Family Resource: Healthy Conversation Starters
When checking in with your student, the idea is to encourage conversation, help them reflect, and make them feel understoodânot interrogated. Here are some of our favorite questions:
What surprised you the most about college/the semester so far?
This lets them talk about expectations vs. reality without feeling judged.
Which classes or professors are you enjoying most?
It helps them focus on positive experiences and can spark deeper academic conversations.
Whatâs one thing youâve learned (about anything) since the semester started?
This question values all learning, both inside and outside the classroom.
Whatâs your experience been socially? Have you met anyone interesting?
Social connections are major! This question opens the door for them to share.
Whatâs been the hardest thing youâve had to manage so far?
Itâs okay to name the hard stuffâthis shows youâre ready to listen.
Is there anything you feel really proud of from these first few days/weeks/months?
It helps them reflect on their strengths and successes, big or small.
Are you finding enough support when you need it?
It gently checks in on their awareness and use of campus resources, without assuming theyâre struggling.
What does a typical day look like for you right now?
This question gives them a chance to talk through their routines and daily life.
Most importantly, ask these questions with genuine curiosity, not as a checklist or quiz. The objective is to create a safe space for sharing, not to add pressure. And donât worry if you donât get long answersâsometimes just knowing someone cares enough to ask is the real support.
