Off to UNI

Your teenager has the grades – and is leavıng home for the first time…

YOUR heart is bursting with pride – and also threatening to break. You know the most thrilling time of your OffSPRING’S LIFE IS ABOUT to start – but also the most challenging.

Not only will the academic work be much harder: you won’t be around to cook and clean for them, let alone act as taxi driver. But don’t worry, there’s plenty you can do to make the transition as smooth as possible. Here’s how…

BEFORE THEY GO

TAKE them for a day trip to their university city to get their bearings. Help them find supermarkets, bus routes and see what the weather’s like, so they can pack accordingly.

Help them decide which bank to open an account with. Most offer students special deals, such as 0% interest overdrafts, free National Express coach cards or gift cards, so go online to find the one that’s right for them.

Make sure they’ve got basic life skills – show them how to prepare cheap and nutritious meals. Teach them how to make a bed and work a washing machine. And for a parting gift – what about a £30 16-25 Railcard? A third off fares might help encourage them to come home more regularly.