NANA SAYS THE FIRST YEAR AT UNIVERSITY IS STRESSFUL

This time of year university and college students are leaving home for the first time to study and live at their university of choice. Although many students commute to school, a large contingent live in dorms or rentals with friends. Labour day weekend is usually the time the first year group move into residence. The upper years have the week prior to take their time to move. When my daughter Sonya decided to study away from home at the University of Western Ontario, labour day was a gruelling trip on the 401 driving along side dozens of other packed to the roof vehicles. Arriving in London, Ontario we needed to take a certain route to Essex Hall to wait in line until we arrived at the roundabout where the belongings could be unpacked. It was a 4 student unit with each student having their own tiny room, 2 shared a bathroom and a small kitchen-living area shared by all 4. It was a very emotional time as Sonya had only been away for one summer vacation- 3 weeks so it really felt as if she was leaving home. Parents must act strong and pretend it is okay. The emptiness on the return home was incredible. Not wanting to pry but always wondering how she was doing was on my mind. The first weekend home was so important. Children need their space and freedom. Now when I talk with other parents whose children are going away for the first time, I help to acknowledge the real grieving that occurs. In Ontario, with the elimination of Grade 13 a few years ago students going away are younger. There will be news stories on Frosh weeks and all the fun of post High School education. Four years of back and forth- we did learn to use the train for return trips rather than the 4 hour round trip on the highway. Of course- phone calls and computer chat rooms helped to ease the pain. We are full blown empty nesters now- have been for years. But that first year was more painful. Is your child heading to university for the first time? Are you feeling a little emotional?