How often to call, honestly

There is no correct number, but there is a shape that works: agree a rhythm rather than leaving it to whoever is most anxious on the day. A regular call they can rely on, plus a shared understanding that either of you can ring in between, removes the low-grade guilt that otherwise attaches to every unanswered message.

Let them set the frequency where you can, and leave some room in it. A student who has to give a full account of their week is being managed rather than supported — and that is precisely the relationship that stops them mentioning the thing that actually matters.