Independence and Transitions
For many students, college is the first time that they have lived away from home for an extended period of time. College is a time for students to explore their newfound independence, experience personal growth, and learn to handle new responsibilities.
Practical Skills Before College
College is an opportunity for your student to face new challenges on their own. To help ease the transition to adulthood, it is helpful to discuss the following topics with your student prior to move-in day.
Money Management
Money can be a stressor for many college students. To help relieve some of the stress, talk with your student the following:
- General banking knowledge
- How to follow a basic budget
- Working a part-time job
- Applying for and using credit cards
Car Care
For students who plan to bring their car to campus, it is helpful for them to think through possible issues before they occur. Talk with your student about the following car related topics:
- Automotive insurance card
- Vehicle registration
- Surprise mechanical problems
- Receiving a parking ticket
- Maintenance of vehicle
Household Necessities
Prior to move-in day, provide your student with opportunities to practice their household management skills. Helping your student feel confident in these skills will benefit them beyond college. Here are some household management skills that students will likely use while in college:
- General cleaning knowledge (kitchen, bathroom, floors)
- Laundry (stain treatment, wash, dry, and fold)
- Basic cooking and kitchen safety (maybe their favorite comfort food recipe!)
Normalizing Emotions
It is likely that you and your student will feel a variety of emotions throughout their transition to college. Homesickness, excitement, worry, and sadness are all a normal part of the college experience. When your student feels homesick, be available and supportive, while helping them feel confident that they can work it through. Remind your student that there are many ways to connect on campus. Encourage your student to participate in student organizations and events to stay busy and connected to others on campus.
For many students, the transition from campus back to home can also be challenging. Take care to ease back into an everyday relationship with your student. Before your student moves back home, have a conversation about expectations. Be flexible and compromise where you feel comfortable. Your student is now an adult and will appreciate having a say in their living situation.
Support on Campus
- Student Outreach and Support
The Office of Student Outreach and Support (SOS) advocates for and supports students experiencing challenges in their personal and/or academic lives. SOS staff help students navigate university administrative processes; connect with university and community resources; and develop coping, resiliency, and self-advocacy skills.
- Scarppy's Cupboard
Scrappy’s Cupboard is the on-campus food pantry that provides emergency food assistance and referrals to all registered UTC students who are experiencing food insecurity. Scrappy’s Cupboard is coordinated by the Office of Student Outreach and Support, and run by faculty, staff, and student volunteers from the UTC community.
- Student Emergency Fund
The Denise and Tim Downey Student Emergency Fund was started to provide limited emergency funding to students experiencing financial hardship (e.g., accident, emergency, illness, other unforeseen event).
Funds may be utilized to cover expenses such as:
- Essential academic needs (e.g., books and supplies).
- Replacement of lost personal items due to fire, theft, flood, etc.
- Housing needs (e.g., securing short-term housing, security deposits, assistance with utilities, etc.).
- One-time / non-recurring medical expenses.
- Emergency expenses related to dependents (e.g., childcare).
- Student Success Programs
UTC's Student Success Programs are devoted to making sure students have the best college experience possible by offering programs for all students finding their way in a new environment. If your student is a first generation college student or a transfer student, this office has specialized support programs.
- Off-Campus Student Services
Off-Campus Student Services helps students transition to off-campus housing by providing education, resources, and one-on-one support. They offer tools like roommate matching, a housing marketplace, events, and guides to help students find housing and navigate related responsibilities. Their goal is to support students, strengthen connections with local properties, and promote a positive off-campus community.
- Housing and Residence Life
Each housing complex has a team of three to fourteen resident assistants, along with a building assistant and a resident director, to support students and address their needs. Housing and Residence Life also provides programs designed to support students both academically and socially during their time at UTC.
- Mocs Dining
Dining Services at UTC provides students with a variety of dining options, meal plans and convenience stores. Whether it's a coffee shop, dining hall, food court, or a meeting with our on-staff dietitian they have something for everyone in mind.
- Parking
All vehicles parked at UTC must have a valid permit and be parked in a valid space. For more information about citations, permits, closures and more, visit the Parking webpage.