So, in amongst hiding the tears and putting on a brave face, what steps can you take to help your child prepare for university life?

Help them choose their university


As of August 2017, there were 106 universities and 5 university colleges in England alone. With such a wide variety of options available, it can be incredibly difficult to decide on the best option, which is why it’s important to let your child know that they can lean on you for support, assistance and guidance. When your son or daughter is in the process of choosing their university options, make sure that they go on open days, fully read through university admission guides, and compare course content to find the one that they like best.

You also have the option of exploring universities abroad, which offers unique experiences and opportunities. Studying in another country allows students to immerse themselves in a new culture, learn a different language, and build a global network of peers. Additionally, it provides access to specialised programs or academic perspectives that may not be available locally. When your son or daughter is considering studying in another country, platforms like Kamernet assist in finding student accommodation, helping to simplify the move and settle into a new environment.

At this time of the year, many students are off to college and university for the first time, and moving out of the parental home may be part of this. They will have to make new friends, build relationships with their tutors and have new experiences thrust upon them. They will need to eat properly, cook for themselves, and ensure they get up for lectures on time, without mum or dad to give them a push (or waking them up!)

Students especially teenagers can feel nervous and unsure when they start a new course and may lack confidence in social situations. This is my guide on how to build confidence as a student.

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Personal grooming and well-being

Look after yourself. This means ensuring you are getting your five portions of fruit and veg a day, getting regular exercise (and I don't mean walking to the nearest MacDonald's), and attending to your personal hygiene. Yes, I do sound like a nagging mum here and yes my son is at uni but these points are important.

If you feel good on the inside and look good on the outside then your confidence will soar. It's worth learning to cook a few simple and nutritious dishes before you move out and investing in a student cookbook. My favourite is 'Grub On A Grant'.

I know it doesn't really need to be said but personal grooming is so important. Showering every day and applying antiperspirants is essential as well as styling your hair, cutting your nails and brushing your teeth. And of course, going for regular dental appointments with this professional dentist in La Habra. Simple things that really do matter, and can make you look well-groomed and build confidence.

Exercise can relieve stress and promote confidence and well-being. Some student unions have a gym you can join at a reduced price, or look out for exercise classes locally. If you are on a very tight budget don't forget walking or jogging is free. 

Wear clean clothing, learn to use an iron and learn how to use the washing machine. I remember showing my son how to use the one in his halls of residence, and coming across a line of confused freshers all looking puzzled too! 

Create your own social life

Don't feel you have to conform to the stereotype that all students like to drink alcohol. If that type of partying lifestyle isn't you, then find other ways to socialise. 

The student union often has a variety of clubs and societies, from gaming to running, film, to art. You can find out about these at the Freshers Fair. If nothing appeals look at the listings in the local free magazine, you may find a new hobby and interest and make friends along the way.

If you find people you get along with on your course or you share accommodation with, then why not invite them out for a meal, a trip to the cinema or bowling? This is the time to make new friends and many are in the same situation as you and will feel unsure too, so take a deep breath and invite them.

Make use of university services

Some universities and colleges offering mentoring services to ease the transition to university and often these mentors are past or present students. They are often at the end of an email and you can meet them in person if you need too. They can answer your questions and help ease the transition, so if you are not sure of something, ask them.

If you feel overwhelmed and have no one to turn to there are counselling services available that can be a great help and many counselling services can be accessed online so check them out if you need help.

Get a job

If you are considering getting a job (and for some this may their first job), as well as helping you out financially it can really boost confidence and teach you many life skills such as team building and working with others. Just be sure not to work too much that your coursework suffers.

Getting a job at uni also shows you work hard and is excellent work experience to put on your C.V. 

So these are my tips on how to gain confidence as a fresher. Do you have any tips? How did you boost your confidence at university or college?

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It started with the application. "Mum why do you want to send me to Birmingham?, I don't want to go to Birmingham". Now to qualify this can I explain my son has nothing against Birmingham but being the good mum I am, I thought that if I sent off for as many university prospectuses as possible then I wouldn't limit his chances.

To explain his reluctance here is a little bit of background about us. We live in a little seaside town in South Wales. Close to Cardiff and Swansea the area is very middle class, comfortable even, with many retired people. It doesn't have a lot for teenagers to do but it's close proximity to the capital of Wales is it's a major selling point, as well as it's lovely beaches.

My son is creative. He is also super talented in art and film making. He loves making animations and wants to work for a 3D animation company. He is not a very 'grown-up' kid, I hope I don't embarrass him by saying that. I guess I do too much for him, and also in this day and age, I think parents are more protective than ever. It's only recently that he started using public transport for example...and washing his clothes, but more of that later. He likes routine and knowing what he is doing each day. He also likes familiar places - Birmingham is not a familiar place to him.



So we revisited what courses he wanted to do. Studying Media, Art and Film Studies at A level he has a huge passion for film and art. We decided to go to some open days and after visiting a couple of different places, the courses at the University Of South Wales in Cardiff looked ideal specifically the film making and special effects courses.

So he applied - then I had a panic.




Don't get me wrong I wanted him to go to university, to make his way in the world, to get a fantastic degree, to be the best he can possibly be. Yet sometimes he's still my little boy. The little boy that I scooped up in my arms when he did his first steps. The little boy that due to speech problems would get frustrated easily. The little boy whose nursery teachers said he wouldn't attend mainstream education. The little boy that I waved goodbye to on his first day in primary school, with a few tears. The boy that played a lead role in the year 6 primary show, making everyone laugh. The boy that gave me a hug every morning before school without fail. The man that made me laugh with his sense of humour and comic timing. The man that proved them all wrong by getting 9 GCSEs and the school's award for the highest grade in Art at GCSE. The man who gained 3 A levels with an A grade in Art and made me so proud. The man who still gives me a hug every time I see him.



When a child you love so much is starting to make his way in the world, it's natural to feel so many emotions. I started waking up in the night crying, and I don't know why. Some people even say it's akin to a grieving process, and I guess it's like figuratively speaking losing a part of you.

He was accepted into Cardiff and we were all so happy. Although initially, he wanted to travel, the public transport when we live is shockingly bad so we managed, with the help of my lovely mum, to scrape together enough money for him to stay in halls of residence. It was reassuring to visit him in halls and see the ladies on reception are like mother figures to the teens. The halls are only a couple of minutes from the uni so even he can get up in time for lectures, well most all the time. I admit it he's not perfect!

So onto the shopping. What shopping would you need, I asked him? Ham, bread and toilet rolls were the answer. I did supplement it with fruit, juice and other essentials though... What is it with teenagers and toilet rolls?



So next the washing. Showing your son how to do his own washing at 18 was probably a bit too late but he managed without turning his white t shirts blue. Then he had to do it in the halls, but wanted his mum to show him how. I could see how he was confused though, credit had to be bought and put on a credit card style card, which was then used to operate the machines. The machines were like nothing I have ever seen before either, similar to industrial machines and when I saw a group of bemused students stood there looking at the washing machines too, I knew my son wasn't alone.

Facebook had been my saviour. When I went to uni years ago social media wasn't around. I wish it had been. My son and I chat every couple of days online. Even if it's just a minute or two, it makes me feel reassured everything is OK. I did warn him I may miss him tremendously and be visiting every week but I have to admit, now I know he has settled in well I don't worry half as much as i thought I would, I miss him but I am not bereft and just got on with things. I even like the look of his tidy bedroom.

A realisation - teenagers can cope without their parents. They may not have the cleanest washing or may live on Weetabix and ready meals but they cope.

When I do visit and take him out for a meal he quite happily has three courses and all the extras. Don't underestimate how much a student can eat, especially when they are not paying!

He's enjoying living in Cardiff and he's enjoying the course. In fact he was somehow made team leader on the first project working together. They had to make a boat out of a cardboard, decorate it in a film theme and sail it on Cardiff Bay. Oh and someone had to get it and sail it across the water. They won! Jake seems to be coming out of him self at uni, and although he appears quiet when you first meet him - underneath he is more confident than I realised.

So to any parents reading this - it will be a shock to you when your child leaves for uni. Social media is amazing for keeping in touch. If you can do some shopping for them they will love it if you give them toilet rolls and don't forget to take out a remortgage for when you take them out for a meal.

Jake...you are doing well and I'm proud to say I'm your mum.

I have a little confession to make. This week I will be mum to an eighteen year old for the first time. Yes, I know I don't look old enough!

He is an incredibly talented artist, and I am so proud of him. Last year he won the only award for art in the whole school for his GCSE coursework. Did I say I am proud of him?

He wants to work in film but on the creative side, and when I sat down with him to go through his options, studying for a degree in film making and visual effects was what he wished to do. He has just applied for degrees in this area through UCAS and before he did there were a number of things he had to consider. 

Closing date for applying this year is the 15th of January, so if you or your child or someone you know are considering going to university, this post may help you pick your right choices.

Important Factors to consider




The Course - Every course is different even those that sound exactly the same. There are a host of things to consider. Look at the modules, can you personalise the course? What is the calibre of the teaching staff, do they have relevant experience?  Is it a sandwich course with a year working or are there any shorter work placements? What are the job prospects at the end of the course and where are past students now working?

The University - Is it big or small? Does it have great facilities and modern state of the art equipment? What is the student life like on campus and what facilities/activities does it have or run? Is it local or further away and do you want to stay local or move away? You need to consider how would you get there, and would you live in close by or travel. You need to consider the reputation of the university and would this benefit you in finding a job at the end of the course.  You really have to find out as much as possible about the unis you could be attending

The City - Is it a big bustling city or a smaller town, and what would you prefer? Does it have easy transport links and is it accessible? Is the cost of living reasonable or more expensive? Is student accommodation easy to get, reasonable in cost and close to the university? 

The Funding - You need to consider how you are going to fund the tuition fees and living expenses. Are you going to apply for a loan from the Student Finance Centre? Can you apply for a grant that doesn't have to be paid back or a scholarship? Do you have savings you can use and are you going to supplement living expenses with a part-time job? You could consider getting a rail/bus card for a reduced fare on public transport.

These are just some of the points you need to consider and there are many more. Thorough research is essential so the course and university is the right fit for you.

The University of Greenwich 



Kiss FM presenter AJ went to the University of Greenwich to show potential students how to get under the skin of the university and what you can get up to in their faculties. Open Days and initiatives like these are brilliant to get a real feel for what a uni is like. 







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