Fresher’s week is over and first
year Uni. students are settling into the routine of day-to-day life. Moving
away from home presents a number of new challenges which can lead to heartache.
Parents will need to offer support and advice regarding some of the issues
below over the coming weeks.
The number of timetabled hours
and lecturing styles vary substantially from what teenagers were used to at
school. Although the number of weekly contact hours in lectures can be as
little as 10-15, the expectation to read around a subject independently, attend
tutorials and deliver on project-work and assignments with deadlines often
weeks in advance, requires good organisation and study skills.
Self-motivation is required to avoid the temptation to stay in bed until noon
if there are no lectures until the afternoon. look out for signs that your teenager is struggling with planning study time or spending too much time having fun.
Sometimes the subject choice or
course content turns out to be different from expectations. Discuss and address
this quickly to ensure they stay the course. Keeping busy by joining clubs and
societies will quickly build a group of new friends with interests in common,
to offer support during the difficult first few weeks.
Budgeting for monthly out-goings,
to make their student loan stretch further is crucial. Securing part-time
work as soon as possible will prevent money worries later.
Planning and cooking filling
meals will keep them cheerful through home-comforts. A cookery book full
of easy to follow recipes, as well as teaming up with friends to cook together
will save cash and waste less food than cooking for one.
Lastly knowing when to say no is
crucial. Exposure to sex, drugs and alcohol is sadly inevitable. An ability to
make sensible decisions in difficult situations, despite peer pressure will
keep their studies on track and ensure a positive and successful Uni.
experience.
For advice on choosing the right UK university and making an application through UCAS, give our consultants a call on 01525 240502 or visit our website
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