10 tips for the FIRST TERM
1 AVOID any last-minute panic by encouraging them to read every letter and email from the university (and also the college’s social media postings) so they know exactly what they should be 2 doing and when. MAKE sure they’ve got plenty of cash for the beginning of term as their student loan might not come in time and you don’t want them to have to miss out during that vital first 3 Freshers’ Week. IF THEY’RE moving into rented accommodation, make sure they record the electricity and gas readings (and take photos as proof) on the first day so they’re not overcharged by the energy company. Also get them to photograph any damage to the house or flat in case an opportunistic landlord later 4 sees them as easy prey. POP a packet of biscuits into their bag before they go. They’ll be nervous about making new friends and being able to offer around biscuits in the halls of residence kitchen will help break the ice. 5 BUY them a door stop to use in their room so people passing by know it’s fine to pop in to say ‘hi’. Again, it’s a simple measure that 6 can help them make friends. CHANCES are you’ll be the one shelling out for their course work books – save a fortune by buying them online. Auction websites like eBay are full of graduates trying to offload 7 their old texts. TAKE care of yourself. Once they’ve gone and you’ve got an empty nest, you may feel upset. Arrange to meet up with friends in a similar sitatuion to chat over your feelings to cheer yourself up. 8 SEND them exciting packages from home by taking advantage of the specialist websites that can send them gifts they’ll love. Everything from sweets and biscuits to stationery and tea and mugs are available. 9 RESIST the urge to keep phoning every five minutes to ask how they are. Instead, set up a WhatsApp group with the whole family so they can naturally join in with any chat without feeling pressure from home. 10 ENJOY your new found freedom. You’ve been dreaming of getting time to yourself since the moment they were born. So go on that holiday or join that new class. Just have fun!