First-year college students struggle to manage independent living skills and daily responsibilities

Incoming college students, particularly those attending private institutions, lack practical knowledge for managing laundry, cooking, budgeting, time management, and basic household tasks. Parents and students are anxious about the transition to independent living, and current college orientation programs don't adequately prepare students for real-world adult responsibilities. This gap creates stress, poor academic performance, and increased parental worry during a critical life transition.