Preparing your Child for University: How Parents can Help
By Philippa Dobrée-Carey, Founder, From High School to Uni Ltd
You may be approaching one of the first major milestones in your child’s life – IB or A Level results. What’s next? Higher education, a gap year, an apprenticeship, or diving headfirst into a career?
Preparing for adulthood and independence is the beginning of a new chapter in your child’s life, where they will be exposed to new experiences, a diverse range of people and the sudden impact of independence as a young adult.
To ensure a smooth transition, no matter what path your student chooses, students need to prepare adequately. Knowing that your student has taken all the necessary steps to navigate a successful transition will help them feel more confident and prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.
In this article, we will provide tips and advice on how students can prepare for university with the knowledge, preparation, and confidence to successfully survive and thrive on campus. Most of these steps will also apply to the various other routes that students may take and can be applied accordingly.
The Practical Aspects of Preparing for University Life
Preparing for university life involves more than just academic preparation. Students need to consider practical aspects of university life that can impact their overall experience.
This section discusses some practical considerations for university life, including financial planning and support, health, and wellbeing, social integration and networking.
Learn Some Life Skills
By life skills, I mean the practical tasks that will be required when living independently away from home. This includes knowing how to cook a few meals so that students don’t starve in the first week or blow their monthly budget by buying overpriced ready meals or takeaway food.
Students need to learn how to stick to a budget when shopping for groceries, how to anticipate their needs with a meal plan, how to make a shopping list, and how to store their groceries.
Other key skills that every student needs to learn include how to do laundry, the basics of cleaning and personal hygiene. Understanding public transport and knowing how to deal with emergencies could also be added to the list of life skills needed to navigate university life.
Financial Planning and Support
Managing finances is one of the main concerns for most students. Financial woes are a major reason why many students drop out of university, with more than four out of five students struggling to make ends meet, according to an annual student money survey conducted in the UK.
The stress of worrying about money can affect a student’s mental health and wellbeing. Therefore, it is important to take the time to create a realistic budget together with your student, that takes into account the cost of tuition, accommodation, food, and other expenses, and for them to learn how to manage bills first, and social spending second!
Eligible students should also explore financial aid options such as scholarships and student loans.
All international students should open a local student bank account to manage their finances and avoid unnecessary foreign exchange fees.
Health and Wellbeing
Maintaining good physical and mental health is essential for academic success. Students should be encouraged to make use of campus health services and resources such as counselling and student support services.
Another key benefit to a student’s health is the use of sports facilities. Sports activities address wellbeing in two ways – for physical health and wellbeing, and as a great way to make friends, especially if they play on a sports team. Regular training sessions are a great way to help your student bond with teammates, get out of the classroom / residence regularly during the week, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Freshers’ Weight is a thing!
It is also important for students to register as soon as possible with the on-site medical centre, if available, or a local GP surgery, in case of urgent need. Read more about Freshers’ Flu to prepare and equip your student in advance.
Consider taking out health insurance to cover medical expenses, depending on the location, and teach your student how it works.
Social Integration and Networking
Making friends and building a support network are also important for a student’s wellbeing and academic success. Connecting on social media is a useful way to get to know other students prior to departure, so they may break the ice before arriving on campus.
Attending orientation events and getting involved in extracurricular activities are the best ways to meet new people and build connections. The Student Union is also a valuable resource for social integration and networking.
Preparing to Leave Home
Preparing thoroughly for this transition can help make the process of leaving home and starting university less daunting, so parents should support their students by preparing them with the necessary skills to start university with confidence in their ability to live independently and hit the ground running.
You will still receive the inevitable “How do I …” texts and phone calls, especially in the first few weeks, so think of it as a transition for you too!
About the Author:
Philippa Dobree-Carey is an experienced project manager in the international humanitarian sector. Her passion is helping students make a successful transition from high school to university. Author of the award-winning student guide ‘From High School to Uni’, and founder of fromhighschooltouni.com,
Philippa provides step-by-step guidance on packing, preparing, and
thriving in the university environment.
With firsthand experience as a mother of university aged children,
Philippa understands the concerns of students and parents at this
pivotal time. Her practical advice, insightful blogs and helpful
resources empower both students and parents to navigate university
life with confidence.
