Sending Support For Finals Week

It’s amazing how quickly the semester flew by.  It seems like we were moving our Sooner to Norman just yesterday. Now, the semester is almost over, and most of our kids will be coming home for the holidays in a few short weeks. But before they head back they have to power through one of the most stressful time of the semester – final exams.  

Even though this time of the year can be challenging for students, it gives us the opportunity to cheer them on from afar. A little encouragement can go a long way as students prep for the scholastic marathon of finals week. Since a lot us can’t physically be with our students during this time, here are 6 ways to send your love and support during finals week!

Send a Hand-Written Letter

The hand-written letter. An increasingly rare and thoughtful gesture. Writing your student a letter is an awesome way to send encouragement from afar! More involved than a text, a note of encouragement in their mailbox goes a long way. I remember the warm feeling of getting a note from home. In an increasingly digital age, it’s nice to have a physical letter to hold onto. It can be a great way to brighten up a student’s day after a study marathon, making that stamp far more valuable than the price on the front.

Stock Their Pantry

Have you ever hear of Amazon Prime Pantry? They’re tons of fun.  Amazon will ship a box of  assorted pantry items for a flat $5.99 shipping fee.  I have sent sodas, cookies, pop tarts, and any other non-perishable you can think of to my daughter this semester using Prime Pantry.  It is a fun surprise for her to get a notification she has a package waiting.  The only caution here is how heavy and big your box gets compared to how far your student will have to drag it back to their room.  Picking up a box in Headington isn’t too bad, but double check how it will work out for students in the Towers before you fill a box with heavy sodas.

Send Beautiful Tasty Treats

Edible Arrangements are a very yummy idea. For those of you that don’t know, Edible Arrangements are bouquets of fresh fruit arranged to look like flowers. As aesthetically pleasing as they are delicious, these are an awesome way to treat your Sooner. There are a just a few things to keep in mind when ordering. First, you want to make sure your student will be around at the time of delivery or be available to pick it up. Since it’s made of fresh fruit, you don’t want it sitting out very long. You’ll also want to consider the size of the arrangement. Some of the bigger ones may not fit in a dorm fridge or a shared kitchen space. With those few things in mind, it’s a great and yummy gift.

Check out Campus Care Packages

The University of Oklahoma Bookstore and other organizations offer care packages through a third party – On Campus Marketing (OCM).  While I can’t speak to the quality of these packages, promotions via OCM are generally fundraisers for organizations.  So you can support a cause and let your student know you are thinking of them. If that’s not a care package win, I don’t know what is.

Shop Local Favorites

Flowers, Cookies and Gifts are available for delivery from a variety of local sources. Betty Lou’s Flowers has a web page dedicated to OU GiftsCampus Corner businesses are another great option. From Sooner gear to cute boutiques and coffee shops, there’s something for everyone on campus corner. I am sure a few them deliver as well.

Get Creative!

You can do it yourself!  And if you need a little inspiration, Pinterest can help you out.  There are really great ideas out there from parents just like you. I went this route and wrapped care package items for my daughter and her roommate in holiday packaging.  My daughter wanted help with holiday decorations for her dorm room, and it occurred to me that wrapped care package items would serve a dual purpose. Now they have holiday decor and care packages to brighten up their days as they head into finals.

At the end of the day, it really is the thought that counts. Whether you send a letter or an elaborate package, the end result will be that our students know we are thinking of them and believe in them. Be sure to add any ideas you may have or share a good experience in the comments.  I will also post any coupons or cyber deals I come across down in the comments. I wish you and your students the best of luck in your finals week endeavors–whatever they may be!

 

 

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