Family moving out

Heading home at the end of a long semester can sometimes bring us much-needed relief, but it can also be a source of stress and anxiety. 

If you’re planning to spend the summer at home, here are some tips to help you make a smooth transition.  

1. Set boundaries 

If you’re planning to stay with your family over the summer, it can be helpful to set clear boundaries and expectations with them up front.  

Take some time to talk with your family about expectations while you’re at home. Keep in mind that your family’s expectations may differ from your own. For instance, you may be expected to follow a curfew, help with chores or take on additional responsibilities. Talking through expectations can help you and your family avoid unwanted conflict. 

It’s also important to maintain open communication with your family members. You probably haven’t needed to update anyone about your plans while at college, but you may need to be more mindful at home. For instance, you may want to let your family members know what your plans are, how long you’ll be around and how much time you expect to spend with them over the summer.  

2. Prepare for tough conversations 

It’s normal to butt heads with your family sometimes, especially as you become more independent as an adult. This summer you may find yourself talking with your family about your grades, major, relationships, substance use, differences in points of view and other potentially difficult topics. If these types of topics come up, it’s best to be prepared in advance. 

Check out these tips to learn how to make the most of tough conversations. 

3. Get into a routine 

It may be difficult to transition to life at home, especially if your responsibilities, routines and schedule change significantly. You can set yourself up for success by implementing daily routines.  

Here are some ways to establish a new routine at home: 

  • Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day 
  • Plan out your days in advance 
  • Identify activities you can do each day (e.g., taking an evening walk, etc.) 
  • Schedule time with friends or family 
  • Make space for alone time 
  • Identify things you would like to do while you’re home and when you’re able to do them 

4. Find healthy ways to cope 

Spending time with family can be as stressful as it is enjoyable, especially over long periods of time. If you’re feeling stressed about being home, it’s important to find healthy ways to cope.  

Here are a few strategies to try: 

  • Have an open conversation with your family about how you’re doing 
  • Ask for support from family or friends 
  • Be open to compromises 
  • Get at least seven to nine hours of sleep each night 
  • Stay physically active 
  • Spend time with people you love and care about outside of your family 
  • Make time for hobbies and activities you enjoy 

5. Connect with resources 

If you’re struggling over the summer, there are resources available to help. Be sure to check out all our Health and Wellness summer services. 

Anxiety Toolbox

Are you feeling anxious about being at home, connecting with friends or life in general? Join Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) for a two-part workshop that provides practical, life-long tools to help you manage and reduce feelings of anxiety.

AcademicLiveCare

All students can access free counseling, psychiatry, nutrition and medical appointments online through AcademicLiveCare. Simply sign up with your CU IdentiKey to get started. 

Office of Victim Assistance (OVA)

OVA provides free and confidential support, consultation, advocacy and short-term trauma counseling to all CU Boulder students and graduate students who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic, disturbing or life-disrupting event. They also offer support for those who are helping a friend, partner, family member or colleague through a traumatic experience.

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