Helping your child make the transition to MIT

• Keep in touch. Email is a great way to keep in touch, but a written message may not convey a complete picture of how your child is really doing. Try to talk on the phone occasionally, too, so you can hear how your child sounds.
• Show an interest in your child's day-to-day life at MIT. Asking about friends, the dorm, or a typical day can help you stay connected and give you a better sense of what your child's life is like at college.
• Tell your son or daughter what's happening at home. Going away to college can sometimes be isolating, and it's nice for students to feel connected to family and friends at home.
• Have realistic expectations for academic achievement. MIT draws gifted students from all over the world and can be a competitive place. Many MIT freshmen will face an academic defeat for the first time in their lives. Be understanding and supportive.
• Know where to call if you need help. MIT has a wealth of resources for students facing academic, emotional, or social challenges. If you are concerned about your son or daughter, contact any of the offices listed to find out how they can work with you to help your child.
• Encourage your child to use MIT resources. Let your child know that it is not only okay, but a sign of strength, to recognize problems early and use the MIT resources to deal with them constructively. You can remind your son or daughter of the resources available on campus.

Questions? Call the MIT Medical Mental Health Service at 617-253-2916.