Wellness and Wellbeing

Students arrive at the University with different backgrounds, routines, and support networks. As someone important in your student’s life—whether you're a parent, guardian, extended family member, or close friend—you play a valuable role in their transition to college. Supporting your student’s wellbeing means encouraging balance, building awareness of resources, and helping them take ownership of their health.

How You Can Support Your Student

• Encourage your student to connect with others through student groups, campus jobs, intramural teams, or events related to their major. Remind them that finding community may take time.
• Talk openly about mental and emotional health. If your student sounds isolated or overwhelmed, ask how they’re connecting with others or managing stress.
• Help your student navigate healthcare. Make sure they know what insurance they have, how to use it, and how to access care through Boynton Health.
• Promote a healthy routine: regular sleep, nutritious meals, physical activity, and time to recharge are essential for balance.
• Empower your student to take responsibility for their wellbeing—but also know when to step in and offer help.
• Learn about the student experience, get involved in campus events, and explore University resources so you can guide your student with confidence.

Supporting wellness is a shared effort. When families stay informed and involved, students are more likely to thrive—physically, emotionally, and socially.

Finances and Money Management

Navigating financial responsibilities is a big part of the transition to college—for both students and their families. Whether you're helping with tuition, budgeting advice, or simply offering support, having open conversations and understanding your access to financial records can make a difference. While the University must follow federal privacy laws, students can choose to share important financial and academic information with trusted supporters.

How You Can Support Your Student

• Encourage your student to regularly check their financial account, understand billing timelines, and track expenses.
• Support your student in learning about budgeting, managing credit responsibly, and exploring on-campus jobs or financial aid options.
• Ask your student to grant you Parent/Guest Access system through onestop.umn.edu This step is required before you can view billing details or make payments.
• Remember: under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), students control access to their education records, including grades and financial information.

Talking openly about finances now builds trust, fosters independence, and helps your student develop lifelong money management skills.

Community Support and Safety

The University of Minnesota promotes a culture of care through supportive communities, shared accountability, and personal responsibility. As your student adjusts to campus life, encourage conversations about practical safety measures—like walking home at night, looking out for friends, and keeping personal belongings secure.

Students are encouraged to explore campus safety resources that support their wellbeing, including

• Public Safety: Information about safety services, emergency preparedness, and campus police.
• Safe Campus: Tips, training, and resources that promote personal and community safety.
• 612-624-WALK: A free walking or biking escort service available late at night to help students travel safely across campus.
• SAFE-U: A campus-wide alert system that sends timely notifications about emergencies or safety concerns.

Encouraging your student to use these resources helps reinforce healthy habits and builds confidence in navigating campus life independently.

Academic Support

Students may be caught off guard by their first low grade. Encourage them to reach out to instructors and use resources like office hours. Each academic advising office posts drop-in hours online. Advisors can help with course selection, accessing resources, and building a plan to improve.

Academic resources include:

• Tutoring
• Online academic skills coaching
• Advising
• Tutoring & Academic Success Center

Career Preparation

Students often change majors or career plans. If they feel unsure, suggest a visit to a career center. Career counselors can assist with job and internship prep, interviews, and networking. Mentorship programs also help students explore future career paths. For students considering a major change, refer them to the Center for Academic Planning and Exploration (CAPE).