We hope you and your student had a wonderful winter break filled with quality time and relaxation. When your student returns to campus, it’s natural to question how to best support them from afar. Your ongoing emotional support, health and financial guidance, and mentorship still help them thrive and achieve their goals. Often, it’s your continued support that helps your student succeed at Carolina.
To help your student start off the new semester feeling strong and prepared, we’ve compiled some tips and strategies that you can implement in the weeks and days leading up to FWOC (first week of classes).
Prepare to return to campus.
Before returning to campus, it’s important to be prepared.
- Make a list of essentials your student needs, like food and toiletries. This will save you time and stress (no one, especially if you live out of state, wants to move back into a dorm room only to find that you’ve forgotten the shampoo!).
- Get organized. Remind your student to throw away old papers, syllabi, and files on their computer. Restock essentials like tissues and hand sanitizer.
- Have a game plan. Know the dates and times that you and your student will be leaving, that way everyone is aligned and isn’t scrambling on the day of.
Build a routine with your student.
A week before the new semester starts, help your student build a realistic routine centered around their Carolina schedule, so they are ready when they get back on campus. You could:
- Ask your student what worked well for them in the fall semester. Ask them what didn’t work.
- Help your student identify areas they want to improve this semester. Maybe it’s creating a consistent sleep schedule or finding time to exercise.
- Print two copies of your student’s class schedule so they can block out time for things they want to include in their routine.
- Keep a copy of your student’s schedule and routine nearby so you can help your student maintain it. Ask them how their routine is working and what can be done to improve it.
- Balance is important. Remind your student to find time to do activities that are separate from their schoolwork.
Have a healthy mindset.
College is stressful and can take a mental toll on your student. Encouraging them to have a healthy mindset can help your student enjoy a healthy spring semester.
- Gift your student a journal. It can be blank or come with prompts. Journaling can help your student process emotions like stress and feel more relaxed.
- Offer opportunities to open up to you. Ask about their day and listen to what they’re saying. If they want advice, then give it; otherwise, let your student guide the conversation and engage with questions.
- Encourage your student by sending them a positive text now and then or congratulating them on their efforts.
For your student who will return to Carolina in the fall.
While the spring semester has just started, it’ll be over before you and your student know it. Before the chaos of FWOC, take a moment to talk with your student about summer and what’s next. If they are returning to Carolina in fall, you could:
- Ask what courses will help support your student’s goals.
- Remind your student to do some recon. Whether it’s meeting with their advisor or perusing their Connect Carolina, make sure your student knows where they stand credit wise and how future classes can help them stay on track.
For your senior student.
If your student is a senior and is graduating this semester, take time to talk about what their plans are.
- Ask if your student has everything they need to graduate and how you can help them.
- Have a conversation about your student’s post-grad plans so you can better understand how you can support them.
- Plan on travel dates if you and your student are attending Spring Commencement.
- Consider health insurance, especially if your student has been on a family plan.
Takeaways
As you and your student prepare for the spring semester, remember that your continued support helps them thrive at Carolina. Start the semester strong by getting organized, establishing a balanced routine that prioritizes healthy habits, and reminding them of graduation or future semester goals. We hope you and your student have a wonderful start to the new semester.