Being a college student is an exciting time in anyone’s life. Filled with hope, dreams, and possibilities for the future, most college students begin their first semesters with enthusiasm. If you love a college student or someone who will be attending college soon and has just begun the application process, there are ways you can support the student’s dreams. If you’re wondering how you can show a college student you care about that you’re behind them as they face the college application process or begin their first semester at the right college for them, read on for a few ideas of unique gifts you can give.
1. Personalized and Sentimental Gifts
Nothing says unique like a personalized gift. One-of-a-kind gifts like personalized tote bags can be exactly what the college student on your list needs to tote notebooks and assignments around campus and even stay organized.
If you aren’t sure where to start when it comes to shopping for the college student on your list, head over to Shutterfly. There, you can make items like shirts, mugs, calendars, and more to show your student you care. If you aren’t sure how to personalize items, consider adding your student’s college name or affiliation to products. A sorority logo, a graduation date, a career goal, and even an inspirational quote would all be great things to add to any design.
2. A Great Head Start
If the student you care about isn’t in school yet but is considering starting the application process soon, one great way to show your support is to gift them with college counseling. A college admissions counselor can help your student with interview prep, the application process, college essays, and improving the odds of getting into a dream school.
The reality is that most students have a better chance of success in higher education if they go in prepared. Whatever you can do to help the student on your list to improve test scores and reduce stress during these exciting but overwhelming times will help for sure.
3. Ongoing Support and Care Packages
Nothing says support like a college care package. Sending the student you love boxes of their favorite foods, technology, notebooks, supplies, and even self-care products can be a great way to show the student you care about their success. Especially for students who’ve just graduated from high school and have never lived away from home before, homesickness can be very real in the first semesters. Sending regular care packages or buying them a subscription box membership can be a great way to show your support.
Many people underestimate the benefits of having a natural support system to call on when times get hard. Even if your only role is to be there to listen when the student’s stressed out by assignments or trouble in the classroom, you can give them the gift of encouragement. Encouraging that student to take breaks, knowing when to call for takeout, or even offering them a chance to travel on breaks can all add up to student success in the long run.
At the end of the day, being as supportive as you can for the college student you care about will help to increase their odds of successfully reaching graduation. While you won’t be able to hand them their dreams and goals directly, showing you care, making it personal, and providing support in the form of goodies or a listening ear are all great ways to be a part of something special. Best of luck to the college student you care about and happy gift-giving to you!