How to support your student at the end of the semester
The final weeks of the fall semester can be a busy time for students. Between preparing for exams, completing projects and making plans for winter break, your student may be juggling several priorities.
As a Buff family member, you can play an important role in helping your student finish the semester strong. Here are a few ways to offer encouragement, share campus resources and help them look ahead to spring semester.
Encourage your student to make a plan for finals
With final exams, papers and projects approaching, a little planning can help your student manage their workload and feel more prepared.
Consider checking in with your student about their upcoming deadlines and how they're feeling about the end of the semester. Encourage them to:
- Review important dates. Check their syllabi for remaining assignments, exams and projects, and add deadlines to their calendar.
- Create a study schedule. Break larger assignments into manageable tasks and set aside time to review course materials.
- Find a productive study environment. Explore campus study spaces where they can focus and prepare for exams.
You can also share these resources to help your student prepare:
Students can visit colorado.edu/finals for additional finals information, study tips and campus resources.
Remind your student to take breaks and recharge
As academic demands increase, taking time to rest and recharge can help students manage stress and maintain their well-being.
Encourage your student to make time for meals, sleep, physical activity and activities they enjoy. Even short breaks can provide an opportunity to reset during a busy week.
CU Boulder also hosts events leading up to and during finals that give students opportunities to connect with friends, enjoy free food and take a break from studying.
Here are a few upcoming events to share with your student:
- Dec. 2: Preparing for Finals
- Dec. 2: Late Night Breakfast
- Dec. 3: Jazz and Cocoa
- Dec. 7: Jumpstart Your Day
Your student can explore more activities on the student events calendar.
Help your student connect with campus resources
The end of the semester can bring academic pressure, personal challenges or unexpected circumstances. Reminding your student about available campus resources can help them feel supported as they navigate these situations.
Depending on what your student is experiencing, consider sharing these resources:
- Academic support: Tutoring, help labs and other learning resources can help students review course material, work through challenging concepts and prepare for finals.
- Mental health and well-being: Counseling & Psychiatric Services offers mental health services and resources to support students experiencing stress or other challenges.
- Personal challenges or emergencies: Student Outreach, Advocacy & Support helps students navigate unexpected circumstances, including family emergencies, hospitalization and other situations that may affect their academic experience.
- Food and housing support: The Basic Needs Center connects students with resources to help address food and housing insecurity.
One way to support your student is to ask what would be most helpful right now. They may appreciate encouragement, someone to listen or help identifying a campus resource. Giving your student space to share their needs can help them build confidence in navigating challenges independently.
Help your student look ahead to spring semester
Winter break can also be a good opportunity for students to reflect on their fall semester and consider what they'd like to explore when they return to campus.
Whether your student is interested in finding a campus job, meeting new people or gaining experience outside the classroom, CU Boulder offers opportunities to get involved.
Here are a few upcoming events and deadlines to keep on their radar:
Students can meet campus departments that are hiring, explore part-time job opportunities and learn more about working at CU Boulder.
Jan. 13: Winter Housing Fair
Students interested in living off campus can explore housing options, meet with landlords and learn more about the leasing process and living off campus. The fair also offers free giveaways.
Jan. 20: Be Involved Fair
Students can meet student organizations, explore their interests and find new ways to connect with the campus community.
As your student prepares for the end of the semester, your encouragement and support can help them feel confident navigating the weeks ahead and making the most of their CU Boulder experience.