Student

Parent, Guardian, or Supporter

• Can you cook enough of your favourite meals for a full week? Source the ingredients, and have the right equipment? Get practising now otherwise you may be living off Pot Noodles.

• Why not allow your student to meal plan for the next week, complete the weekly shop and cook every evening. This is typical of what life will be like as a student so no time like the present. 

• How do you feel about being in control of your own money? This comes with budgeting, paying bills and managing your bank account. Planning a budget now, allows you to be in control from day one. 

• Talking about money is healthy and nothing to shy away from. Communicating and agreeing if a financial contribution is to be made can allow your student to set clear budgeting goals. Review their weekly budget plan and give them your top tips. 

• Scheduling is key as a student including arranging appointments. Do you hate booking appointments on the phone, do you call your supporter for help if you miss the train? For the next few weeks have a trial run of being fully independent.

• Your student will no longer have a friend, teacher or family member reminding them of their schedule. If they call you for help it should be for advice not for a solution. Leave the appointment booking to them and ease out of the reminders. 

• Household chores are everyone's least favourite task, but you will soon be responsible for your dishes, washing clothes, cleaning your room, communal space and more. May as well start now.

• We all develop tips and tricks of the trade when it comes to household chores. Pass them on now in a trial-run as personal hygiene including clothes, and spaces can impact physical and mental health. 

• At university you will meet so many new people from your flatmates, seminar group and society members. How do you build up and maintain a relationship with someone new? How do you normally solve an argument or a dispute? Have a think about it. 

• Disputes may happen for your student within their flat or amongst new friends. How well do they deal with disagreements? Can you give healthy tips on communicating with new people based on past examples. 

• How much communication between you and your supporter are you expecting/wanting (be honest!)? It can be hard for your supporter when you move away. Make sure you check in when you say you will. You don't want them worrying. 

• How much communication between you and your student are you expecting/wanting (be honest!)? Many students can get caught up with having such a fun time and forget to call. This isn't a bad sign and no reason to call the university worrying. As an adult, we are not able to share information without your student's consent.