The 5 Executive Functions Every College Student Needs to Master (And How to Practice Them Before Move-In Day)
Jun 03, 2025College can be a shock to the system—even for students who did well in high school. The structure is gone, the expectations are higher, and students are suddenly responsible for juggling dozens of decisions every day without reminders or do-overs. At first they are so excited! They are adults. Then all of a sudden it's the third week of the semester and they have two exams and a paper all due within three days and they didn't see it coming!
That’s where executive functioning comes in.
These mental skills are what help students manage time, stay organized, make decisions, and stay emotionally grounded—all without someone holding their hand. And the best part? These skills can be practiced and strengthened before classes ever begin.
Here are five of the most important executive functioning skills every student needs—and how to help them build them this summer:
1. Time Management
Why it matters: Students often underestimate how much time college coursework takes outside of class. Managing time helps prevent last-minute cramming and missed deadlines—and builds healthy work-life balance. Practice Tip: Have your student map out a weekly schedule that includes a summer job, chores, workouts, and downtime. Use a paper planner or calendar app. Encourage them to reflect on what worked and what didn’t each week.
2. Task Initiation
Why it matters: Procrastination can spiral quickly in college. Being able to start—even when a task is hard or boring—helps students stay on track and reduces academic anxiety. Practice Tip: Choose one daily task (laundry, paperwork, packing for college) and time how long it takes to start it. Use a “just start for 10 minutes” rule to build momentum, and celebrate the win once it’s done.
3. Planning & Prioritization
Why it matters: Students must manage competing assignments, deadlines, and responsibilities. Learning to evaluate urgency and importance helps them avoid overwhelm. Practice Tip: Try the “top three priorities” method each day. Parents and students can share their lists over dinner and reflect on how they made their choices.
4. Organization
Why it matters: From losing passwords to misplacing important forms, disorganization in college leads to late fees, missed emails, and extra stress. Practice Tip: Pick one small area per week to organize: digital files, inbox, binder, or closet. Create checklists or storage systems together that your student can replicate in college.
5. Emotional Regulation
Why it matters: College students face stress, comparison, and homesickness—and those who can manage their emotions rebound more quickly and thrive longer-term. Practice Tip: Build emotional check-ins into your week. Have your student rate their stress from 1–10 and name what’s driving it. Then brainstorm coping tools (walks, journaling, calling a friend) they can practice now.
Help Your Student Get Ahead—Before They Step on Campus
Building these skills over the summer creates confidence and reduces first-semester meltdowns. The key is low-stakes, real-life practice with built-in support.
Start with a conversation. Then take action.
✅ Want to know where your student stands—and where they can grow?
Use this free PDF checklist to identify strengths and opportunities for growth in the executive function skills that matter most.