Survival tips for college kids
Survival tips for college kids - what can parents do to help? Sponsored Article
Saying goodbye to your child when they first leave for university can be difficult. It's likely to be the first time they have lived away from home, and while they are going to be excited about their new adventure, you may understandably have some concerns about how they will make the adjustment to a totally new life.
But whether it's worries about your offspring being homesick, overindulging in celebrations at the bar, or failing to devote enough attention to their diet, there are some steps you can take to help them make the transition to independent living easier.
Some parents will have been to university themselves - and so will have a few first-hand tips to pass on from their own student days - but as attendance wasn't as high 20 years ago, it's likely many won't have. And even though they will likely try to play it cool, your kids may themselves be a little nervous about fending for themselves for the first time - and may just appreciate being given some help.
If you know your way around a kitchen - or at least know a little more about cooking than your offspring - passing on some of your recipes could be a great idea. While something fancy may be a good way for them to impress their new friends, they are probably better off heading to university armed with a handful of healthy, filling meals, made from cheap ingredients and are easy to prepare. Also, there are websites specifically aimed at students, giving them plenty of ideas - from putting subtle twists on old favourites, to trying their hand at more challenging dishes - to ensure that they are properly nourished without stretching their budget.
Meanwhile, it may be wise to ensure that your child has thought about the full range of costs they are likely to be facing. For example, have they put aside money to pay for a TV licence? There are also some useful websites and tools online to help then plan and budget for while they are away, like this budget planner widget at savethestudent.org.
It could be helpful if you work with your child to put together a list of useful items. Depending on the kind of accommodation they are moving into, this could include a first aid kit, toaster, microwave, cookware, cutlery, crockery and bedding. And - if you think it is the best thing for them - after you compile this, you could buy the items, so whatever they get up to while they are away, at least you know they are going off correctly kitted out.
Paying by credit card could be a convenient way to help pay for some of this, and help get them started. Meanwhile, it may be useful to bear in mind that some credit cards offer an interest-free introductory period - which could help to manage the cost.
Finally, while your child may well be making new friends and having a great time, being away from home for the first time can be a scary transition. Being available on the other end of the phone to offer advice and help can be a great source of support for even the most independent young people.
Issued by Sainsbury's Finance
Saying goodbye to your child when they first leave for university can be difficult. It's likely to be the first time they have lived away from home, and while they are going to be excited about their new adventure, you may understandably have some concerns about how they will make the adjustment to a totally new life.
But whether it's worries about your offspring being homesick, overindulging in celebrations at the bar, or failing to devote enough attention to their diet, there are some steps you can take to help them make the transition to independent living easier.
Some parents will have been to university themselves - and so will have a few first-hand tips to pass on from their own student days - but as attendance wasn't as high 20 years ago, it's likely many won't have. And even though they will likely try to play it cool, your kids may themselves be a little nervous about fending for themselves for the first time - and may just appreciate being given some help.
Food for thought
A good idea may be to have a chat about budgeting with your student-to-be. They are soon going to be responsible for their own shopping, cooking and laundry, and while these things are not particularly exciting, they are nevertheless essential.If you know your way around a kitchen - or at least know a little more about cooking than your offspring - passing on some of your recipes could be a great idea. While something fancy may be a good way for them to impress their new friends, they are probably better off heading to university armed with a handful of healthy, filling meals, made from cheap ingredients and are easy to prepare. Also, there are websites specifically aimed at students, giving them plenty of ideas - from putting subtle twists on old favourites, to trying their hand at more challenging dishes - to ensure that they are properly nourished without stretching their budget.
Meanwhile, it may be wise to ensure that your child has thought about the full range of costs they are likely to be facing. For example, have they put aside money to pay for a TV licence? There are also some useful websites and tools online to help then plan and budget for while they are away, like this budget planner widget at savethestudent.org.
Stocking up
Of course, despite there being some forms of credit available to young people going to university, the reality is that many have to manage on a relatively limited budget.It could be helpful if you work with your child to put together a list of useful items. Depending on the kind of accommodation they are moving into, this could include a first aid kit, toaster, microwave, cookware, cutlery, crockery and bedding. And - if you think it is the best thing for them - after you compile this, you could buy the items, so whatever they get up to while they are away, at least you know they are going off correctly kitted out.
Paying by credit card could be a convenient way to help pay for some of this, and help get them started. Meanwhile, it may be useful to bear in mind that some credit cards offer an interest-free introductory period - which could help to manage the cost.
Finally, while your child may well be making new friends and having a great time, being away from home for the first time can be a scary transition. Being available on the other end of the phone to offer advice and help can be a great source of support for even the most independent young people.
Issued by Sainsbury's Finance
