The Charger Blog

Tips Corner for Parents and Families: Adjusting to College Life

We recognize that transitioning to life as a college student – and the college years in general – can present some challenges. Check out some of the resources and tips we compiled to help you best support your Charger.

September 15, 2023

Charlie the Charger statue

The University of New Haven works alongside parents to ensure that students have all the support they need as they transition to college life and throughout their time as Chargers.

We created a College Adjustment Tips for Parents webpage to provide guidance on how to help students navigate this transition.

Below are some helpful questions you can ask your students to check on them to see how they are settling in. 

  1. Are there any student clubs you are interested in joining?
  2. What has been your favorite or most interesting academic course so far?
  3. What kind of application or planner do you use to manage your class schedules and assignments?
  4. What is your favorite part of living on campus?
  5. What was the best thing that happened to you today?
  6. How was the recent career fair. Did you like any of the companies that attended?
  7. What is your favorite dining spot on campus?
  8. Where do you like to hang out around campus?
  9. What events/programs are you thinking about attending in October?
  10. What are you doing to take care of yourself?
Wellness & Selfcare

The University supports student success by recognizing that total wellness is essential to academic success. We provide preventative care, education, and resources to empower students to become self-advocates and stewards of their own health and wellness. Encourage your student to visit this page on myCharger that outlines our approach to holistic care.

Safety Tips

There are many resources on and around campus to help students stay safe.

  • LiveSafe app: Provides a direct 24/7 connection to the University Police Department
  • Blue phones: These are located all around campus. In emergency situations or when students require assistance, they can use the button to speak directly to the University Police Department.
  • University of New Haven Police (UPD): UPD provides full-service police protection to the University community.
  • Shuttles and Mobile Safety Escort: Students are encouraged to use the various shuttle and transportation services available on and near campus.

    Our mobile safety expert is available in the evenings and at nights, operating on a continuously loop between Maxcy Hall, the Peterson Library, Forest Hills, North Camps. Encourage your students to visit myCharger to see the shuttle schedules and download the live shuttle tracker.

Recent News

Charger 360

Charger 360 - Season 4, Episode 13: Kat Swistak '26

Kat Swistak '26 reflects on her journey from a small town in New Jersey to the University of New Haven to study forensic science. A marketing minor, she talked about her work with Charger Athletics, including serving as the social media manager for women's rugby and field hockey as well as being part of Chargers Creative, the student-led group that supports social and digital media that generate millions of impressions for the University's Division I athletics teams. This work, as well as her involvement with the Office of Marketing and Communications student content team has broadened her career aspirations to work in content creation. She also talked about her plans for the Women in Sports Club, which she hopes will be her legacy as a Charger. "I'm so glad that I came here. I wouldn't have been able to grow and be who I am without coming here."