Helping your young person get ready for university

By:: University of Bradford
Published: 05 September 2024
Tagged under:: Clearing; Parents and carers; Student Life

Support your young person as they prepare to start their university course.

A student sitting in front of trees and smiling at the camera

Your young person has been accepted onto a course of study.

Now the whirlwind of activity becomes finding the best ways to help your young person get organised and prepared. Supporting them during this busy time will help them relax, gain confidence and ensure they will enjoy themselves even more at university.

Whether they will be moving away from home, or plan to live at home and commute to campus, we have gathered some resources to help you support them.

Moving away from home

Packing lists

Your young person is probably already thinking about what they would like to pack and bring with them. This will depend on their student accommodation and what will be provided for them. The following resources will help them come up with a packing list that's right for them.

Researching their new home and city

Whether it's figuring out the best transport links, the nearest supermarket, or where they'll get their must-have study snacks, having important details sorted ahead of time can help your young person feel more confident and prepared.

Our cost of living page can help them create a budget, find student discounts both on and off campus, get money advice and guidance, and help find a part-time job.

For learning more about everything the City of Bradford has to offer, our discover Bradford page should be their first stop.

Making social plans

It's hard to avoid feeling a bit lonely sometimes at the beginning of university, but Bradford's small, close-knit community will give your young person lots of chances to get involved and meet new people.

We suggest they have a look at our Student life pages, which are full of information about our campus and the types of support available.

If they want to learn more about our events, societies and sport clubs, the University of Bradford Union of Students website will give them everything they need to start thinking of the different ways they'll get involved and meet like-minded people.

And finally, make sure you're there to encourage and support them if they experience a wave of homesickness.

Two students playing draughts on an oversized board on a lawn with other students watching

Continuing to live at home

Although your young person will have less to organise if your family lives locally and they plan to commute from home, there are a few ways you can help as they get ready for this new stage in their life.

Finding their best commute

Learn about all the ways your young person can get to campus, get information on our car parking facilities, and explore discounts for public transport on our commuting to campus page.

Helping create a dedicated study space

Your young person will need a quiet area that's dedicated to their studies. It should include an adequate workspace, supportive chair, and room for their books, computer, stationery, and any materials or equipment they may need for their specific course.

We've gathered some resources to use as a jumping off point for helping you and your young person create their perfect study space:

Making adjustments

Even though your young person is still at home, remember that they (and you!) will need to adjust to their new schedule. Along with their class timetable, they will need to spend time doing research and assignments, as well as spending time with friends during events, outings and festivals.