Healthy Buffs

How to improve your social feeds

Kyra Raye Loch — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 16:08:15 +0000

How to improve your social feeds Kyra Raye Loch Mon, 08/11/2025 - 10:08

Social media can be a fantastic tool for staying connected with classmates and friends from your hometown. It’s also useful for discovering campus events, sharing your experiences and celebrating your achievements throughout the year. At the same time, social media can also have a negative influence on our well-being. Being mindful of how we engage online gives us the power to create healthier habits and build a more supportive digital environment.

To make the most of your social feeds this semester, check out these tips for creating a positive and meaningful online experience.

Audit your accounts

Do you know how many accounts you have online? Once you start looking at all of your social accounts, you may realize you have more than you thought. Social media is built into many of our favorite apps: Instagram, Snapchat, Reddit, TikTok—the list goes on.

Take a moment to look at what kinds of social media accounts you have and reflect on how you use them. Ask yourself:

What do I do while I’m on this app?

Does it bring me joy, laughter, stress, anger?

Does it add value to my life? How?

Am I making meaningful connections here?

How much time am I spending on social media? Does it feel like too much, too little or about right?

If it's not feeling quite right, here are some things to try:

Hit unfollow

Who do you follow on social? Whether your feed is full of close friends and family or celebrities and meme accounts, it’s important to know who you’re following and why.

Look at the other accounts you follow and ask yourself:

Am I seeing posts that make me feel unhappy or put me in a bad mood regularly?

Does this account make me feel like I need to be someone I’m not?

Am I comparing my life, body or success with others?

What percent of people that I'm following are vetted experts in their fields vs. social influencers without expertise?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, it may be time to unfollow. If you’re worried about unfollowing an account altogether, try muting or hiding them from your feed instead. Hiding negative content from your view can help you feel a sense of relief and will free up space for accounts that support your well-being.

Pause before you post

Funny memes or group photos from your night out might seem like fun content to post but consider the bigger picture. Many internship coordinators, potential employers and even grad schools check applicants’ social media—and they often dig deeper than you might expect. Even group accounts or "finstas” that aren’t obviously tied to your real name can sometimes be traced back to you and could affect opportunities down the line.

Before you post, ask yourself:

Could sharing this help or hurt me if a professor, employer or future roommate saw it?

How might this affect the other people tagged or pictured?

Does this break any campus policies, student codes of conduct or local laws?

If you’re unsure about the answers, it’s safer to skip posting. You’ll still have the memory, but you won’t risk your reputation or future opportunities.

Take a break

If you notice you’re scrolling social media all day, it might be time to give yourself a breather. Taking breaks from your feed can help you refocus and reconnect with campus life. Try making certain places—like your bed, your study spot, the library or classrooms—phone-free zones. Leaving your phone out of reach before bed, or during class or study sessions, can actually help you get better sleep, boost your focus and help your grades. Hanging out with friends in person is also a great way to unplug and enjoy the moment together. College is full of opportunities to connect—sometimes stepping away from your feed is the best way to make the most of them.

If you need extra help unplugging, try these tips:

Move social apps off of your home screen. Having an extra step can reduce the urge to open the app as soon as you get on your phone.

If an app doesn’t spark joy for you, consider deleting it.

Set a timer for 20-30 minutes while you’re studying or working on a project. Avoid using your phone until the timer goes off.

Use “do not disturb” mode. Silencing notifications can help you stay focused during the day and improve your sleep at night.

Review your phone for timer settings to limit how much time you spend on certain apps.

Social media can be a place where you find connection, gain insights and learn new skills. If you find that your social platforms are missing the mark, consider getting rid of them or using them less frequently. If you're unsure about deleting an account, see if you can deactivate it instead. This will temporarily remove your profile from the site without losing your account entirely. If you find that you miss it, you can always re-activate it later on.

Find support

As a new academic year begins, students can take advantage of Peer Wellness Coaching— a free service designed to help you set and achieve your personal wellness goals.

Peer wellness coaches are fellow students trained to offer support, encouragement and practical strategies for managing stress, improving self-care and making positive lifestyle changes. Whether you're looking to create healthier habits, find balance or simply need someone to talk through your goals with, Peer Wellness Coaching provides a welcoming space to focus on your well-being.

For students seeking support in managing or overcoming addiction to digital environments, the Collegiate Recovery Community offers a welcoming space and resources tailored to help you build healthier habits and connect with campus life.

If you’re struggling or having a difficult time coping with anxiety, depression or stress, Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) is here to help. They offer free screening appointments for all undergrad and graduate students. Screening appointments are used to develop personalized plans, which can include therapy groups, workshops, community providers, short-term individual therapy and psychiatry or a combination of these services.

For more tips, check out resources from the Center for Digital Thriving.

To make the most of your social feeds this semester, check out these tips for creating a positive and meaningful online experience.

Traditional

White

Find your people: Tips for meaningful connections

Kyra Raye Loch — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 18:25:22 +0000

Find your people: Tips for meaningful connections Kyra Raye Loch Fri, 08/08/2025 - 12:25

Listen to this article

Building new friendships in college can feel exciting and full of possibility. Remember, you’re surrounded by fellow Buffs who are also eager to connect, make friends and share experiences. Embrace this unique chapter—exploring campus life, joining clubs and trying new things can all open the door to meaningful connections. Check out these tips to discover ways to build supportive relationships and make the most of your college experience.

1. Ease your expectations

When looking for new friends, remember that each person you meet offers something different. Whether it’s a study buddy, an adventure partner or a good listener, having a diverse group of friends makes college more rewarding.

It's okay to take your time as you find your community at CU—real friendships often grow naturally over time. Be proud of every small step you take and celebrate your efforts to connect. Remember, college is not just about academics, but also about discovering who you are and the people who will cheer you on during this journey.

2. Take advantage of opportunities for small talk

Small talk may get a bad reputation, but it’s an incredible gateway to new friendships—especially in college. These quick chats are a natural part of meeting new people and can lead to some of your most memorable college moments.

Whether you’re striking up a conversation with someone in your residence hall, swapping stories before class or chatting while in line for coffee, small talk helps break the ice and opens the door to discovering shared interests. Each casual exchange is a chance to learn something new—maybe you’ll find a fellow hiking enthusiast or someone who’s excited about the same campus club as you. Don’t be afraid to ask about weekend plans, favorite classes or upcoming campus events—these easy openers can lead to genuine connections and lasting friendships.

3. Work with discomfort

Meeting new people on campus can be an exciting part of your college adventure. Before new interactions, try grounding yourself and remember that you’re not alone—everyone else is trying to find their community, too.

Physical tension: If you notice some nervous energy or tension, try focusing on the present moment. Quietly remind yourself of simple facts like your name, your reason for being here or something you’re looking forward to this week. These small reminders can boost your confidence and help you stay in the moment.

Nervous thoughts: If you catch yourself worrying about what others might think, try recognizing those thoughts without judging yourself. You could say, “I’m having the thought that I won’t fit in, but that doesn’t mean it’s true!” Give yourself permission to be authentic—others appreciate the real you.

By acknowledging discomfort and allowing yourself to move forward anyway, you give both yourself and others the chance for meaningful connection.

4. Socialize your interests

Balancing all that college has to offer—classes, campus events clubs, and time for yourself—can be a rewarding challenge. Setting healthy boundaries and protecting time on your calendar for your hobbies and interests is a powerful way to make the most of your college years, meet new friends naturally and create lasting memories.

Try penciling in regular moments each week for something you enjoy, even if your schedule feels packed. Whether you join a fitness class or a student organization, getting involved helps you meet new friends and feel more at home on campus. By becoming a familiar face at activities that interest you, you’ll grow your social circle and strengthen your sense of belonging.

Remember, there’s no pressure to build deep friendships overnight. Sometimes just showing up can make your day brighter and open the door to new connections.

5. Try different strategies

There’s no single way to make friends and exploring different approaches can lead to great connections.

Joining group events or chats makes meeting people feel easy and fun, and takes the pressure off one-on-one interactions.

Practice casual chats in daily life, like with a cashier, to build your comfort and confidence in conversation.

Have a few conversation topics in mind, like hobbies or weekend plans, to spark meaningful exchanges with new friends.

Remember past times in your life when you've had to make new friends, what worked then and what you learned from that experience that you could apply now.

As you practice small talk and meet new people, aim to keep early conversations light—sharing just enough helps friendships grow naturally.

Above all, remember that meaningful connections are built one step at a time—so trust your journey, reach out, and let your college experience become richer through the people you meet along the way.

Find support

If you or someone you know is struggling to connect on campus or feeling isolated, there are support services available to help.

Counseling & Psychiatric Services (CAPS): CAPS offers a number of mental health and support services for students, including therapy groups, workshops and drop-ins through Let’s Talk.

Health Promotion: If you are struggling with finding a community, navigating campus life or need support, Peer Wellness Coaching is a great free peer-to-peer option. They know what it's like to adjust to a new community (they're students too!) and can share tips, ideas and campus resources for meeting your people.

Check out these tips to discover ways to build supportive relationships and make the most of your college experience.

Traditional

White

5 tips to help you focus and flourish this fall

Kyra Raye Loch — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 17:11:09 +0000

5 tips to help you focus and flourish this fall Kyra Raye Loch Tue, 08/05/2025 - 11:11

Listen to this article

Starting a new semester is exciting and full of opportunities. �鶹ԭ�� offers a wealth of support designed to help you thrive, not just academically but personally as well. As you step into the new semester, here are some ways to care for your mental health, sharpen your focus and truly flourish this fall.

Adjust to change

Change is a constant part of college life, bringing new and exciting experiences each semester—whether you’re meeting new roommates, starting a new job or getting used to a new class schedule. Embrace these opportunities and remember that support is always nearby if you need it.

If you need help preparing for the new semester, consider meeting with a peer wellness coach. Peer wellness coaches are trained students that can help you create a routine, connect with campus resources and access peer-to-peer support.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, connecting with friends or family can make all the difference. If you need additional support, consider reaching out to Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS). They offer same-day drop-in hours, consultations, workshops and more that can help you navigate a specific concern or help get you connected to ongoing care.

Find academic support

Set yourself up for academic success by establishing a consistent routine and staying engaged with your courses from the start. Attend your classes, review your syllabi, connect with your instructors during office hours and keep up with assignments to make the most of your learning experience.

College offers exciting challenges, and by seeking out support early—whether through tutoring or other resources—you’ll be empowered to meet your goals and thrive throughout the semester. As the fall semester begins, consider attending one of these free workshops hosted by Disability Services to help you adjust:

Start your Semester Strong | Aug. 25

Transition from High School to College | Aug. 26

Stress Less | Aug. 27

Academic Coaching Workshop: Note-taking | Sept. 8

If you ever need extra support, dedicated mental health providers are available within your college or school through the Embedded Program. The Embedded Program was created to integrate Health & Wellness Services into academic settings, with counselors that have additional understanding of specific student populations. They’re ready to help you navigate any challenge and support your well-being every step of the way.

Be active and involved

As the school year begins, there are countless opportunities to stay active and connect with new friends. Prioritizing movement is a wonderful way to support both your physical and mental health. This fall, consider joining Intramural Sports or Sport Clubs, exploring fitness classes at the Rec Center, trying out small group training or getting involved with a student organization that matches your interests.

Students who engage and build community at �鶹ԭ�� often discover greater well-being and excel academically. Take advantage of everything the Rec Center has to offer—you’ll have a great time and nurture your well-being along the way.

Stay healthy

Germs can spread quickly, especially on college campuses. You can do your part to stay healthy by practicing good hygiene and other healthy habits. Remember to wash your hands often, especially before eating and after using the restroom. It’s also important to drink plenty of water, eat balanced meals and get seven to nine hours of sleep each night.

If you do get sick, Medical Services offers primary care appointments for all students, regardless of their insurance plan. You can also stop by a Wellness Suite on the third floor of Wardenburg or the first floor of the Village Center to pick up free cold care supplies, or order a Buff Box to your residence hall to get supplies like honey sticks, tea, cough drops and more.

Connect with resources

Whatever you might need this semester, there are resources available to support your academic journey and well-being. Check out upcoming student wellness events and explore wellness services.

By taking advantage of these resources and embracing new experiences, you’ll be well-equipped to make this fall semester both fulfilling and successful.

�鶹ԭ�� offers a wealth of support designed to help you thrive, not just academically but personally as well. As you step into the new semester, here are some ways to care for your mental health, sharpen your focus and truly flourish this fall.

Traditional

White

Healthy Buffs

How to improve your social feeds

Audit your accounts

Hit unfollow

Pause before you post

Take a break

Related Articles

Find your people: Tips for meaningful connections

1. Ease your expectations

2. Take advantage of opportunities for small talk

3. Work with discomfort

4. Socialize your interests

5. Try different strategies

Related Articles

5 tips to help you focus and flourish this fall

Adjust to change

Find academic support

Be active and involved

Stay healthy

Connect with resources

Related Articles