College Relationships stay with your student for their entire lives. Becoming involved in the school community requires your student to make good decisions about friends and mates. Your student should be encouraged to practice tolerance and to expand their circle of friends. They have the responsibility to give back to the school community and make it a better place for having been there.

“Relationships in College: 27 Winning Strategies for Success” (CollegeWorks101) is a quick read that covers, easy strategies for college students. This book is about both friendship and love. To have a good friend and a true love, the student needs to experience being a good friend. All this takes time and energy. The following are very important teaching points for parents.
The first five strategies you can should encourage for your college student:

1. Have Realistic Expectations. Do not try to change people. You are responsible for yourself. If someone wants to change, it starts with them.

2. Don’t Get Hung Up On The Small Stuff. Decide what is important in a relationship.

Important: Culture, Values, Family History, Goals, Interests, Hygiene, Manners, Respect

Not So Important: A Car, Cellphone, Fashion, Religion, Fraternity/Sorority, Politics, Popularity, Wealth

3. Be Honest In Your Communications: Communicate Clearly. College is a good time to practice saying what you mean and meaning what you say. The same is true for parents. Clear honest communication is key. Be thoughtful about your words. You always have the option of saying nothing.

4. Be Comfortable With Who You Are. Do Not Try To Be Someone You Are Not. This is a great opportunity for your student to establish themselves as an individual. I have seen students that struggled with being popular in high school, who bloom in college. Remind them, if they have to pretend to be someone different, to be accepted in a group - maybe this is not their group.

5. This is the time to Explore Interests. Encourage your student to try new things: clubs, recreational sports, fraternities or sororities, or volunteer opportunities. By becoming involved, they will meet a wider variety of people and they will expand their circle of friends.