Alcohol and Other Drug Programs: Ways to Support Your First-Year Student
Dear Parents:
Welcome to the Boston University family! You are about to begin one of the biggest adventures of your life as a family…sending a student off to college. We want to encourage your communication as a family, starting now and continuing throughout the school year. It is important, as parents and students, to openly discuss and help each other navigate the challenges that many students face during their transition to college. Boston University Student Health Services takes the health and wellness of our students very seriously, and we know you do, too.
As simple as it seems, getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising moderately, balancing academics and social time, and finding friends or others on campus to talk with may help reduce the inevitable stress accompanying change. Students find their resident assistant, academic advisor, professors, and coaches are ready to help with this transition. Other resources can be found at the Educational Resource Center, Behavioral Medicine, and Student Health Services.
In the fall, many first-year students will also be asked to complete “I Health,” an online program specifically designed to provide personalized feedback about health, including sleep, nutrition, and alcohol use.
We hope that your son or daughter will get involved in the BU community. Research shows that students who are engaged in their university community tend to do better in school. Your student can become involved in hundreds of clubs, organizations, and activities at Boston University.
Below is additional information on ways to support your student at Boston University. I encourage you to review this information and discuss it as a family. Student Health Services at Boston University wishes you a safe and healthy summer!
Sincerely,
David R. McBride, MD
Director of Student Health Services
Ways to Support Your First-Year Student
College is a turning point for both the soon-to-be college student and parents alike. College students are young adults who for the first time may be responsible for their own decisions and lifestyle. However, parents play a large role in preparing their son or daughter to make responsible decisions.
- Communication is key! — Showing that you are available to talk and listen can help your son or daughter to make responsible and healthy choices. We encourage you to start these conversations now.
- Expect the best — Discuss expectations about class attendance, study time vs. free time, grades, how you will keep in touch, safety and using common sense, alcohol use, and goals.
- Valuable information — Your family’s values have never been more important than now. It is a good idea to restate your hopes and expectations. Your first-year student needs to know how to apply the values you have instilled in them to the choices they will face.
- Socializing on campus — Exposure to alcohol and other drugs is a challenge on any college campus. It may be easier for a student if they know they can talk to their parents openly about these challenges. A discussion with your student about the effects of alcohol, protective and risk factors, potential dangers, family history of addiction, and your expectations around their use of substances can be very powerful.
The most common alcohol-related problems on a college campus are caused by a student’s inattentiveness and lack of knowledge around what, how much, and how quickly they are drinking. We encourage you to support your student in his or her efforts to either not drink or, if they do choose to drink, to do so in a moderate and responsible way.
As a family, review the University’s policies in the Lifebook. Remember that in addition to health-related consequences, decisions students make now may impact their future—including career opportunities and admission to graduate school.
If you’d like more information about Student Health Services Wellness & Prevention Services programs and resources available to your student, please explore our website.