Support Your Teen As They Prepare For Uni
If your child is heading to university in September, it’s probably starting to feel quite real. While they are now becoming more independent and approaching adulthood, your help is still wanted. Not least through this phase of transition.
Here are some of the most effective ways to support your child over the summer as they get ready for university.
Help with accommodation scouting
Your teen has already identified their course and place of study. So, as long as they achieve the required grades, their university place is secured. However, they will need help finding a place to live. High-quality student accommodation is one of the few expenses where it is worth the investment. After all, it is the platform for their social life as well as their student life. If you can help your child find and the right accommodation, it’s vital that you do.
Support them with student supplies
A lot of their educational content can be handled digitally. But students still need stationery, text books, and more – a voucher for those purchases can be very useful. Meanwhile, a powerful computing tablet can transform their note taking in lectures as well as their ongoing studies. A new device designed for university use ensures the speed and reliability they need. Poor performance due to outdated technology or inadequate equipment is the last thing any student needs.
Learn about the university and local area
The new location will become your child’s home for three or four years, and exploring it is part of the excitement. However, you can still support them by researching the surrounding area together. It can be helpful to know the bus routes between their accommodation and the university, where relevant, as well as key local spots that will support both daily life and social activities. They’ll quickly get to know everything after they arrive, but arriving with some familiarity can make the transition much smoother.
Teach valuable skills
It’s likely that this is the first time that your teen truly has to look after themselves. So, teaching them valuable life skills in the weeks before they leave is advised. This can range from learning quick and affordable recipes to household cleaning habits. Aside from picking up useful knowledge, your teen will grow in confidence. Efficient storage habits and organisational skills help too. The way they manage their day-to-day life will inevitably have a significant impact on their studies.
Provide financial advice
Money worries are a common student issue. Financial management is another part of your teen’s development. Yet, it should not interfere with their studies. Advice on how to live cheap as a student is helpful, but teaching them to avoid problems like store card and credit card debt is vital.
Help with their student loan application would be useful too.
Help with the move
Assuming that your child is moving away for university, they need to transport their stuff. Providing a lift is a great way to help. It removes a lot of stress for the student. Meanwhile, you have the chance to see the accommodation and ensure that your child has settled in safely. The drive is also an opportunity to reassure them that you’re still available. A smooth move will truly give your teen the best starting point ahead of their studies.
