Sending your child off to college is a major event in both their lives and yours. As a parent, you want to make sure your child is safe, happy, and thriving on campus. A 2024 Family Engagement Report found that parents who use family resources are 20% more satisfied with the institution. However, many parents — approximately 56% of families surveyed in the 2024 Family Engagement Report — weren't aware that their student's institution had resources specifically for parents and families. Disproportionately, the institution's lack of communication about these services impacts Hispanic, low income, and/or first generation students.
To ease your worries and feel more connected to your child's college experience, it's important to connect with other parents and/or families who have children also attending your child's institution. Building a community of parents can provide support, insight, and resources to help you navigate the challenges and joy's of your child's college experience. If you're looking for opportunities to connect with parents, here are some tips on how to build community on your child's campus:
Attend Parent Orientation Events
Before your child matriculates, chances are they'll have plenty of events to attend, some of which may include festivities associated with orientation week. Many colleges and universities also offer orientation events specifically for parents to get to know each other and learn more about campus life. These events are a great opportunity to meet other parents who are experiencing similar transitions and the associated emotions and concerns about sending their child off to college. Take advantage of these events to make connections and establish a support network. If you cannot attend in person, see if your child's institution offers an online orientation or other digital resources.
Join Parent Facebook Groups
Many colleges have Facebook groups specifically for parents where you can connect with other parents, ask questions, and share advice. These groups are often monitored by the institution's student support or student life centers. Joining these groups can be a great way to stay informed about campus events, connect with other parents, and even set up meetups with local families. Be sure to engage in discussions and share your experiences to help build a sense of community among parents. If there's someone who seems to engage with your posts, shares your interests, or plays on the same sports team as your child, don't hesitate to reach out to facilitate further connection.
Attend Parent Weekend Events
Like orientation weeks, many colleges also host Parent Weekend events throughout the academic year. These weekends offer parents the opportunity to visit campus, attend events, and connect with other parents. Usually, this weekend will happen in the Fall and coincide with a big football game. Other events might include a movie night, workshops to get to know student support offices and career services staff on campus, a keynote faculty lecture, an arts performance, and the opportunity to attend a religious service.
If you can, take advantage of these events to meet other parents, chat with university staff, and gain a better understanding of your child's experience on campus. Parent Weekend events are a great way to build relationships with other parents and feel more connected to your child's campus.
Volunteer for Parent Associations
Many colleges have parent associations or organizations that provide opportunities for parents to get involved in campus life. Parent Associations aim to promote connections to the institution and provide parents and family members with communication, involvement, and development opportunities. To connect with parents on your child's campus, consider volunteering to be a member of the parent association, joining committees, or participating in fundraising events. Worried about time demands? Often, being connected to parent campus organizations may not be as much work as you perceive. Involvement in the parent association, especially, can help you connect with other parents, contribute to the college community, and stay informed about campus events and initiatives.
Attend Parent-Student Events
Many colleges host events that are specifically designed for parents and students to attend together. These events can be a great opportunity to meet other parents, connect with your child's friends and their parents, and bond over shared experiences. To obtain these schedules, reach out to the student life or student services office. It also helps to monitor the institution's social media accounts. From sports games to academic lectures, attending parent-student events can help you feel more connected to your child's college community and get a glimpse of what their day-to-day life is like.
Arrange Parent Meetups
If you're able to, take the initiative to arrange meetups with other parents in your child's dorm, classes, or extracurricular activities. If your child attends college locally, invite other local parents to join you for coffee or lunch. Setting up informal gatherings can help you establish connections with other parents, share experiences, and offer support to one another. You may be surprised to find that other parents feel the same emotions, have similar questions, and experience the same challenges as you. Forming meaningful connections can help you navigate the college experience together and better support your child's college experience.
Stay in Touch with Parents of Your Child's Friends
Reach out to the parents of your child's friends and classmates to stay connected and build relationships. Knowing the parents of your child's peers can help you feel more informed about your child's social circle, provide mutual support, and even coordinate travel plans for events like parents' weekends or holidays. If your child is on a sports team, consider organizing a meetup of team parents. Building relationships with the parents of your child's friends can strengthen your sense of community and provide additional support during your child's college years.
Support Local Parent Businesses
Look for opportunities to support local businesses owned by parents of college students on your child's campus. Whether it's a cafe, bookstore, or clothing shop, shopping at these establishments or boosting them on social media can help you contribute to the college community and connect with other parents. Strike up conversations with other parents while shopping or dining at these businesses or over social media platforms. These connections build relationships and establish a sense of camaraderie.
Attend Parent Workshops and Seminars
Many colleges offer workshops and seminars for parents on a variety of topics, from navigating the college application process to supporting your child's mental health. If you're not sure how to find these workshops, try browsing the institution's website. Often, the student support offices — i.e, disability services, mental health services, campus tutoring services, and first generation and/or low income offices — have their own social media pages or calendars where upcoming events are posted. If you don't see anything on the website, reach out to the staff directly and see if they offer workshops or seminars during the semester.
Attending these events helps you to gain valuable information, connect with other parents, and build your parenting skills during this new season of your child's life. Engaging in parent workshops and seminars can help you stay informed about campus resources, build relationships with other parents, and enhance your understanding of your child's college experience.
Create a Virtual Support Network
In addition to connecting with parents in person, consider creating a virtual support network with other parents of college students. Be creative! Use social media, online forums, or video calls to your advantage. These platforms help you to stay connected, share advice, and provide support to one another from a distance. Building a virtual support network can help you feel connected to other parents, even if you live far away from your child's campus.
Connecting with other parents on your child's campus provides invaluable support, insight, and additional resources that help you to navigate the high's and low's of your child's college years. Getting creative about your involvement and working across in person and digital resources can help you to build relationships with other parents and feel more connected to your child's college community and life. Remember other parents often have similar questions and concerns about navigating their child's institution. Many aren't sure what resources are available to them. Never hesitate to ask questions! Staying involved, whether in person or virtually, can not only answer lingering questions, but create a strong support system for you and your child.
