麻豆传媒

What they may be experiencing

How you can help

September

• Campus is vibrant and energized with activities 
• Some culture shock and experiencing many "firsts"
• Exposure to diverse backgrounds and cultures - questioning values and beliefs, discovering interests
• Discovering newfound freedom, making new friends and testing limits
• Information overload - plenty to process in a short period of time
• Financial pressure as tuition, books, university events, and social events add up

• Offer support, but don't "crowd" them with too many calls or texts - agree on a good time to call
• Maintain open lines of communication and offer non-judgmental listening
• Encourage them to explore the campus and community
• Direct them to dal.ca/moneymatters for budgeting tips
• Learn about funding sources available to your student and encourage them to apply
• Encourage them to look for a part-time job using 

October

• Beginning to establish a new schedule 
• Developing new time management habits
• The "fun" of starting a new adventure begins to wear off 
• Possible anxiety over first set of mid-term exams
• Thanksgiving break - excitement and nervousness about returning home
• Relationship issues, particularly with pre-university relationships
• Potential roommate conflicts
• Self-questioning - do I really belong here?

• This is a great time to send a care package - they'll appreciate the "pick-me-up" in the middle of mid-terms
• Be understanding if they encounter academic difficulties 
• Encourage them to visit their professor and/or teaching assistant during their office hours
• Don't try to solve their problems for them. Brainstorm options together, break large problems down into manageable issues, and refer students to resources on campus (see below) for more assistance - empower your student to take control
• Encourage them to get involved in campus life

November

• Starting to receive midterm marks & second round of mid-term exams
• Realization that previous study skills/habits may no longer be as effective
• Possible stress of multiple term paper and project due dates
• Potential for bad habits to develop (procrastination and working all night)
• Starting to plan for upcoming exams
• Financial stress as money could be running low

• Understand that they're busy and may not always have time to call, text, or email
• Remind them that there are academic resources (see below) to help them with exam stress and procrastination 
• Encourage them to seek out health & wellness resources to relieve stress
• Help arrange plans for the holidays

December

• Experiencing final exams for the first time
• Shorter days - less outdoor exercise and sunlight
• Possible anxiety about returning home for the holiday break
• Possible loneliness for students unable to go home for the holidays

• When they're at home over the holidays, give them plenty of breathing room. Respect that they're been very independent over the last few months
• If they have friends who will be alone for the holidays, consider inviting them to spend some time with your family
• Encourage them to reflect on their first academic term - did they meet their goals? 

January

• Start of another new semester, with many of the same feelings as September
• Renewed homesickness after being at home for the holiday break
• Potential difficulty getting back into the "routine" after being home 
• Receiving first-term grades
• Changing courses, majors, or even programs

• Encourage them to check in with their academic advisor
• Be aware that asking them about grades may cause a great deal of stress - if stress continues suggest seeking out health & wellness resources
• Alleviate homesickness - encourage your student to call home and connect with family and friends
• Encourage your student to get involved in campus life

February

• Study break, which includes decision-making regarding "studying" vs. "fun" 
• Mid-terms and papers due
• Residence re-application or apartment hunting for summer/next year
• Considering major(s) and minor(s)
• Winter weather and cloudy days affecting personal wellness

• Encourage them to meet with an academic advisor to discuss their options and plan for next year
• Encourage them to make the most of their study break by focusing on studying or increasing their involvement in the community
• Encourage them to get some  and have a balanced diet 

March

• Academic pressure is high
• Mid-terms and preparations for final exams
• Experience with "winter blues"
• Making summer plans (courses, work, other)

• Understand that they're very busy at this time of year - try not to make too many demands on their time
• Remind them that their co-curricular record can help with putting their best foot forward to their job search
• Encourage them to look for a summer job using 

April

• Final exams!
• Concern around fitting in with family after a long period of independence
• Thinking about their academic future
• Possible financial stress and/or anxiety over summer jobs

• Congratulate them on completing their first year at 麻豆传媒!
• Remind them that they have access to university resources (see below) over the summer