Helping your student develop healthy habits before they arrive on Case Western Reserve University’s campus can support their physical health, emotional well-being and academic success throughout college and beyond. Every student is different, and there is no single formula for creating a healthy lifestyle. Encouraging self-awareness, flexibility and balance can help students build routines that work for them.
Nutrition
College students are often balancing busy schedules, limited budgets and new responsibilities, which can make nutrition a challenge. Before they leave home, help your student learn simple strategies for nourishing themselves—whether that means preparing easy meals, keeping convenient snacks on hand or navigating the dining halls with confidence.
Encourage your student to pay attention to how food and hydration affect their energy, focus and mood. Some students thrive with regular meal routines, while others may need reminders or systems that help them remember to eat and drink throughout the day. Building sustainable habits is more important than striving for perfection.
Sleep
Sleep is one of the most important factors in supporting learning, physical health and emotional well-being. However, college schedules, academic demands and social opportunities can make healthy sleep habits difficult to maintain.
Encourage your student to develop routines that support rest and recovery. While many students benefit from aiming for seven to nine hours of sleep each night, finding consistent patterns and creating a comfortable bedtime routine can be just as important. Students often tell us that "doom scrolling" or losing track of time on their phones keeps them awake longer than they intended. Finding strategies that help them unwind and transition to sleep can make a meaningful difference.
Physical activity
Movement can help students manage stress, improve mood and support overall health. Encourage your student to find forms of physical activity they genuinely enjoy, whether that is walking, swimming, dancing, strength training, yoga or participating in recreational sports.
At Case Western Reserve, students have access to fitness facilities, intramural sports and group fitness opportunities. Physical activity does not have to involve a structured workout. Small routines—such as stretching in the morning, taking walks between classes or spending time outdoors—can have a positive impact.
Mental and emotional well-being
Adjusting to college can be exciting, challenging and emotionally complex. Building healthy coping strategies and fostering open conversations about emotional well-being are just as important as supporting physical health.
Before move-in day, talk with your student about how they are feeling and what types of support have helped them in the past. Encourage them to identify strategies that work for them, such as journaling, mindfulness, creative activities, exercise or connecting with trusted friends, family members, mentors or counselors.
Students who are first in their families to attend college, students who are neurodivergent and students from many different backgrounds experience the transition to college in unique ways. Establishing routines, creating sensory-friendly spaces, using reminders and planners, and asking for support when needed are all valuable tools. Remind your student that seeking help is a sign of self-awareness and strength, not weakness.
Case Western Reserve offers many resources to support student well-being, including University Health and Counseling Services. Students do not need to wait until they are struggling to access support. Reaching out early and often can help them build healthy habits and thrive throughout their college experience.