How to support your child after they start at university

University is a nerve-wracking time for anyone watching their young person step out into the world for the first time. You may be concerned about a number of things on their behalf: finances, making friends, the difference between their schooling experience and higher education. This article suggests a few things you can do to support their move to the next stage of their lives.

Universities have a wealth of support services available for students:

• Providing academic support – help with referencing and coding classes
• Financial advice – budgeting workshops and hardship funds
• Social opportunities – freshers week events to help them settle in
• Professional careers services
• Disability and wellbeing support.

You can research these yourself using university websites. If your child needs them, you’ll be well-equipped in knowing what their university has to offer.

You can follow universities on social media to stay updated with everything happening on campus. Further research like this will help you learn what’s on offer. Hopefully, it leaves you feeling well-informed and reassured that universities have your young person’s best interests at heart.

Going to university is an expensive time. Budgeting is incredibly important. Encourage your young person to apply early for student loans. Research any extra pockets of money that might be available, such as bursaries and scholarships. Budgeting exercises can help them understand their expenses: socialising, rent, food, commuting. It will help them think about where the money will come from.

Some parents and carers commit to a regular weekly or fortnightly video call to catch up with the student in their lives. Listen to their experiences. Share some of your own hints and tips, from the best recipes to laundry hacks! Scheduling a reoccurring time brings some structure, especially if they are away from home. It can help overcome home sickness.

If your child is still living at home, set aside some time to walk together. This will allow an opportunity for them to talk about their exciting classes and projects, or talk about anything that’s bothering them.

It’s daunting to adapt to this next stage of their lives, but students with a supportive home environment will continue to benefit from this at university. Be excited for them. Ask them lots of questions about their course, their university, their new friends, and their experiences. Make sure they know you’re still there for them. Encourage them to reach out for help if they need it.