How to Help Your Son or Daughter Adjust to Living in University

Starting a new chapter in University can be exciting and challenging for your child and family, considering the mixed emotions and uncertainties that come with such a significant change. However, with proper guidance and encouragement, your child will grow from the experience and successfully transition into university life. 

 Accommodation is a key consideration when ensuring your child adjusts well to University life. For instance, seek a place that’s close to the University campus and within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and public transport links. The ideal University living situation will provide a perfect balance of privacy and opportunity for socialisation. Some accommodation options even include common rooms, bistro areas, and cinema rooms. With these considerations, your son or daughter should have a great tertiary experience.

This article will outline five ways to help your child adjust to living in University.

 

• Encourage Them Before They Leave

You should talk to your child about their expectations and worries before you send them off. Some things to ask them are:

• What they’re excited about
• Their feelings about moving away from home
• Their fears about living at University
• Their career goals

It’s a good idea to prepare your child by helping them before the transition. Setting up open communication with them automatically builds a sense of confidence and trust in your relationship, and will encourage them to reach out to you with any issues during their time at University.

It’s essential for your son or daughter to know you’re always there to support and will listen without judgment. Try to ask for their thoughts and struggles first before giving advice. Let them process things in their own way and they’ll be more likely to reach out to you when things are difficult.

Helping them to be more independent will help your child to grow into a happy and healthy adult.

 

• Let Go

Sending off a child to their university can be hard and overwhelming for any parent. During this time, it’s essential to have confidence in them and their ability to make smart decisions. They need to learn to live life independently and deal with circumstances on their own. After all, you’re just a phone call away if things become unmanageable for them.

 

• Stay In Touch But Don’t Hover

Let your child immerse themselves in University life and avoid calling them constantly. This can be suffocating for any young adult trying to adjust to a new life. Give them time to meet friends they can trust and confide in. You can be open talking about their adjustment but don’t force them. Instead, encourage them to try new things and listen to their instincts.

Provided you establish open communication, your child will contact you when things are hard to cope with, but ultimately, they need space to grow and time to figure things out on their own. Reach out to them once in a while, but don’t overdo it.

 

• Mistakes Happen

Nobody is perfect; allowing your child to make mistakes and reflect on them will help them make informed decisions later in life. When parents impose a positive and constructive mindset towards their child’s actions, they will be eager to try and explore new things and experiences. 

The stress of disappointment is a common cause of anxiety among students. Failing grades fall under this umbrella, and are feared by many students; if you’re not letting your child move on from these mistakes, it’ll be hard for them to accept failure. Instead, cheer them up and give encouragement to continue improving. Focus on their efforts and let them know you’re proud of them for trying their best regardless of the outcome. Helping them to succeed is better than trying to prevent them from commit mistakes.

 

• Avoid Giving Too Much Advice

Your child may get frustrated about a lot of different things at the university, from their flatmates, to their finances, but try to keep any advice to yourself unless they ask you to help.  Most likely, they’ll want you to listen to their mixed emotions and vent their disappointments to. Giving too much advice can make them feel frustrated and resentful.

 

Try recalling how your parents gave you advice, and think about the things that helped versus those that annoyed you most. Then, consider those factors when talking to your son or daughter. For instance, in order to avoid a fight, listen to them, and let them know you’re always there to help when they need any advice. This will then assist them in adjusting to independent life at University.

Bottom line

The love and support of parents can be the best tools to help your son or daughter achieve success in University life. By giving them space, time, and freedom to make their own mistakes, you’re providing them with opportunities to be independent and responsible for their actions. Let your presence and support be a guide and not a nuisance.

 

Sharing is caring!