Hello Temple Families! The semester is winding down, and a new season is just around the corner. Whether your student is heading home for the summer, stepping into their first post-grad chapter, or settling into a new routine, even the welcome transitions can bring up a lot of emotions. In this newsletter, the WRC shares tips to help you support your students' well-being as they navigate what comes next.
Who We Are: The Wellness Resource Center is Temple University's health promotion office. We strive to support members of the campus community in exploring wellness and creating a life that aligns with their values. We offer intentional learning opportunities to promote exploration and meaningful connections.
Showing Up for Your Student
The shift from a busy semester to an open-ended summer schedule can be disorienting for students. The structure of classes, campus life, and a built-in social community does not always transfer neatly back home, and that adjustment is something many students find harder than expected. The Jed Foundation, in partnership with the University of Massachusetts Medical School, found that the college-to-career transition presents real emotional challenges for young adults, and that having intentional support systems in place makes a meaningful difference. Remember: You do not need to have all the answers to be a meaningful support! Below are some tips for showing up for your student during this time:
- Be authentic. Conversations around mental health and stress can feel awkward, especially if they are new to your relationship. Be open and honest with your student. Let them know that even if you do not say all the right things, you are present and want to understand what they are going through. “Change is hard for everyone and it’s important to find your path – I'm here to share what I’ve learned and am here to listen.”
- Ask open-ended questions. Rather than jumping to solutions, create space for your student to express themselves. Questions like "I remember it being a bit stressful when I [moved home, changed my routine, ...], how are you really feeling about being home?" can open up conversations that a simple yes or no question never would.
- Make a plan together. If your student seems stressed or unsettled, work with them to identify what might help. Avoid focusing on the right answer right away. Sometimes a fresh perspective from someone who loves them is all they need to start finding their own footing.
- Share resources. Remind your student that Temple's support services do not end when the semester does. Encourage them to use what is available.
For more guidance on supporting your student through this transition, visit the JED Foundation's College to Career resource page.
Hear from the Owls Themselves
Sometimes the most helpful voices are the ones who have been there. We asked a few of our WRC peer educators to share what has helped them make the transition from campus back home and here is what they had to say:
"Spend some time unpacking and organizing. A messy room = a messy mind. Bond with your hometown friends and family. Being away for college is hard; imposter syndrome is real, so reconnect! Walk around your neighborhood and appreciate the differences between home and your home at college. The little things are what makes it worth it." -- Althea Anonuevo, WRC Peer Education Program Assistant
"The main struggle I have when transitioning home after the school year is the amount of free time in a day. During the school year I am used to having a set schedule, so I try to create a modified version that keeps me on track but also prioritizes relaxation and wellness. I also found it really helpful to set goals, whether daily or weekly, to stay active and motivated. And I make sure to fill my time with hobbies, specifically ones I do not get to do as much during the school year." -- Trinity Wallace, WRC Operations Assistant
Althea and Trinity's reflections are a good reminder that there is no single right way to settle back in. Whether it is through reconnecting with people you love, rebuilding a routine, or simply giving yourself permission to rest, the transition home is its own kind of practice in self-care.
Campus Resources:
- The Student Success Center is a comprehensive “one-stop-shop" academic support center serving graduate and undergraduate students at Temple University. This center offers Academic Coaching, a Writing Center, Peer Assisted Study Sessions and much more!
- Disability Resources and Services works to educate the Temple community on disability, inclusion, and accessibility and to empower students to become self-aware advocates. Students can access their services to receive accommodations for academics, accessible housing, communication and more.
- The Dean of Students office works to engage, develop, and retain Temple students. The office provides holistic support and advocacy to equip students to thrive at Temple.
- The Wellness Resource Center promotes wellness and connectedness through programming, workshops, and community events. Students can also explore on-demand content on the WRC's YouTube channel all summer long.
- Tuttleman Counseling Services is Temple’s counseling center. This office provides culturally sensitive mental health services that support the psychological health of the diverse community of Temple students and thereby their academic success. Tuttleman offers a range of services for students like Let’s Talk drop-in sessions, group sessions, and free online mental health resources.
- Welltrack Boost is a self-guided, clinically supported, set of digital tools and resources used to assess and understand behavioral health. The service allows folks to track their mood, deal with stress and anxiety, connect with resources, and much more! Temple Students can access the app using their temple.edu email address.
- Togetherall is a free, safe, and anonymous online community with trained mental health professionals. The service is available 24/7, 365 days a year to support folks through whatever they’re going through. Temple students can register for the service using their @temple.edu email address.
Stay Connected:
Stay connected and learn more about upcoming opportunities for your student by following @BeWellTU on Instagram, TikTok, X (Twitter), and Facebook.
Email: TUWellness@temple.edu
Linktree: @BeWellTU | Linktree
Website: wellness.temple.edu
Be Well! ♡
