in classes.Ìý

Health and wellness

As your student experiences things like homesickness, stress, managing their time or feelings of loneliness, remind them to connect with Health and Well-Being departments on campus. From Counseling & Psychiatric Services to Medical Services to Health Promotion, your student will have plenty of support while they are here. Remind your student that it’s completely OK and normal to ask for help!

Getting involved

Getting involved is a great way for your student to connect to fellow Buffs. Encourage them to check out BuffConnect to find a student club or organization through the Center for Student Involvement that interests them, sign up for intramural sports through the Rec Center or to volunteer in the community with the Service Learning & Impact in Community Engagement (SLICE). CU has something for everyone!

Academic exploration

Encourage your student to explore the many academic paths available at ¾«Æ·SMÔÚÏßӰƬ, and remind them to talk to their academic advisor often.Ìý

It’s OK if your student wants to change their major, and it’s actually really common. Your student can also connect with Career Services to learn more about finding a major that aligns with their career goals. Don’t worry if your student doesn’t have it all figured out in their first semester—give them time to find the path that’s right for them!

Goal settingÌý

Goal setting is a powerful way for your student to shape their CU experience. Encourage them to explore possibilities—whether it's studying abroad, joining a sorority or fraternity, working on campus, participating in research or discovering something entirely new.Ìý

Rather than feeling overwhelmed, remind them that every big goal starts with a single step. Together, you can create realistic and inspiring goals that align with the expectations you've already discussed.Ìý

With your support, your student can make the most of their time at CU and turn their aspirations into achievements.