As students begin their first semester at UNH Manchester, the support they need from their families and loved ones will evolve.
While this is an exciting time of growth and discovery, it can also be a challenging transition for some students. As students work toward greater independence, they will still rely on your encouragement and guidance in new ways.
This page is designed to help you understand how their needs will change throughout their first semester
WHAT TO EXPECT THROUGHOUT THEIR FIRST SEMESTER & BEYOND
Students may experience:
- Excitement and nervousness about starting or returning to college life.
- Adjusting to a new environment, like moving into the residence hall or their own apartment (if applicable) or navigating the city and campus.
- Setting up new routines—buying supplies, adjusting work schedules, saying goodbye to friends moving away for college.
- Anticipation of social opportunities and potential academic challenges.
How loved ones can offer support during this time:
Ask your student:
- Have you set up your UNH accounts?
- Are you checking your UNH email?
- What classes are you taking?
- Which class are you the most excited about?
- Are you feeling nervous about any of these courses?
- How are you feeling about the first week of classes?
- Is there anything I can do to support you as your being your classes?
Students may experience:
- Adjusting to a new schedule and understanding course expectations.
- Feeling overwhelmed by new information, including syllabi, deadlines, and logistics.
- Meeting new people—classmates, professors, and campus staff.
- Figuring out balance between academics, social life, and personal care.
How loved ones can offer support during this time:
Recognize that your student’s routines and habits may adjust to their class schedule. They may only have classes a few days a week or be on campus each day, maybe all their classes are in the afternoon and they’re home in the morning. Consider how their schedule will impact your family’s routines and have a conversation about it.
Ask your student:
- How do you feel about your classes so far? Are they what you expected?
- When is the deadline for add/drop? Are you considering changing your schedule at all?
Have you explored the syllabus for each class? Are there any assignments or deadlines coming up soon?
Students may experience:
- Settling into routines while juggling coursework and activities.
- Discovering challenges in certain classes or adjusting to the workload.
- Building friendships and navigating social circles
How loved ones can offer support during this time:
As your student settles into their new routine, they may love the flexibility and new opportunities college presents them with or they may start to miss “how it was before” or friends who moved away to college.
Ask your student:
- How do you feel the first few weeks of the semester went?
- What class is the most interesting so far?
- What are the differences you’re noticing between high school and college?
- How have you gotten involved on campus or made any new friends?
- Do you know where to go if you need help, like tutoring, advising, or mental health counseling?
- Are you staying on top of deadlines? Do you feel organized?
How is your sleep? Are you getting enough rest and do you feel like your workload is balanced?
Students may experience:
- Increased stress as mid-term deadlines and exams approach.
- Evaluating academic performance and possibly seeking help or resources.
- Refining time management skills to handle competing priorities (both academically and socially).
How loved ones can offer support during this time:
Your student is about halfway through their first semester at UNH! While they may feel more self-assured, their classes are most likely ramping up. With midterms around the corner, it can be a stressful time. Students may begin to recognize what areas they need additional support in.
Ask your student:
- Midterms must be coming up soon, do you have any exams or big projects coming up?
- Can you tell me what you’re learning about? I thought _________ class sounded really interesting when you mentioned it before.
- When is registration for the upcoming semester? Have you scheduled an appointment with your advisor to select classes?
Have you attended faculty office hours?
Students may experience:
- Reflecting on progress and unfinished goals.
- Potential burnout symptoms, such as fatigue, procrastination, or lack of motivation.
- Gearing up for registration for next semester’s classes, which can bring both excitement and stress.
- Planning for breaks or upcoming holidays, which can provide something to look forward to.
How loved ones can offer support during this time:
This is a busy time for your student! They’re close to the finish line, but there’s a lot of work to be done as the semester winds down. It’s important for your student to prioritize rest, proper nutrition, and hobbies they enjoy in order to manage their stress and remain healthy.
Ask your student:
- You’re getting close to the end of the semester, how are things going?
- What classes have you enjoyed the most?
- I can’t believe finals are around the corner, how are you feeling about the semester ending soon?
- Is there anything I can do to support you as you wrap up the semester?
Are you registered for the upcoming semester? What classes did you choose?
Students may experience:
- High levels of stress and anxiety about performing well.
- Intense focus on studying, often at the expense of sleep or self-care.
- Feeling isolated as social activities may take a backseat to academics.
How loved ones can offer support during this time:
It’s finals time! Even for the most prepared students, final exams and projects can cause a lot of stress. Be mindful that your student has a lot of academic responsibility at this time and may feel overwhelmed. Remind your student that it’s important to plan ahead and have a strategy for getting their tasks accomplished. Encourage them to use campus resources and attend Frazzle Free Finals events.
Ask your student:
- How are you feeling about your finals? Do you feel ready?
- Which exams or projects are you most confident about? Which ones are you most worried about?
- Are there any resources offered to help you prepare, like tutoring sessions or study groups with your classmates?
- What are you doing to prepare? Are you making time for yourself as well?
Students may experience:
- Relief and exhaustion after completing a demanding period.
- Reflection on successes and areas for improvement during the semester.
- Enjoying downtime and reconnecting with family and friends.
- Setting goals or intentions for the next semester or break period.
How loved ones can offer support during this time:
Celebrate all that your student has accomplished! Make time to acknowledge your student’s first semester at UNH by doing something special for them. Consider making their favorite meal, getting them a card and writing a thoughtful message, or simply saying “I’m proud of you”.
Ask your student:
- How do you plan to celebrate/treat yourself for your hard work now that finals are over?
- When will you know your final grades? Are there any outcomes you are especially hoping for? Are there any outcomes you’re nervous about?
What are you looking forward to during the break? Any plans to relax or recharge?