University is an adjustment from what your young person has been used to at school or college. The key to this transition is preparation. Here are five key differences they might experience and some advice about how you can support them with the upcoming changes.
Many university students will move to a new part of the country and become part of a larger institution than they’re used to. Open Days are a great way to meet staff and current students, visit the university campus, check out student accommodation and explore the local area. Most universities also offer applicant or offer holder days where they can find out about courses in more detail and meet other applicants. If they can’t attend oncampus events, university websites provide photos, videos and virtual tours of facilities and accommodation options.
Your young person will experience a new
sense of independence at university, helping
them build crucial life skills. They’ll be
responsible for applying for student finance
to cover their course fees and living costs,
managing their money, attending lectures and
completing academic work. They may also get
a part-time job, which they’ll need to balance
with their studies.
Your support and advice around finance
and budgeting will be invaluable; you could
prompt them to apply for student finance
in good time, research university bursaries
and scholarships and help them to budget
effectively.
Learning at university is different to school
or college – there’s a greater focus on
independent learning. Your young person will
be expected to attend lectures and seminars,
as well as conduct independent study. Time
management, attendance and commitment
are important skills to help students adapt to
this new way of learning.
They can find out more about teaching
methods by chatting with academic staff and
current students at an Open Day. They could
also do some research on university websites
and on platforms such as The Student Room.
Students need to be organised to stay on top of deadlines. You could help your young person to prepare for this by giving them a calendar, planner or online diary to set their own reminders. It could be a haircut, dentist appointment or a friend’s birthday – anything that gives them responsibility. This organisation and time management will help them to find a balance between their social life and their studies.
University courses are often structured
differently from school or college courses.
Your young person can find information about
how a course operates, and the modules on
offer, on university websites.
Many universities also offer foundation
courses, which can bridge the gap between
school or college and university study.
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