Image from: woxandapix
September seems a long way off, but if your offspring is hoping to go to University this fall, then you’ve got a lot of organising to do. Of course, we’ve got to get through exam season first. Oh, the joys! Tutors, tears, studying like crazy for months, and then the agonizing wait for results. But for most Universities the closing date for the majority of courses has passed already. So if your child’s applications are in, what’s to think about next?
Wait! They’re leaving home! Can they still be described as a child? Of course! As if getting any older is ever going to stop them being your baby!
Go and have a look at the areas that your chosen Colleges are situated. Check out where the student accommodation is and what amenities there are nearby. It will help your teenager decide what choice to make if they get more than one offer. Deciding what University to study at is a crucial decision!
Start thinking
Start thinking about where they’re going to be living. Many higher education establishments all first-year students to stay in dedicated university accommodation. If they hope to get in a Uni nearby, they may remain at home for a while yet. If they are moving out, start collecting homeware items for them. Even if they’re moving a fair distance away, it won’t cost a fortune to move their stuff. Depending on accommodation, in the first year, they need lots of the basics. Think cookware, bedding, cutlery, the list goes on and on. It needn’t cost a fortune to move them. You’ll probably need something bigger than one car if you want to do it all in one trip. Thankfully, you don’t need a huge full-on truck, unless they’re taking the kitchen sink with them. Removalists with a handy van can be surprisingly affordable and save you time and energy.
Prepare them for living alone
If you’ve always run around like a maid after your kids then now is the time to stop. Be certain they know basic skills like how to use a washing machine or how to change a plug. Ensure they know how to rustle up a few different meals, and have some cooking skills. If they don’t, now is the time they have to learn. Give them a refresher course on cleaning – what a great excuse to get them to do more around the house! Go through fire and personal safety precautions with your child. It may seem like common sense to you, but they’ve still got a lot to learn! Teach them how to budget and look after their money. Being a student, you need to be able to live frugally!
Prepare Yourself!
Start preparing yourself! There’s going to be a teenager shaped hole in your life! You’ve brought them up to be kind, honest, hard working adults, and you should be proud of them. As they take this massive step towards independence, you may find yourself experiencing Empty Nest Syndrome. Other children will keep you busy, but if you’re now child free, that’s a big change! Try and keep yourself occupied. Take up a new hobby, join a gym, get out and about. If you have a partner, it may be odd at first adjusting to life without your offspring around. Embrace the changes and put some effort into your relationship. Doing things together, as well as having your own interests will help nurture your relationship. This is so important for maintaining a healthy relationship. This is the beginning of the rest of your lives together and the next step for your family.