Top tips
Should I attend an Open Day with my son/daughter?
You can do, but it's not essential. Your child will need to take the lead when visiting universities, as they will be the ones studying – and maybe living – there. If you do go, be there for support, but make sure that you take a step back. There are several things you can do to help your child benefit from an Open Day:
- encourage, but don’t take control
- help organise transport
- have a plan and think about what you both want to do throughout the day
- give your child space - they may want to explore alone
- attend any sessions designed for parents
- remain objective
Results Day - How to support your child
Results Day can be a very stressful time for both you and your child. As a parent your role will be to reassure, support and hopefully celebrate with your child. However, things might not always go to plan and it is important that you know how to support your child. Please use our top tips below on results day:
- keep calm
- help your child do some research
- be reassuring
- talk about alternative options
- don’t rush your child into making decisions too quickly
- make sure your child does the phoning
- be ready to visit universities you might not of considered before
Please visit our UCAS section of the parent portal to find out about clearing and how it works.
When they leave for university, you are not saying goodbye
Many parents worry about the prospect of so-called ‘empty-nest syndrome’ when their child leaves to go to university. While it can be sad to see your children go, it is key to remember it is not goodbye. There are a wealth of ways you can keep in touch with your child and get to hear about all the things they’re doing while they are away from home. It is also key to remember that this is, in many cases, an exciting experience for them. Be there to support them - and remember, they’ll be home again at Christmas!
Supporting your child living at home
Many parents may also be wondering how best to support their child who is choosing to stay at home whilst studying. While you may already have a routine down, it is important to remember that this routine is likely going to change. Make sure to be understanding of your child over the coming months as they get used to life at university, and work with them to find what works best for you and them.
Moving in checklist
We have provided a list of basic items your child can bring on Moving-In Day. Please note, this list is not exhaustive. If there are any additional items you wish to bring, but are unsure if they are allowed, please contact our Accommodation Team: accommodation@hope.ac.uk
Bedroom
- mattress protector
- x2 sheets, x2 duvet covers, x2 pillow cases (please note, all beds are single beds, with an exception of a double bed for those with disability access rooms)
- duvet
- pillows
- coat hangers
- clothing - to avoid overpacking, we tend to advise that students bring clothes for each term, appropriate for the seasons. For example, we begin in October, so be prepared for the winter months ahead. Many students choose to take clothes home each semester, and swap them over depending on the time of year.
Electrical items
- extension leads
- laptop/phone/tablet
- chargers
- hairdryer/straighteners
Please note, printers are accessible on all campuses, and the University offers free Wi-Fi for all students.
Kitchen
- x1 saucepan
- x1 frying pan
- baking trays
- x1 sieve/colander
- a few sharp knives
- chopping board
- tupperware
- wooden spoon
- grater
- peeler
- tin opener
- oven gloves
- cloth/sponge/scouring pad
- surface cleaner
Bathroom
- towels
- toiletries - shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, tooth paste, moisturiser, make-up remover, deodorant (plus personal essentials such as specific hygiene items or contact lense solution)
- bathroom mat
- hand soap
- toothbrush holder
Academic
- folders - start with a couple, and build them up depending on the course
- plastic wallets
- notebook
- academic diary/planner
- black/blue pens
- highlighters
- textbooks - check reading lists and buy any books that are essential. If you’re unsure about any, wait to ask lecturers or see if the library has them
- ccissors
- some form of backup system for work - USB stick, external hard drive, Dropbox, etc.
Important documents
- passport/ID
- passport photos
- insurance documents (if required for any specific items, such as a laptop).
- bank details - brining a bank statement is important as it may be needed to prove a home address
- student finance documents
- university acceptance letter
- accommodation documents
- NHS medical number
- National insurance number
- any personal medicines - inhalers, prescriptions etc.
Useful Services
For further information, view our Parents' Guide