Watching your child head off to university is a proud, emotional milestone. Whether it’s their first taste of independence or a return to campus after a summer at home, student living brings new experiences and challenges for both students and their parents.
To help make the transition smoother for everyone, here’s a straightforward guide for parents on what to expect, how to support your child, and when to step in (and when not to).
1. Understand the Housing Options
Students typically choose between university halls, private student accommodation, or renting a house/flat with friends. Each option has its pros and cons:
- University Halls: All-in-one packages, often with bills included and onsite support.
- Private Student Accommodation: Purpose-built, more modern, but often pricier.
- Shared Houses (HMOs): Greater independence, lower cost, but more responsibility.
Top Tip: Encourage your child to research early. Popular areas and quality properties get snapped up quickly, especially in student cities.
2. Budgeting Basics
Student loans only go so far. From rent and bills to food and social life, budgeting is a vital skill your child will need to master.
- Sit down and go through basic income vs. expenses with them.
- Help them open a student bank account with good benefits (some offer free railcards or overdrafts).
- Introduce budgeting apps like Monzo, Emma, or YNAB to track spending.
Top Tip: Avoid the temptation to constantly “top them up” – part of the learning curve is understanding financial boundaries.
3. Essential Life Skills to Teach Before They Leave
It’s amazing how many students head to uni unable to do laundry, change a light bulb, or cook pasta. Before they move out, take time to cover:
- Basic cooking (a few easy meals they can batch cook)
- Laundry do’s and don’ts (e.g. whites and colours!)
- How to manage bins, recycling, and general house hygiene
- How to set up/utilise utility providers if living off-campus
Top Tip: Consider putting together a "home starter kit" - tea towels, cleaning products, plasters, a torch, even toilet rolls for day one.
4. Health and Wellbeing
University can be overwhelming. From academic pressures to loneliness, it’s important your child knows where to get support:
- Register with a local GP early
- Know who their welfare officers or support staff are
- Talk openly about mental health – stress, anxiety, and homesickness are common
- Encourage healthy habits (sleep, food, balance!)
Top Tip: Keep in regular touch, but don’t overdo it. A weekly call or a message “just checking in” goes a long way.
5. What’s Your Role Now?
While it’s important to give them space, your guidance is still invaluable. You’re now more of a coach than a manager. Be the person they call when the boiler breaks, or they need advice on splitting bills – but also let them make (and learn from) their mistakes.
- Remember, they will eat instant noodles for three days straight, they might forget to take the bins out, and yes, there could be mould in the fridge at some point. It’s all part of the journey.
Final Thoughts
Student living is about more than just a roof over their head – it’s about learning responsibility, independence, and how to live with others. With the right support and preparation, your child can thrive in their new home away from home.
So, pack the boxes, share your wisdom, and maybe write down that Bolognese recipe they love so much. They’ve got this – and so do you.
