Sending a child to university is a great milestone for parents as well as for the child. In fact, parents give students pressure to perform well in high schools so as to secure university admissions. This gives parents a sense of pride. As for the students, there are many benefits to gaining university education. They get better opportunities in life and develop stronger sense of self-confidence. Students have a major role to play in determining whether they will join university or not. Their grades are key determinants. However, they need support while preparing to get into university. In this article, we give tips on how to help your child prepare to get into university.
- Attend open days
During the open days, visit the school to learn what the university is like. This will make the child familiarize with the university environment. Visit the place the child will live and familiarize with the surroundings. Also, go for a walk around the local shops. Familiarizing with the new environment will make the transition easier for your child.
- Teach your child to be independent
Help your child to learn skills at home that will help him or her to be independent. Offer them some lessons on cooking. Ensure that they know the basics of preparing some meals. Remember to help them buy the basic cooking utensils.
Also, help them learn how to do cleaning, ironing, laundry, and shopping. Teach your child how to budget. Remember this is probably the first time the child is taking control of finances. Take them through the basics of budgeting. This will help them budget for rent, food, personal items, and fun. These skills will enable them to live independently.
- Encourage your child to identify sources of support
To have a smooth life in university, your child needs to know where they can get support on campus. These sources may include health services, academic essay advisers, religious organizations, clubs, and financial officers. Your child should be in a position to find these sources on their own. This will make them more independent. The support can also come from community organizations. From such organization he/she will learn about scholarships and later on how scholarship essay writers can be of much help. So, students shouldn’t only focus on schools alone. Let your child know the importance of support before getting into campus.
- Help your child open the best bank account
All major banks give students opportunities to open their accounts. However, some banks offer better benefits than others. You should, therefore, help your child compare available options before settling on one. A good account will offer your child all the financial services needed at the university.
- Help your child learn to connect existing strengths with school challenges
University just like any other institution will have challenges. So, your child needs strategies to overcome these challenges. One of the strategies is using their strengths to overcome upcoming challenges. For example, your child may have overcome some challenges in high school. Remind him or her on how they overcome these challenges. Then, they can use this strength to overcome any challenge they may face in university.
Honestly, things will not be easy especially during the first semester. There will be struggle and discomfort. However, through their existing strengths, they will be able to persevere. Challenge them to work on their mindset to become successful. This will help improve their ability to overcome any obstacles even after graduation.
- Note all the deadlines
During the university application process, your child has a lot to remember. They need to submit the application and apply for accommodation. During this period, they are usually very busy in the school. The coursework deadlines are usually approaching and exams are forthcoming. It is usually hard for them to remember the deadlines. Write the deadlines somewhere and keep reminding them what they need to do and when. You don’t want them frustrated for forgetting to send the applications.
- Talk with your child
One of the best ways to prepare your child for university life is by talking with them. Let them tell you how they feel about the forthcoming experience. While they may be excited, they may have concerns about living in a new environment alone. Address all their concerns as early as possible. This will give them the confidence they need to face new experiences.
- Encourage your child to work harder
Remind your child why she or he is joining the university. They need to perform well to get the benefits of being a graduate. This doesn’t mean that they should neglect their social life. Instead, they should give enough attention to education as well as to social life. A good balance will lead to success.
Conclusion
Preparing to get into university can be challenging for your child. However, you can make this transition easier by preparing your child for the new experience. We have provided some tips on how to do this. Also, don’t over-stress yourself. Universities have services that support the wellbeing of their students.
