7 Ways to Help Your Child Prepare for University

Check upcoming open days and book your place

You've cared for them, nurtured them and helped them grow in to fine, upstanding people (you hope, anyway)...

And now, after all those years of dedication, they are deserting you forever without a backwards glance!! Ok, so maybe that is a little over-dramatic. And you might actually well be keen to see them go.

But if you and your teen are both a little nervous about them heading off to uni - here's our top tips for helping them prepare...

Visit the university before the big move

Being familiar with your surroundings always helps a new situation, so peeking around campus early gives you the chance to do just this. Whether it’s on an open day or if the uni itself has an open-campus rule, you can explore the grounds and town yourself to get a glimpse of what the future holds. This way, both you and your sprog know the area a little bit before it becomes their new home.

Brush up on some cooking skills...

Depending on how much cooking your child already does, abilities can vary strongly. No one wants to move into halls completely stunned at the weird contraptions in the kitchen, so having that responsibility before they move makes the difference.

Simple recipes are easy to pick up, and can be a good bonding experience too. Learning a few dishes can turn your child into the Gordon Ramsey of campus.

…And laundry skills too

You know that endless pile of your child’s clothes you sort out for them? Yeah, that won’t be your responsibility any more. Hurrah!

A part of living on your own includes sorting out your washing, and university laundry machines are relatively simple to use too. Start by teaching them how your household one works, and everything else will follow. Try your best to insist they need to give it a go too, as you don’t want to be washing endless bags of stinky undies whenever the holidays come about.

Have a safety talk together

This is everything from nights out, drinking, relationships and mental health. They won’t be under your roof anymore, so they might not have someone checking if they’ve got home okay after a night out.

Simple things like not getting in the car with a driver who’s been drinking, getting in licenced taxis, guarding your drinks, and not suffering in silence. Universities have support systems and counselling services so just lay that out, and have an honest chat together.

Help them find a student bank account

There’s a lot of banks to choose from, and your child will most likely have the responsibility now of looking after their own money and paying bills. With student finance and accommodation costs coming in and out, a student account is essential.

All the high street banks will offer student accounts, so go through these together to find the best deals and perks that benefit your child.

Teach the art of budgeting

Students are notorious for poor budgeting abilities, but this doesn’t have to be the case. It may be the first time your child has to take care of their finances, so run them through the basics before they head off. This includes accommodation costs, food shopping, day-to-day costs and having fun.

Remember that they’re adults

Your children may have been your responsibility when they were under your roof, but it’s time to accept this is no longer the case. They’re adults in their own rights, and having parents lurking over their shoulders with every decision they make is a recipe for disaster.

Offer support when it is wanted or needed, but do not coddle. You have every right to be worried, but only with space can you see how much your child will grow.

Good luck!