Thanksgiving break is coming up, giving college students a chance to recharge. Whether they’re heading home, staying on campus, or traveling, it’s also a great time to get a few things done to benefit them in the long run.
5 things you can encourage your college student to do over Thanksgiving break:
- Catch Up on Sleep and Self-Care
Your student needs rest after weeks of late-night study sessions and juggling responsibilities. Encourage them to use the break to get plenty of sleep, take walks, eat well, and focus on self-care. This downtime will help them recharge and finish the semester strong.
- Reconnect with Family and Friends
Thanksgiving is the perfect time for your student to reconnect with loved ones. Whether sharing a meal with family or catching up with old friends, encourage them to take advantage of this break to strengthen those meaningful relationships. It’s a great reminder of the support they have.
- Get Ready for Finals
With final exams approaching, this break is a good time for your student to get organized. Suggest they review syllabi, create a study plan, and gather their notes. A little prep now will help reduce stress when finals week arrives, giving them more confidence to perform their best.
- Review Their Finances
Thanksgiving is a good time for your student to take stock of their finances. Whether managing spending, reviewing financial aid, or planning for upcoming expenses, this is an opportunity to develop better financial habits and set up a budget for the rest of the school year.
- Reflect and Set Goals for Next Semester
Encourage your student to use the break to reflect on how the semester has gone so far. What went well, and what areas could use improvement? Setting goals for the next semester—whether boosting grades, joining new activities, or creating better routines—can help them start the spring with a clear focus.
Thanksgiving break offers a valuable chance for your college student to rest, reconnect, and get organized. While they enjoy their time at home, encouraging a balance of relaxation and productivity will help them return to campus ready to tackle the rest of the semester.
About the author:
Eric Bennett is the editor for College Countdown, a website maintained by ScholarShare 529 for families with college-bound kids. Eric has over three decades of experience in higher education managing recruitment and marketing, financial aid, and student development at three universities from Georgia to California to New York City.