Supporting your student through finals
Finals mark an important milestone each semester—a time when students are pulling together what they’ve learned and preparing to wrap up the academic year. With full schedules and priorities competing for attention, it’s helpful for students to have simple tools and steady support as they move through these final weeks. Your encouragement can help your student stay grounded, confident and connected to resources that support their well‑being.
Everyday tools and habits that support well‑being
During finals, small, practical strategies combined with healthy daily habits can help students stay grounded and focused. These approaches don’t require extra time or perfection—even brief moments of care can make a difference. Here are some tips to share with your student:
Pause and breathe: Slow, steady breathing can help calm the body during stressful moments. Techniques like box breathing (inhaling, holding and exhaling for a few counts) can help students reset and refocus.
Stay present: Grounding techniques that use the senses (noticing what they can see, hear or feel) can help bring attention back to the present moment when stress feels distracting.
Check basic needs: Stress often feels heavier when students are hungry, tired, lonely or dehydrated. Regular meals, rest, water and connection with others help support both energy and mood.
Move and take breaks: Light movement like walking, stretching or visiting The Rec can help students recharge.
Prioritize rest and connection: Sleep, social time and campus involvement all play an important role in maintaining emotional well‑being, especially during busy weeks.
How families can support their student
Even from a distance, families play an important role. Consider these ways to offer support:
- Listen—sometimes students just need space to talk
- Ask open‑ended questions like “What’s feeling most important right now?”
- Encourage rest and breaks, especially when conversations focus heavily on productivity
- Remind them of available resources if they mention feeling overwhelmed
- Offer reassurance that effort matters more than perfection.
Most of all, staying connected and letting your student know you’re in their corner can provide steady encouragement through finals and beyond.
Campus support and mental health resources
Students don’t have to navigate stress alone. 鶹ѰBoulder offers a range of free and accessible resources:
Counseling & Psychiatric Services (CAPS)
CAPS provides workshops, drop‑in hours, screenings and referrals to support students’ mental health. Free workshops include Anxiety Toolbox, Feel Better Fast and Feel Good Friday meditation sessions at the 鶹ѰArt Museum.
BetterMynd
CAPS has partnered with BetterMynd to offer free, flexible and confidential online counseling for 鶹ѰBoulder students.
Peer Wellness Coaching
Students can meet with trained peer coaches to talk through stress, routines, time management and well‑being goals in a supportive, non‑clinical setting.
Acupuncture (Acudetox)
Free acupuncture sessions are available through CAPS and the Collegiate Recovery Community and may help with stress relief and overall well‑being. Families can also purchase gift certificates for acupuncture sessions through Medical Services.
Encouraging your student to explore these options, and reminding them that seeking support is a sign of strength, can help normalize using campus resources.