Advice for Parents of University Students...
Homepage » For Parents » Advice for Parents of University Students University is normally your son or daughter’s first real taste of freedom and as a parent this may bring mixed emotions. For some parents, the moment couldn’t arrive soon enough! For others it’s a wrench and a worry. Do they have the maturity and confidence to cope with the ‘big wide world’, you may wonder. Of course, university is not quite ‘the big wide world’, its more of a half way house: a finishing school, perhaps, to lead young people into adulthood.
Whatever your view, there are critical decisions to be made and your guidance may save them no end of trouble and anxiety. This website has been developed for parents to offer support and advise to sons and daughters who are either thinking of going to university or who are current university students. Information is presented in summary format but there are links to other sites, which offer greater detail. Choosing a university – the fact that 22% of full time undergraduate students drop out before graduation starkly illustrates the importance of making the right choice. Should your son or daughter consider going to university? If so, which university and which course would suit their personality, experience and talent best? Applying for university – the application process is administered through UCAS and in most cases schools and colleges will monitor students and ensure everything runs smoothly. However, there are pitfalls along the way and parents would be advised to keep their fingers on the pulse. This is particularly true of clearing where parental support is essential. Finance – the cost of university for students has soared in recent years. The direct cost of university is around £28,000 over three years. How is this paid for? When and how are student loans repaid? Is university a good investment? Accommodation – where a student lives can have a significant bearing on their well-being. First years are generally housed in university halls, which for most, is the best option. In year two, students’ generally move into privately rented accommodation where there are legal, safety and social issues to consider. |
