Students are overwhelmed. They’re feeling like they’re barely making it. Time management is difficult during a pandemic. Although the current number of COVID cases looks encouraging, your freshman is still under the pressure of attending college during a pandemic.

This virus has majorly disrupted their life, and they just want it to be better. While we all share this desire, the rigor of college still faces your freshman. Neither you nor your freshman can make that go away.

As a college instructor, I’ve noticed that regular time management struggles have only been magnified during this unusual time. My students who’d normally be able to get by with less organization are now constantly turning in work late or not at all. I sympathize with these students, but I also realize this time is an opportunity to fix bad habits.

If your freshman were to come talk to me about their time management struggles, here are three things I would tell them: 

Time Management Tip #1: Under-commit.

Not every college freshman is an overachiever, but many ambitious college freshmen are. They think they can juggle the same load during their first year of college that they did in high school. This optimistic plan is a bit naive, because college requires more of your child.

For example, let me describe a hypothetical student to you…

Reuben earned a 3.8 in high school. He also started on his high school basketball team. His responsibilities extended into his community too. Each summer he volunteered at summer school programs, tutoring struggling elementary school students. 

When Reuben first started at college, he enthusiastically committed to several extracurriculars like he did in high school. The difference now is Reuben lives in the dorms, he’s had to form an entirely new social group, he’s rarely sitting still yet he’s constantly having to pull all-nighters to complete his homework on time. Reuben’s grades are lower than in high school, and he has no idea why.

A student like the one described above is overcommitted and would benefit from first figuring out college classes before adding other things. While your child might be incredibly capable and driven, these qualities alone won’t carry them through the first year. They need time to conquer the basics before adding on more. 

To a high achieving student, “under-commit” can sound like retreat or failure. Instead try to frame committing to less in these two ways:

• Do less well: For high-achieving students, excelling is important. Try to explain how doing more actually holds your child back from doing their best. 

• Delay yeses: Your child may be able to add that extracurricular or opportunity later, but their first year of college might not be the right time (especially when they’re in a pandemic). This doesn’t mean they have to give a final no but instead give a “maybe next semester.”

Time Management Tip #2: Take initiative.

Faculty and college staff can be intimidating to an 18-year old. Their experience, personality, and demeanor might not always encourage students to contact them, but teachers typically like teaching. (I don’t know anyone who goes into education for the pay or other perks.) In other words, they like helping students—your freshman included.

If your freshman is struggling, feeling buried in work, or simply discouraged, they need to take initiative and get some help. You shouldn’t contact teachers for them, because they need to learn how to advocate for themselves.

So who should you encourage your freshman to contact if they’re struggling?

• College professors and instructors: This seems obvious, but I think sometimes students think contacting teachers is a last resort. If a student tries to get help from classmates without any success over and over, that student will probably have the same results over and over. While talking to a classmate is a good first stop, if your child can’t find the answer they then should contact the teacher.

• Academic advisors or first-year advisors: Many colleges provide a first-year advisor to college freshmen. These individuals are experts in assisting struggling freshmen. If your freshman doesn’t have a first-year advisor, they should contact their academic advisor. These individuals help students all the time and can help them connect with the right people.

• Academic centers/resources: Most schools provide writing centers or tutoring centers on campus. Much that these centers provide are included with your child’s tuition costs. They should take advantage of the help these resources provide.

• Student life staff members: Counseling, advising, and more are provided for your freshman. If your freshman is struggling emotionally, physically, or spiritually, these staff members are equipped to help your child. 

Time Management Tip #3: Celebrate small wins.

Small victories count. Celebrating these successes will help provide positive motivation and momentum for the remainder of the semester. While not every small thing can be rewarded with a grande frappuccino, there are simple ways your freshman can reward themself for their hard work.

So how can you help encourage celebrating small wins? Here are 3 simple ways to help your freshman reward themself for a small victory: 

• Send $5 gift cards: You can’t always send home-baked goods or hand-written cards, but emailing a gift card can enable your freshman to celebrate. 

• Send care package: Care packages are a great way to communicate your encouragement or care to your freshman. If you haven’t sent one yet, consider sending a small one your freshman’s way. (I’ve written a post about this before, see this post for care package ideas.)

• Send a text: A short text that requires no response can be the boost your freshman needs. Your text can help your freshman see their hard work doesn’t escape your notice. (I’ve also written a post about this before, see this post for meaningful messages you can text.)

Your freshman needs to replace their bad time management habits. You can’t change your freshman’s habits for them, but you can encourage them to take steps in the right direction. Using time well is a skill, and your freshman can grow and improve even during a pandemic.