Helping Your Student Survive the End of the Semester

From finals to holiday gift giving and travel, the end of the year leaves many students feeling time-strapped and frazzled. What are some ways you can support your student through end of the semester?

Know What to Expect

According to the HSU Student Health Center, student stress levels typically rise in December. For an idea of what to expect, take a look at the following list of stressors, common to college students at the end of the year.

Typical December stressors:

• Extracurricular activities – seasonal parties, concerts, social service projects and religious activities drain student energy.
• Anxiety, fear and guilt rise as finals approach and papers are due, which can sometimes lead to increased use of drugs and alcohol.
• Financial strain due to holiday gifts and travel.
• Increased pressure to be social due to approaching vacation and extended separation.
• Tension with friends increases due to finals.

Show You Care

A great way to support your student during this time? Make them feel special. One way to do that is with a quick text message or phone call letting them know you care.

Another option? Mail them a care package filled with all the goodies you know they love. Need suggestions? We’re here to help. The Humboldt State Alumni Office has teamed up with From-Mom.com to deliver care packages directly to HSU students, just in time for finals. For a limited time, the alumni office is also selling Centennial “brag packs.” More info at alumni.humboldt.edu.

Take the Stress out of Holiday Travel with Zimride

If your student hasn’t figured out his or her holiday travel plans yet, don’t fret. Zimride is an online carpooling service that connects drivers and passengers for short commutes or long road-trips. Students sign in to the network using their HSU user ID or Facebook account, then are matched with other drivers and passengers depending on their start and end points, anticipated dates of travel and how much they are willing to contribute for fuel and other costs associated with the trip.