Sending your high school graduate off to university can be an exciting and nerve-wracking experience for parents. As your student embarks on this new chapter in their life, it’s important to make sure they’re well prepared for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead when moving to university. If they have a career choice in mind, it could be useful to work backwards to see if there is a university course that would suit both their career aspirations and academic ability. Above all, researching universities and courses is key to effective university preparation for students.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to sending your student off to university.
Step 1
Start researching universities
The first step in preparing your student for university is to research different universities and courses, according to the interests of your student. Consider factors such as:
Location - distance from nearby airport / train / bus stations
Academic reputation / ranking
Courses offered and available resources
Student facilities
Attend open days and talk to current students and faculty to get a better understanding of what each university has to offer. You can also use online tools such as UCAS or The Complete University Guide to compare and rank universities based on various criteria. Read our blog "Common mistakes parents make with their university-age children".
Step 2
Understand the university application process
Different universities have different application processes, so it’s important to understand the requirements and deadlines for each one. Make sure your student has all the necessary documents and information ready to submit their application. These may include:
Personal statement
Academic transcripts
References
Entrance exams or interviews
You can help your student by proofreading their personal statement, providing feedback, and helping them prepare for exams or interviews.
Step 3
Plan a Student Budget
University can be expensive, so it’s important to start planning early. Research the different funding options available, such as:
Student loans
Scholarships
Bursaries
Grants
Encourage your student to apply for as many funding opportunities as possible to help ease the financial burden. You can also help them by creating a budget, setting up a bank account, and teaching them how to manage their money. You will find everything you need to know on this in our book "FromHighSchooltoUni" - grab a copy online now!
Step 4
Find Student Accommodation
Many universities offer on-campus accommodation, but it’s important to also research other options. You may find affordable and safe accommodation close to the university, rather than live onsite in university halls of residence, which can be expensive. Encourage your student to visit the accommodation in person to get a better idea of the facilities and location. Some factors to consider are:
Rent
Bills
Security
Transport
Amenities
You can also help your student by helping them pack, organising travel and transport arrangements, and providing them with essentials such as bedding, kitchenware, and toiletries (tip: it is wise to take the bare minimum and buy larger sizes on site). You can find downloadable packing checklists in our Member Resources section with comprehensive lists of items required for each area of a student's life at university.
Step 5
Prepare the move for university
Moving away from home to university can be a daunting experience for your student. Help them prepare by:
Making a packing list (we have ALL the checklists you need in our Member Resources!)
Organising the travel and transport arrangements (book tickets in advance to save on fares)
Encouraging them to network with other students or join social media groups to get to know their new community
Providing them with emotional support and reassurance.
You can also help your student by establishing a routine to stay in touch regularly, respecting their independence, and being supportive of their choices.
Step 5
Use our resources to guide your move to university
Preparing your student for university can be a challenging but rewarding process. By following this guide, you can help your student make a smooth transition into their new academic and social environment.
Remember that you’re not alone in this journey - we provide many resources and support services available for both students and parents.
Order our book FromHighSchooltoUni to get your own A-Z student guide, and subscribe to Members Resources to download all the checklists and guides you need to successfully transition to university.
Wishing you and your student all the best!
For an A-Z student guide on moving to university, get a copy of our book and check out the resources on our website to access all the essential packing lists and checklists to move into university stress-free!
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