Talking to your student about your expectations in regards to their behavior makes a big difference. Research suggests that discussions just prior to starting college lead to lower alcohol consumption during the first year AND lowers the risk of experiencing alcohol-related consequences. Some tips for talking to your student include:
Setting clear expectations about alcohol use
Discussing consequences for alcohol use; social, legal, and the consequences you will impose
Stress the importance of sticking together with friends, those that go to the party come home from the party
Identify who will they call if they or their friend needs help
Avoid tales of drinking exploits from your own college years
Discuss with your student the difference between perceived alcohol use versus actual use. Students often think that other students use alcohol much more than they actually do. When students understand that “not everybody drinks” and “not everyone drinks a lot”, it can be easier and less difficult to make legal, low-risk choices.
