Supporting Your Child From School to University

For many, going to university is the first time your child will be living away from home. Spending some quality time before they leave not only gives you a great opportunity to prepare them for life away but also to make lasting memories. Consider taking pictures and videos which can help you both when missing each other.

Before they set off on their new adventure, make sure they know the basics. From making meals, doing laundry, and managing their money, it’s important that they are familiar with the essentials before you get that panicked call about stain removal or burnt ramen noodles!

Adjusting to new ways of learning will be imperative to your child’s academic success and is one of the biggest changes between school/college and university. Your child will be expected to take responsibility for their individual learning by supplementing teaching time with independent study.

University courses are generally a mixture of lectures and seminars. Depending on the subject studied, there may also be laboratory ‘practicals’ and fieldwork, with most courses depending on students to support their work with wider reading and research. Students typically have around 12 weeks to complete coursework and prepare for exams. Deadlines are strict and students need to be able to submit work on time.

Of course, time management is vital to success and balancing their studies with socialising may be a tough task but is important to master!

Yep. It might get awkward, but it’s important to talk about the tough stuff like alcohol, drugs, mental health, and relationships. Letting your child know that you are a safe person to talk to about these topics will keep you both on the same page.

Whether it’s just a quick text, a phone conversation, or a video call, make time to maintain regular contact with your child. You might even consider setting a specific time to chat and touch base with each other.

Being there to offer life advice for your child will reduce uncertainties and build their confidence to face new situations.

Some advice that you might want to consider talking to them about:

• Budgeting
• Housekeeping
• Wellbeing
• Time Management

Starting university is not only a new chapter in their life but also in yours! If you’re feeling that the house is a little too quiet and you’re having your child around, you’re not alone.

Make sure to connect with other parents, guardians, carers, and supporters who also have children who have gone off to university.

You can also use this time to take up new hobbies, spend more time with friends and family, or travel because before you know it, they will be home for the holidays!