5 Ways to Prep Your Child For University

Going to university is an exciting time for your child. It’s the chance for them to learn some independence, broaden their horizons, and meet new people who may become friends for life. However, it’s also a scary time for parents who may not be ready to see them off yet. Still, you don’t want to get in the way of their life and dreams, so the next best thing you can do is prepare them for university. 

Safety First

Every parent worries about their child’s safety, and going to university will be no different. For many parents, it is even worse as their child is so far away. As adults (or nearly adults) they should know how to look after themselves, but you can give them more tools to stay safe, such as using tasers, pepper spray, and alarms that can deter potential attackers. Hopefully, they won’t need to use them, but they are useful to have, especially if walking home from campus late at night. 

Assignment Materials

Many college assignments are done entirely online, so your child will need a laptop at the very least. This will enable them to research papers, take quizzes, and submit their assignments on time, which will help them maintain their GPA and keep them on track for a passing grade. You can purchase laptops relatively cheaply nowadays, and Chromebooks have become one of the most popular choices for students as they are lightweight, efficient, and don’t come with extra software that can cause distractions. 

Cookbooks and Family Recipes

Students not being able to cook is a cliche, but your child will get to university and discover some people have never held a spatula before. You don’t want your child to be like this, so giving them a cookbook and family recipes, and teaching them how to cook is essential. You can show them some of your specialties, such as an easy veggie pizza that is filling and healthy. 

Financial Assistance

As much as you’d like your child to be self-sufficient at college, you also want to help out where you can. Even if they get a job, you can still provide some financial assistance to help them stay afloat and pay for gas, rent, and other essentials. On average, US parents give around $7,500 per year to their kids to help them survive at university. But, they’ll need some financial education beforehand so they know how to budget.

Regular Communication

Studies have shown that 23% of students admit to feeling lonely when they get to university, even if they go to the same college as friends. Loneliness can severely impact their mental well-being and could also affect their schoolwork. Regular phone calls can solve this as it allows you to check up on them and make sure they are getting on okay. 

Prepped and Ready

Preparing your child for university will ensure they hit the ground running while still knowing that their family is just a phone call away. These tips will set them up for success and ensure they are safe, happy, and self-sufficient, meaning they have all the tools they need to thrive in a new environment.