Prepare for exams
Your student may be worrying about how best to prepare for their tests. Although they have begun adjusting to the ways college differs from high school, tests can add another bit of uncertainty. Fortunately, CU Boulder has plenty of resources to get students the help they need during this time — from specific class tutoring to general stress reduction.
Let your student know about these great resources when you check in on them.
Tutoring Services
One of the best ways to get help in a class is to study with others. For students who require a bit of extra attention or are falling behind, tutoring can be a great resource to get them back on track. CU Boulder provides a variety of tutoring structures, from one on one appointments to group meetings, which are held in all around campus, from the library to the residence halls. Find academic support services
Stress Less
While good stress is a natural part of life, excess negative stress can build up in the body and eventually impact social life, work, school, and physical health. Taking breaks is important to help manage stress, but they don't have to be long. CU Boulder's Law School has put together a list of 25 ways to reduce stress that take five minutes or less- perfect for heading between tests! Read the list
Keep a Healthy Mind
All of the demands of college life can pile up, and some students may find themselves needing an outlet to deal with stress from classes and other responsibilities. Wardenburg's Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) is a great resource for students who find themselves a bit overwhelmed. With 6 free counseling sessions a year, their door is always open to help students through rough times! Learn more about CAPS
Write Right
In addition to standard tests, many classes require students to write essays demonstrating knowledge or exploration of a subject. However, this may not be everybody's strongest skill, and that's why CU provides a Writing Center to support students who struggle in this area. Services are completely free, and available at plenty of times so that a visit can be easily fit into a student's schedule. Learn more about the Writing Center
How can you help? First, don’t panic. This article has great advice for family members when their student might be struggling with missing home.
One suggestion is to postpone changes: We don’t want our kids to feel like we’re lost without them, but we also don’t want them to think we’re glad they’re gone. Wait a few months (or years) before turning your son’s bedroom into a sewing room. Don’t box up your daughter’s high school basketball trophies or take down the hoop in the driveway — not just yet.