in Connecticut. “[They] must quickly adapt from their college routines back to family life, moving back in with their parents and now having college friends hours away and missing their independence.” Additionally, D’Jay says that because students return feeling more self-sufficient, with new and different priorities, there may be struggles as family members adjust, with both sides potentially having “some unexpected feelings.
Not getting to enjoy family gatherings was something that 19-year-old Zoey Touray says she missed the most while away during her freshman year at North Carolina A&T State University. “It is definitely weird to not be in dorm life anymore,” says Shumate. “I haven’t really spent as much time partying as I’m used to.”“I got to school, and got used to being able to go out whenever I like. Spend time with friends, without having to ask permission, and play my music as loud as I felt, and not have to worry about waking anyone up,” she says. “Being back for the summer is different because I share a room with my younger sister. I have other people to think about in the vicinity.
But while some rules may be non-negotiable, D’Jay says parents should remember that their child is now a young adult.