SAUL LOEB/Arizona Daily Wildcat Like many peers, economics junior Chris Travis stays close to his family.

The generation gap that once separated Generation X and the baby boomers is becoming narrower, and some UA students are finding out that their parents are a lot cooler than they thought.

Maya Pri-Tal, an undecided freshman, said she talks to her parents every day, while Sean Brandt said he talks to his parents at least 10 times a week.

More students are following the same trend, buying calling cards or extra minutes on their cell phones to check in with their parents throughout the week.

"There is a generation gap, but it's not significant," said Pri-Tal, an undecided freshman. "We can talk to each other about anything because, surprisingly, we've gone through similar things."

"I think now it's more natural to realize your parents are awesome and admit it," she added.

Pri-Tal says she visits her mom often and they hang out like she does with her friends, going to see a movie or going to lunch.

"They're mom, dad and friends," said Brandt, an undecided sophomore, who was raised with the belief that a family should be based on not only familial bonds, but friendships as well.

Some students maintain such close relationships with their parents that they opt to live at home while attending college.

"I'd probably be here everyday anyways," said Sara Schuchardt, a journalism junior, who lives at home with her parents and plans to until she has graduated and finds a secure job.

Schuchardt said she and her mother talk about "anything and everything" and often listen to the same music.

"When I'm talking to my mom about something and she disagrees, I don't assume it's because she's older and doesn't understand how things are today," Schuchardt said.

Her close relationship with her family was the primary reason she chose to live at home, Schuchardt said, adding that she maintains her independence by working to pay for her personal expenses.

Schuchardt said she doesn't feel she's missing out on anything by living at home during college because she, like students living away from their parents, does not have a curfew and still maintains a large amount of freedom.

Whether or not they choose to live at home during college, going to college can be a trying time for students as they adjust to their new lifestyles and schedules. It can also be difficult for parents.

The UA Parents Matter counseling service is designed to help parents as their children go to college. The free service, which is sponsored by the UA Parents' Association in conjunction with the UA counseling and psychological services program, offers trained counselors to help parents deal with issues their student is facing.

Most parents are concerned with whether or not college is a time to let go, or if it is still appropriate to be fully involved, said Laura Orlich, a mental health clinician for Parents Matter.

"Parents are definitely a key factor in student success," Orlich added.

Although some parents are unsure about how involved they should be, many students keep their parents fully informed of their personal problems.

"If I have a problem at school or with a friend I call (my parents) first," Brandt said.

Schuchardt said that her parents play an active role in her university experience, attending Family Weekend yearly and participating in other campus events.

Although Schuchardt's family is local, parents of students living away from home can actively participate in the university through the UA Parents' Association, which promotes communication between parents, the university and students.

Pri-Tal said she prefers to be the one that keeps her parents informed about school. "It's what we talk about every day."

"I can't imagine not talking to my parents every day," Pri-Tal added. "They're my best friends."