Helping your child prepare to study abroad can seem like a big task. After all, there’s so much to consider.
We’ve put together a list of seven study skills tips for parents to help you prepare your child for their exciting future.
- Choosing a course or university
- Helping to create your child’s application
- Living independently
- Managing money
- Your child’s safety
- Mental wellbeing
- Supporting your child’s study
1. Choosing a course or university
When it comes to choosing a course or university, the possibilities are endless. So, picking a degree can seem impossible!
However, you can work with your son or daughter to figure out which courses will offer a combination of enjoyable study and rewarding future career options. Here are a few ideas you and your child can explore:
- Ask your child what interests them
- Ask your child what are their career goals are
- Read through the university website and the description of any course your child finds interesting. This will explains what the course covers, how your child will study, information on exams and other important items
You can search for a course here. Each course is easy to find, and you’ll be able to see what each course includes.
2. Helping to create your child’s application
This is a really fun part. This is the opportunity for you and your child to tell the university who they are and why they want to study there.
While completing the application, here are some things you and your son or daughter should consider:
- Which course are they writing the application for? Research the course and write about why they want to study it. They need to demonstrate their knowledge of the course in advance.
- What are the requirements? Consider what qualifications your son or daughter needs to have to be accepted onto a course.
- Make sure that your son or daughter knows to check what they have written. You can help by proofreading their work and offering feedback.
- Make sure you and your son and daughter leave enough time to go over the application. This means there’s lots of time to check for mistakes or add in new information.
Here is more information on the application process.
3. Living independently
A huge part of the university experience for your son or daughter is living on their own. This includes exciting things like exploring a new city, experiencing arts and culture and making friends. It also means everyday activities such as cooking, cleaning and looking after themselves.
Ensure your child knows how to organise themselves each day. For example, make sure your son or daughter knows the basics of cooking, kitchen safety, fire safety and food hygiene. Why not go through some cheap and easy recipes with them before they leave.
You and your child should also consider accommodation, what clothes and equipment they will need to bring and what life is like in the city. Help your son or daughter to figure out where the train station is, which buses to get, and most importantly, where the library is!
4. Managing money
It’s a good idea to look into finances together to find out how much items such as food and other bills will cost where they’ll live. Newcastle University has some really good advice on how your child can manage their money.
Help make your child aware that the best tips for living on a budget are to be realistic and plan ahead. Advise your son or daughter that some shops may be cheaper than others, so it’s good to try different places to see where they can get the best deals.
Your son or daughter will also have access to student discounts. Many shops offer this and it means students can buy items for a reduced price. It also helps with travelling costs so they can get around the city and the country for much cheaper.
5. Your child’s safety
Safety is a top priority for any parent.
These are things you can tell your child to help them stay safe while at university:
- ensure your son or daughter knows where they are travelling to
- make sure your son or daughter saves emergency contact numbers in their phone
- limit travel to areas they don’t know and could get lost in
- when walking at any time, make sure your son or daughter is aware of their surroundings
- make sure your son or daughter knows always knows where their phone, wallet and house keys are
6. Mental wellbeing
University can be stressful at times. It’s important that your child knows there will always be people to talk to if they have any personal issues.
It can sometimes be difficult to know if your child is having a hard time or what they might be going through. Let them know that you’re always there if they need emotional support.
Newcastle University runs a helpful Student Health and Wellbeing Service. The expert team offer advice and support for any student who is having a difficult time with either their mental health or stress. If your son or daughter decides to study here, they’ll be well looked after, thanks to the amazing health and wellbeing staff.
7. Supporting your child’s study
For your son or daughter, finding a balance between having fun and studying can be hard. As they are now more independent, it’s up to them to find that balance.
Emphasise how a good work ethic will help them become well-respected and reliable students. Make sure they know how to prioritise both their work and social as this can be beneficial when entering a future career.
It’s at this point that as a parent, you’ll have to step back a little. Let your son or daughter find their own pace and preferred way to do things, but make sure they know that you’re always around to give them advice if they need it.
See how studying abroad will help your child in their career
Preparing for university can seem like a bit of a mystery. But don’t worry! To help you during this time, we’ve created a free guide that will ease your concerns.
You can learn more about applications, visas for students, how to pack for university and how studying abroad will help your child to have a successful career.
To see how you can help your child prepare for university, download a free copy of our guide below.
