It’s a big change having your child move to university, and it can be overwhelming, especially if you’re both newbies to the process.
But there are ways in which you can help them prepare before their arrival whilst also supporting them throughout their studies.
What to take
Make sure you’re organised. Once you know which university and accommodation, the next step is to get prepared with things like bedding and kitchen items. Find out what the room comes with and work around that.
To make it easier, write a checklist together and make sure you’ve got the necessities. Some items you can buy after moving in, so don’t stress the little things, but being prepared will make you both feel more in control.
Safeguarding
Discuss different scenarios before moving in, and how these could/should be dealt with. This includes security, physical and mental health and alcohol consumption.
Do some research and make sure you both have a list of relevant university contacts, accommodation contacts and local contacts for all of these scenarios.
Make sure you visit their new home and city – find out where the local facilities are in relation to the university and accommodation sites, that way you’ll be more familiar and can offer support if ever they call you for advice.
Collect any relevant contacts for the university/accommodation and know what can and can’t be discussed without prior consent.
Be aware, if you have any concerns then in some instances you may only be able to share your concerns with the relevant support team. Due to GDPR they won’t be able to share any information with you about the student unless they have prior written permission from the student themselves.
Find advice about safeguarding here .
Mental health
Make sure you know who to speak to if you’re concerned about your child. If you haven’t heard from them in a while, call their accommodation provider and ask them to do a welfare check.
As above, remember that GDPR still stands, so they won’t be able to tell you any details unless there is a concern, however they can give the student a nudge to contact you and assure you that they’re ok.
If they already struggle from mental health issues, then it’s best for you to find out about all available resources from the university beforehand, so that a support plan can be put in place, prior to move-in. This goes for both the university and the accommodation provider.
Find support about mental health and wellbeing here.
Practice life skills
It can seem like a very simple thing, having to teach your child how to cook pasta or what the process is for washing clothes, but if they’ve not had to do it before then it can be very daunting.
Make sure you have these conversations well in advance of them moving out. That way it gives them time to practice, and they can come to you if they have a question or need help.
Get them moved in
Make sure they have everything they need for at least the first couple of days. Help them get some food items in, make sure they have the necessities, but then make sure you know when it’s time to leave. They might want you to stay a bit longer and help them set up their room, or they might want you to just leave them to it so they can meet their new friends.
Either is ok, but just make sure you see how they’re feeling once you arrive and let them be in control.
Make sure you stay in touch throughout their first week, to see how they’re getting on. If they’re struggling, help them figure things out or signpost to the place or person who can help them. Remind them that they’re not alone just because they’ve moved out!
If you have any questions about either of our sites or need to contact us for any reason, you can do so via the below information.
The Trigon: 0114 294 5680 / trigon@acisstudents.co.uk
Raleigh Park: 0115 855 9008 / raleighpark@acisstudents.co.uk