College freshmen face a unique set of challenges during final exams, particularly when they are away from home for the first time. The transition to college life brings a new level of academic rigor and independence that can be overwhelming. Then, the pressure to perform well academically is heightened during finals because the exams often heavily impact their final grade. Passing a final could be the difference between passing a class, and in some cases, a lowered GPA could mean less financial aid.
Being away from home also means they lack the immediate, familiar support system they previously relied on in high school. But that doesn’t mean parents can’t be supportive from afar! By staying connected and involved, you can help your college freshmen develop resilience and the skills needed to succeed. You can ensure they feel supported and understood. Here are a few ways to offer the encouragement they need throughout this crucial time:
1. Stay Connected
The most important thing you can do to support your college student is to let them know you’re there for them. Prioritize regular check-ins, whether they’re through calls, texts, or video chats. During these conversations, encourage open communication about their experiences and emotions, and validate their feelings. College can be stressful. But at the same time, there are healthy ways to cope.
By actively listening and showing empathy, you can help them feel understood and less isolated. Regularly scheduled chats can also serve as a comforting routine amidst the chaos of exam preparation, reminding them that they have a reliable support system no matter how far away they are.
Sending care packages is another effective way to stay connected, show your support, and remind them you care. You can fill these packages with their favorite snacks and useful study items like highlighters, index cards, and sticky notes. Including personal touches, such as handwritten letters or small mementos from home, can make these packages even more special. If your child struggles to cope with the stress of exams, try incorporating small get well gifts like soothing teas or calming essential oils.
If you don’t have time to put together a package yourself, you can order packages online. These gestures, although seemingly small, can have a significant impact on their morale. A small gift or well-timed phone call can help them feel cared for and supported.
2. Promote Healthy Habits
When your child is dealing with a lot of stress, try to gently promote healthy habits to help them manage the stress of final exams. Remind them of the importance of proper nutrition, hydration, and sleep, even during these intense study periods. Encourage them to eat balanced meals and stay hydrated, as good nutrition can significantly impact their energy levels and cognitive function. If you’re sending a care package, healthy snacks like granola or trail mix are great filler items.
Emphasizing the need for regular sleep can be a touchy subject, especially if their roommates are pulling an all-nighter. But highlight how rest is crucial for memory retention as well as overall well-being. Sometimes the facts can convince them. You can also suggest they take short breaks for physical activity, whether it’s a quick walk, a workout session, or some light stretching. Regular exercise can help reduce stress and improve focus, making their study sessions more effective.
Maintaining a balance between studying and personal time is equally important. Encourage your child to set aside time for socializing with friends, which can prevent burnout and maintain their mental health. Another fun addition to a care package could be games to enjoy with suitemates. Cards Against Humanity, Telestrations, Codenames, or Settlers of Catan are all great options, but they can also play plenty of games with a regular ol’ deck of cards.
Activities that help reduce stress can help them manage anxiety and maintain a calm, focused mindset. By promoting these healthy habits, you can help your freshman better navigate exam season.
3. Offer Study Tips and Resources
While it’s important to keep your kiddo calm and combat stress, an important exam is still on the horizon, and they should be studying — at least a little. To show your support, you could offer study tips and resources. Suggest using flashcards for quick reviews, summarizing notes after each class, and teaching the material to someone else as a way to reinforce understanding. You could also encourage the use of mnemonic devices to remember complex concepts. Time management techniques, such as the Pomodoro Technique — where they study for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break — can also help improve focus and productivity.
In addition to personal study strategies, recommend taking advantage of campus resources. Encourage your child to join study groups. Tutoring centers often offer personalized help and can address specific areas where they might be struggling. Writing labs can read over final essays, or comm labs can provide feedback on a big presentation. Remind them that seeking help isn’t a weakness or sign of failure. These resources are there to help them succeed.
If your child really struggles with staying organized and refuses to use campus resources, you could help them create a study schedule. Work with them to develop a balanced plan that allocates specific times for each subject, ensuring that they cover all necessary material without feeling overwhelmed. Include designated breaks to prevent burnout and encourage regular review sessions instead of last-minute cramming. A well-structured study schedule can provide a sense of control and reduce anxiety. By offering these tips and resources, you can empower your college freshman to study more effectively and approach their finals with confidence.
It’s Not All About Getting Straight A’s
It’s important to reassure your college freshman that their effort and persistence are far more valuable than achieving perfection. Remind them that the learning process and their dedication to their studies are what truly matter. Emphasize that grades are not the sole measure of their worth or potential, and that it’s okay not to get straight A’s. Let them know that you have unwavering support and confidence in their abilities, regardless of the outcomes. Your belief in them and their hard work can provide the encouragement they need to stay motivated and resilient throughout their college life — and beyond.