The topic of college roommates looms large for many students and parents. It is common for students to feel anxious as many anticipate sharing a living space with a stranger for the first time. But with careful preparation, attention to communication, and an openness to new experiences, students can create a positive relationship with their roommate. In this episode, Vicki and Lynn discuss the important skills required and lessons learned from the work of building this important relationship.

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Navigating college with a physical disability requires thoughtful preparation beyond what most students face. What accommodations are available? How accessible are campus buildings? Who handles medical needs? These questions demand answers long before move-in day.

Annie Tulkin, founder of Accessible College and former Georgetown University disability support director, joins us to unpack these critical considerations. With both professional expertise and personal experience with learning disabilities and chronic health conditions, Annie offers a comprehensive roadmap for college preparation.

"Students with physical disabilities should start their college search just like any other student," Annie advises, "but they also need to think about healthcare proximity, physical accessibility, and campus culture." She recommends beginning this process junior year of high school or earlier, focusing on developing the self-advocacy skills that become essential in college.

For many families, concerns about disclosing disabilities during the college search process loom large. Annie puts these fears to rest, explaining the strict separation between admissions offices and disability support services. This allows students to have frank conversations about accommodation needs without impacting admissions decisions.

Beyond academic accommodations, students with physical disabilities must consider housing arrangements, medication management, and continuity of healthcare. Annie emphasizes the importance of evaluating a campus's inclusive culture through disability cultural centers, student organizations, and accessibility statements.

Perhaps most valuable is Annie's guidance on developing self-advocacy skills. Unlike high school, where parents often take the lead, college requires students to articulate their needs clearly and consistently. Parents can support this transition by gradually "lengthening the leash" while students are still in high school's supportive environment.

Ready to learn more? Visit accessiblecollege.com and explore Annie's online course "Preparing Students with Physical Disabilities and Health Conditions for College" to ensure your student has the tools they need for a successful college experience.

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Searching for meaningful summer reading that might transform your relationship with your college student? Look no further than this curated collection of parent-focused book recommendations from higher education professionals Vicki Nelson and Lynn Abrahams.

The hosts dive deep into six powerful books that address crucial aspects of the college parenting journey. "Sleep Deprived Teen" reveals the shocking impact of sleep deprivation on everything from academic performance to athletic abilities, with teens biologically requiring 8-10 hours of sleep yet averaging only 6-7 hours nightly. Meanwhile, "How to Raise a Citizen" fills the critical gap left by diminishing civics education in schools, providing parents with accessible tools to teach citizenship regardless of their own political knowledge.

For families with athletes, "Raising Empowered Athletes" offers a refreshing perspective focused on developing resilience rather than just athletic achievement. The standout chapter on "The Mindset Toolbox" introduces the five C's of building grit that benefit both young athletes and their parents. "Is This Autism?" takes a groundbreaking approach by incorporating the voices of autistic individuals as experts, shifting away from deficit-focused models toward understanding neurodiversity as a natural variation in human experience.

Parents dreading the college admissions process will find solace in "The Truth About College Admission," which uniquely focuses on preserving family relationships throughout the journey rather than just "getting in." Starting with the fundamental question "Why are you going to college?", the book provides practical exercises and conversation starters that strengthen family bonds during this potentially stressful time. Finally, Brené Brown's "Braving the Wilderness" explores authenticity and belonging, offering profound wisdom about self-worth applicable to both parents and students navigating the college transition.

Whether you're just beginning the college journey or supporting a current student, these thoughtfully selected books provide invaluable insights for strengthening your parent-student relationship while navigating the complexities of higher education. Which one will you read first?

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• Much more information for college parents can be found on our website, College Parent Central
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