UNIVERSITY LIFE BEGINS!

As parents, we spend our lives worrying about our children. From the moment they are born, they bring with them a bundle of decisions and choices which we have to make for them. We go on to spend hours and days worrying and wondering if we chose the correct paths for them – whether we are deciding on nurseries, schools or even playgroups. At a blink of an eye we find that our little bundles are now taller, louder and more confident than we ever were. They are taking major exams, learning to drive and choosing universities and undergraduate courses. We feel very proud and excited and start the search in the same way we did when trying to find the best school for them.....until we realise – hang on a minute! The decision is no longer ours to make! However, no matter how little or large our involvement in the university application process is, we do in fact have a vital role to play. What can we do to help without encroaching on their decisions? How can we equip ourselves in the best ways possible to assist them when needed?

The process for students to start thinking about their next steps after their school years starts pretty early. They are barely finishing their GCSEs and starting their A Levels when they are bombarded with information on how to choose courses, which universities to visit, student finance, and accommodation and so on.  Open days are advertised and most schools organise talks for students and parents as well as trips to university fairs. There is a wealth of information at hand and advisers within the schools are usually excellently equipped to provide all the assistance needed.

As all this research and mind searching is going on, our sons and daughters are expected to concentrate on their current studies and exams. They are under tremendous pressure from us, their parents, from their school teachers and heads and from their social surroundings and environments. They are suddenly on a bridge leaving the comfort of their childhood and about to step into a world where they have to lead the way and be responsible for their own decisions.

So, what can we as parents do to help?

On a practical level:

• ·         Stay calm! Listen to all suggestions, choices and decisions – no matter how far, how near the university choices are. Listen, digest then discuss rationally.
• ·         Start research early – higher education has a lot of options to choose from. Equip yourselves with as much knowledge as possible. The world of UCAS and application is a mind-field. Learn about student finance, the different options, accommodation choices, entry requirements and required grades.
• ·         Know the deadlines – make sure you are aware of all deadlines and that your children are working with their schools on their personal statements and their applications and have a sensible schedule.
• ·         Search for courses – something they would enjoy or be interested in.
• ·         Go to UCAS events and course provider open days 
• ·         Check entry requirements – make sure they are realistic and achievable.
• ·         Perfect your personal statement – get feedback and polish it as much as you can.
• ·         Understand student finance – research all options
• ·         Be prepared for results day and make sure you understand which steps you might need to take.
• ·         Understand what Extra and Clearing are and how they work – chances to apply to more courses.
• ·         Be there when your sons/daughters need you. You may feel that the decision making process has been taken away from you – and it probably has! Let them think and decide but also reassure them that you are right beside them and ready to contribute and listen.

·         These are times of change for students and possibly the first time that they have had to be the decision makers and the carvers of their own destiny. Encourage them, allow them their space to explore but always let them know that you are there. If you are equipped with information, then you are armed to assist them.

Useful links:

http://www.ucas.com/

http://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/

https://www.studential.com/

http://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/

http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/

http://university.which.co.uk/advice/university-parent-guide