A child moving away to university is a big step. It’s a change for all of you and a huge milestone for your child. They won’t be under your roof anymore. You won’t be there to offer day-to-day support and advice, and they’ll very suddenly be doing much more for themselves. If you are starting to consider universities and preparing for your child’s last year or two at home, knowing that you have prepared them as much as possible can ease your worries, and give them a great head start.
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Visit Beforehand
Most universities have open days when prospective students and their families are encouraged to visit, look around and ask questions. Before they apply, try to visit a few, so that they can compare the options and get more of a feel for what they are looking for.
Spend Some Time in Their New Hometown
The school itself is actually a very small part of university life. If they are moving far away from home, they’ll be living in a completely new place. Make the time to visit the area a few times, stay over, see the tourist hotspots, and explore together.
Make Sure They’ve Got Everything They Need
If you send them off with everything they need, you’ll feel much better. But moving can be expensive, so you might want to start early. Think about practical things like bedding and kitchenware, school supplies like books and stationery, but also something to keep them entertained like these Lenovo Touchscreen Gaming Laptops.
Practice Some Cooking Skills
Supplies are great, but it’s also a good idea to send them off with a few life skills. Cooking is an important one. Being able to cook a few basic meals will help them to stay healthy, save money and even make friends.
Teach Them How to Do Laundry
Laundry is another skill that, as adults, we take for granted. It’s just something that we do without much thought. But if you’ve always done your kid’s washing, they might not have any idea how to do it themselves. Start teaching them so that they can do their laundry before they leave.
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Help Them Find a Student Bank Account
Student bank accounts often have some great deals or perks, which can be useful if your child has never had to manage money before. Go through some options with them and try to find the best one for their financial situation.
Talk About Money
It’s also a good idea to teach your child a little about money and how to manage it. Talk about the dangers of debt, how to build a credit score and basic budgeting. Many students get into debt at university and struggle to get out again, so this is an important conversation to have.
Work on Your Relationship
As your children grow, your relationship with them changes, and their leaving for university is the biggest change yet. This is the start of your relationship with an adult child, and there must be an element of friendship if you want it to thrive. Start thinking of them as an adult before they leave, and you may find it easier to adapt.
Your child leaving home can be upsetting and scary. But remember, this move isn’t about you. Try to remain positive and excited for them, and things will be easier for you all.