6 Ways to Help Your Student Start College with Strong Executive Functioning Skills
Every summer, I hear from parents eager for their student to work with me before college starts. While summer sessions can be valuable, I often explain that executive functioning skills are best learned in the context of real challenges—once classes, schedules, and deadlines are actually in motion.
Executive functioning skills are the brain’s management tools—abilities like planning ahead, staying organized, managing time, initiating tasks, and adapting when things don’t go as planned. For students who struggle in these areas, simply talking about strategies isn’t enough. These skills strengthen when they’re put to the test in real-life situations, where deadlines are firm, schedules conflict, and unexpected obstacles pop up. That’s why the transition into college life—complete with new routines, academic demands, and social opportunities—is the ideal training ground. By encountering and working through these challenges, students have the chance to build resilience and practical problem-solving skills that no summer worksheet can replicate.
Now that the school year is just around the corner, this is the perfect time to help your student take some small but powerful steps that will set them up for success. These aren’t huge, overwhelming tasks—just the kind of practical actions that get the brain warmed up and ready to navigate the independence of college life.
Here’s what I recommend your student do before or during those first few weeks on campus:
1. Get Comfortable with the School’s Website and Apps
Check the student portal. See if class schedules can be synced to Google Calendar.
Download the school’s mobile app. Most schools have these and give quick access to maps, class changes, events, and campus resources.
The more your student can navigate their school’s digital tools now, the less stressful the first week will feel.
2. Review Course Syllabi Early
If professors have posted syllabi online, encourage your student to skim for:
Grading breakdowns
Major assignments and due dates
Late work policies
Required readings and materials
Knowing what’s expected ahead of time builds confidence—and can help avoid last-minute surprises.
3. Make Office Hours a Habit from Day One
Professors want to connect with their students. Encourage your student to:
Attend office hours within the first two weeks
Introduce themselves and share a bit about their background
If relevant, let professors know about learning differences, test anxiety, or other needs—especially if accommodations might be helpful
Early communication shows initiative and makes it easier to ask for help later
4. Go to Class (Even When You Don’t Feel Like It)
Skipping “just one” class can turn into a slippery slope. Regular attendance keeps your student on track and saves hours of make-up work later.
5. Learn What Support Services Exist—And Use Them
Most campuses have resources that students never know about until they’re struggling. Encourage your student to explore:
Tutoring or writing centers
Academic success or resource centers
Workshops on test-taking, note-taking, or study strategies
Using these services isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a smart strategy for thriving.
6. Find Fun, Too
College isn’t just about academics. Joining clubs, intramural sports, or special-interest groups helps students:
Make friends faster
Feel connected to campus life
Manage stress through balance
Bottom line: These small steps at the start of the year can prime your student’s executive functioning skills—planning, time management, self-advocacy—before the semester gets intense. And they’re a lot easier to practice now than to scramble for later.
If your student could use extra guidance as they adjust to college, Bright Minds Coaching offers one-on-one coaching to help them develop strong habits and confidence from the start. Learn more here.