Supporting your student's health and well-being: What families should know
The fall semester is an exciting time for many students, and it can also be a time of significant change. Between adjusting to new routines, managing coursework and building new friendships, it's common for students to experience both challenges and opportunities for growth as they develop healthy habits and navigate college life.Ìý
Family support, combined with the wide range of health and well-being resources at CU ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½, can help students navigate challenges, build healthy habits and make the most of their college experience.Ìý
Here are some of the most common health concerns students experience, and how you can support your student from home.Ìý
1. Stress, anxiety and mental healthÌý
Feeling stressed or overwhelmed is one of the most common experiences for college students. New responsibilities, academic pressure, financial concerns and living away from home can all affect a student's mental health. Some students may also turn to alcohol or other drugs to cope with stress or anxiety, which can sometimes make those challenges more difficult to manage.Ìý
One of the best things you can do is check in regularly, listen without judgment and remind your student that asking for help is a sign of strength—not weakness.ÌýÌý
If your student is struggling, ask them if they want to connect with Counseling & Psychiatric Services (CAPS) for workshops, drop‑in hours, screenings and referrals.Ìý
2. Sleep and self-careÌý
College schedules can make it challenging to get enough sleep. Late-night studying, social activities and other commitments often lead students to sacrifice rest, which can affect their mood, concentration and overall health. While some students may use alcohol or cannabis to help them fall asleep, these substances can reduce sleep quality and leave them feeling less rested the next day.Ìý
Ask your student what challenges they might be experiencing with sleep and what strategies they are using to take care of themselves. If they are interested, you could share that conversations with a roommate about sleep needs and small habits like limiting caffeine late in the day, reducing screen time before bed, avoiding alcohol or cannabis before bedtimeÌýand sticking to a regular sleep schedule can make a big difference.Ìý
If your student is having trouble sleeping, encourage them to start with small, practical changes to their routine and use campus support when needed. Medical Services also offers acupuncture and massage as part of its wellness services, and families can purchase gift certificates for these services if they're looking for a thoughtful way to support their student's well-being during the semester. If sleep problems continue, encourage them to connect with Medical Services or CAPS for additional support.Ìý
3. Seasonal illness and preventive careÌý
Living, learning and spending time with thousands of other students means illnesses like colds and the flu can spread quickly on campus.Ìý
Check in with your student on their plans to prevent illness. If they’re interested, share any of the following tips:Ìý
- Stay up to date on recommended vaccines.ÌýÌý
- Wash their hands regularly.ÌýÌý
- Stay hydrated and get enough sleep.ÌýÌý
- Rest and seek care if they're feeling sick.ÌýÌý
Medical Services can help students with preventive care, vaccinations and treatment when they need it. For times when the clinic is closed (overnight, weekends, holidays and breaks), Medical Services has partnered with TimelyCare to offer virtual medical care appointments free of charge to all students.Ìý
4. Healthy relationships, sexual health and consentÌý
College is often a time when students build new friendships and relationships. Along with those experiences comes the importance of understanding healthy communication, boundaries, consent and sexual health.Ìý
You don't need to have all the answers. Simply creating space for open, judgment-free conversations can help your student feel comfortable asking questions or seeking support if they need it.Ìý
CU ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ provides resources for sexual health and support following experiences such as sexual assault or intimate partner abuse.Ìý
5. Nutrition and body imageÌý
College is often the first time students are making independent decisions about meals, grocery shopping and caring for their overall health. Changes in routine, stress and busy schedules can all affect eating habits, body image and energy levels.Ìý
Instead of focusing on perfection, ask your student how they're doing with building healthy routines, eating regular meals and staying active in ways they enjoy. Small, consistent habits can have a big impact on their physical and mental well-being.Ìý
If they need additional support, CU ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ offers nutrition counseling and support for students experiencing food insecurity.Ìý
6. Alcohol and other substancesÌý
College may bring new situations where students make decisions about alcohol or other drugs. One of the most helpful things you can do is create an open, judgment-free space for conversations. Ask open-ended questions, listen without making assumptions and encourage your student to make informed decisions that support their health and well-being.Ìý
Substance use can affect many aspects of student health, including sleep, mental health, relationships and academic success. If your student has questions or wants support, CU ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ offers substance use education and recovery resources.Ìý
Looking for conversation starters? Review our guide on how to talk with your student about alcohol and other drugs to learn how to start the conversation and support safer decision-making.Ìý
7. Staying safe and knowing when to get helpÌý
Whether they're riding a bike across campus, hiking in the mountains or participating in recreational sports, students can reduce their risk of injury by taking simple safety precautions like wearing helmets, staying aware of their surroundings and making plans to get home safely.Ìý
If your student is injured or becomes ill, they don't have to wait until they're home to receive care. Medical Services provides primary care, injury treatment and referrals and physical therapy and other health services throughout the year.
How families can support their college student's healthÌý
Your student is an emerging adult, learning to make decisions that support their health and well-being.ÌýOne of the most valuable things you can do is show confidence in them managing their own health while reminding them that support is always available.Ìý
Here are a few ways to help:Ìý
- Check in regularly and ask open-ended questions about how they're doing.ÌýÌý
- Encourage healthy routines like sleep, movement and balanced meals.ÌýÌý
- Normalize asking for help when challenges arise.ÌýÌý
- Remind them to use campus resources before problems become overwhelming.ÌýÌý
- Celebrate progress, healthy habits and personal growth—not just grades or achievements.Ìý
Whether your student needs help managing stress, recovering from an illness or building healthier habits, support is available throughout their time at CU ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½.Ìý