Parents and supporters

Whether students are leaving home for the first time or coming back to university, this is an exciting and emotional time for most families.

You might experience different feelings:

  • pride at your child’s accomplishments
  • amazement at how fast time passes
  • apprehension at what the next year has in store for your child

Sometimes the transition to the independence of university social and academic life can be a challenge. Fortunately, UNB has a warm, caring and committed group of professionals who are here to help your child make the transition from the regulation of high school or their experience in the working world to the individual responsibilities of university life.

This will be a wonderful year for you and your UNB student. You will see a lot of changes in the year to come and have the great privilege of watching your son or daughter grow and learn at UNB. If at any time you have a question or concern, please don’t hesitate to give us a call (+1-506-648-5755).

We are here to answer your concerns, dispel common myths and help you discover the residence advantage.

Lending a helping hand

As the parent/guardian of a university student, it is almost inevitable that sometime over the next few years you will receive a phone call, visit or letter from an apparently distressed son/daughter/family member. It would not be unusual for them to experience any of the following:

  • feeling absolutely overwhelmed by the workload
  • “I’m in the wrong course/program!”
  • feeling homesick - missing family, a boyfriend/girlfriend or the stability of home
  • a lack of funds with expenses being more than anticipated
  • the loss of an old boyfriend/girlfriend
  • the excitement and anxieties of forming new friendships and relationships
  • the big-fish-in-the-little-pond or the little-fish-in-a-big-pond phenomenon

Nor would it be unusual for them, in the heat of the moment, to make some impulsive decisions that in the long run may not be in his or her best interest.

Hopefully, before doing anything too rash, they will confide in you as a parent/guardian and you will be able to offer some support and stability to the situation and refer them to the appropriate service in residence or on campus.

Many people in residence are happy to assist, encourage and support your son or daughter. The easiest and most useful resource we have is our Student Success Directory. This resource is designed to help direct students to the people and services they need.

More info