Helping Our College-Bound Students Thrive: Guidance from a Parent and Pediatrician

Many years ago, when the first high school graduates from our close friend group prepared to enter college, we started a tradition: a send-off celebration that always ended with “last words of wisdom” from the parents. By chance, all of us had attended the same college, and we shared a fondness for those years of growth and discovery.

The advice we gave ranged from dividing chores between roommates to joining clubs, attending performances, and soaking in every bit of what college life offers. And, without fail, someone would always remind the students to take care of their health and get enough sleep—a piece of wisdom that drew nods all around.

My own children are now well along their college journeys—my son graduated in May, and my daughter is a junior. Looking back, I can see how the focus we placed on health, nutrition, and well-being throughout their lives helped them thrive in this new chapter. Teachers, pediatricians, and family friends all played a role in preparing them for the independence and challenges of college life.

But not every young adult has that same “village.” And it made me wonder: is there more that pediatricians and families can do to fill in the gaps before the big send-off?

Pediatricians have long provided anticipatory guidance—the practice of preparing children and parents for each new stage of development. From birth through adolescence, this guidance helps families anticipate what’s next and make informed choices about health and behavior.

When it comes to college, some of these conversations already happen in routine visits, but the depth can vary. Drs. Sidhu and Adesman addressed this gap in their review paper, “Leaving the Nest: Anticipatory Guidance for the College-Bound Youth.” They suggest discussing topics such as:

• Academic and residential life

• Social activities beyond academics

• Alcohol and drug use

• Romantic relationships and sexual activity

• Wellness and nutrition

As someone who has worked in pediatric diabetes care, I would also add one more topic for those who also need to balance chronic disease: the transition from pediatric to adult care. Learning to handle medical appointments, prescriptions, and emergencies independently is a major milestone for students with ongoing health needs.  Unplanned transitions can result in worsening control and an increase in acute complications.

So what might a “college readiness” visit or conversation look like?  The topics outlined above perfectly align with the six pillars of lifestyle medicine—sleep, nutrition, physical activity, social connection, stress management, and avoiding risky substances.  And a defined framework can make these conversations more effective.  Here is an example of the types of conversations included in a college anticipatory guidance visit:

Nutrition and Physical Health

• Aim for a whole-food, plant-forward diet that supports gut health and energy levels.

• Find ways to stay active every day—walk to class, use campus fitness centers, or try

group activities.

• Prioritize sleep. Rest is directly linked to learning, mood, and resilience.

Stress and Emotional Well-Being

• Recognize that college transitions are stressful for everyone. Be aware of healthy coping

strategies such as mindfulness, journaling, or calling home.

• Know where campus counseling services are located before you need them.

• Prepare in advance how to navigate situations involving alcohol, drugs, or peer pressure

safely and thoughtfully.

Managing Health Responsibilities

• For those with chronic conditions, make a plan for medication refills, doctor’s visits, and

what to do in an emergency.

• Review the necessary skill sets for independence.

• Keep an updated list of medical contacts and insurance information.

  
  

Academic and Campus Life

• Consider starting with a balanced class load in the first semester to allow time for

adjustment.

• Attend class regularly and use resources like office hours, tutoring, and study groups.

• Meet your professors—it helps when you need help at office hours, or when seeking research

opportunities or recommendation letters later.

• Choose classes that match your natural rhythms (a night owl might not thrive in an 8 AM

class).

• Surround yourself with peers who value learning—it helps keep motivation strong.

Roommates and Social Connections

• Think about how best to communicate hard conversations with roommates and divide

chores early on.

• Be honest on roommate questionnaires—it helps find compatible living arrangements.

• Be aware that not every roommate will become a best friend, and that’s okay. Sometimes, learning to live with differences is part of the growth.

Exploration and Growth

• College is also a place to explore—new ideas, hobbies, and communities. Be excited to attend

guest lectures, concerts, or campus events. These experiences can enrich your education and

foster lifelong interests.

Final Thoughts

Many students already have strengths in many of these areas, and that’s worth celebrating.

The goal isn’t to lecture or overwhelm them but to tailor the conversation to their needs, focusing on

their questions, worries, and hopes.

The college send-off tradition reminds me that wisdom doesn’t always come from grand speeches—it often comes from small, steady lessons about taking care of ourselves and others.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or healthcare provider, helping students enter college with a foundation in self-care, balance, and confidence may be the most meaningful gift we can offer

as they begin this new adventure.

Y. Annie Wang, MD

Endocrine Lifestyle Pediatrics, PLLC

Phone (501) 291-0366

Online endolifestylemd.com

At Endocrine Lifestyle Pediatrics, our focus is simple: helping young people grow into healthy,

confident adults. By combining the science of lifestyle medicine with expertise in pediatric

chronic disease, we aim to provide tools that support well-being across every stage of

growth—especially during life’s transitions. If you are looking for a college readiness visit and/or

a chronic disease transition visit, contact us through our website: endolifestylemd.com, or

call/text: (501) 291-0366.