Classes are officially underway, and your student is doing something challenging – building an entirely new routine from scratch.
new responsibilities, and new environments all compete for their attention at once. How students structure their days in these early weeks can shape their well-being and success throughout the entire semester. The good news? The start of a new semester is actually one of the best times to build new habits. When our routines are already in flux, adding new behaviors or replacing old ones is easier than it would be mid-semester, when patterns are more set.
What Makes a Habit Stick
Healthy habits are most likely to last when they’re realistic, consistent, and fit naturally into daily life. That doesn’t have to mean big changes — small, repeated actions can have a meaningful impact over time. A few worth encouraging:
- Maintaining a regular sleep schedule
- Making time for movement, even briefly
- Connecting with friends or spending time with others
- Building in moments of rest and self-care
One simple strategy students find helpful is habit pairing — attaching a new behavior to something already part of their routine. For example, taking a short walk between classes, or winding down with the same routine before bed each night.
How Families Can Help
You don’t need to have all the answers to be a source of support. Often the most helpful thing families can do is listen, ask good questions, and remind students that building new habits takes practice — and that progress matters more than perfection.
When your student shares how things are going, focus on acknowledging their efforts rather than evaluating outcomes. Celebrating small wins, encouraging flexibility when plans don’t go perfectly, and helping them see setbacks as part of the process can build real confidence and resilience over time.
Conversation Starters
These questions can help your student reflect on how they’re settling in — and feel supported in the process:
“What routines are helping you feel your best right now?”
“How are you balancing school, rest, and time for yourself?”
“What’s one small habit you’re trying to build this semester?”
“How are you rewarding yourself for your progress?”
Campus Resources
Encourage your student to explore what’s available to them as they establish their routines:
- The Learning Center offers semester planning tools through their “Calendars and College” resource — a great starting point for building a schedule that’s realistic and sustainable.
- The Heels Care Network can connect your student to wellness and support resources tailored to their needs.
- New Student and Family Programs offers ways for family members to stay engaged with and support the Carolina community through programs, communications, volunteer opportunities, and more.
The habits your student builds in these first few weeks can carry them a long way. We’re here to support them — and you — every step of the way.