UCAS - Preparation

Preparing for life at university or college

Here are some of the things for your son or daughter to think about before starting at university or college.

Finances

Making sure that your son's or daughter's finances are sorted before they leave for university or college is vital. They don't want to end up with serious difficulties paying for essentials such as accommodation (if not taken care of already), food, bills, and course books and equipment.

Advise them to set up a bank account - many banks offer special rates or incentives for students but it's worth forgoing a gimmick to get a longer-term benefit such as an interest-free overdraft or lower charges.

Make sure they know how and when any awards, loans or bursaries will be paid.

Also find out how and when they need to pay tuition fee payments to their chosen institution.

Insurance & TV licence

Make sure any legal issues are taken care of. Insure their possessions in case the worst happens - many insurers offer special policies for students.

If they are planning on taking or making use of a television (or PC with a tuner card) while at university make sure that it is covered by a TV licence.

If they have expensive items, it is worth marking them with their postcode and house number. They can buy special engraving or ultra-violet kits to do this. It will enable police to return their items should they be stolen and recovered.

They should also make sure that banks are aware of their student status for tax purposes.

Accommodation

Checking the suitability of their accommodation is vital as well as knowing how and when it needs to be paid for.

Also check if the cost of accommodation includes electricity, gas, water and insurance and, if living with others, advise them to get agreement on how the bills will be split.

It's also a good idea to check for smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors and find out when any appliances were last checked.

Check that the doors and windows have secure locks on them; insurance claims for burglaries can be turned down because the locks aren't the required standard.

Transport

Knowing how to get to and from university or college is important, because being late will not make a good impression on the lecturers. Get your son or daughter to check bus and train timetables or use a map to find a good route if walking.

Although walking may save money, please be aware of possible safety issues surrounding this. Until they find a safe route and/or someone to walk with, driving or using public transport may be better options.

Preliminary reading

Check whether there is anything they need to do before attending their first lecture. Reading lists and initial tasks are often sent before the start of term.

Eating, drinking and cooking

Requirements here will depend on the accommodation arrangements made. Find out what equipment and facilities are provided and plan accordingly.

It's worth checking, if they are in self-catering accommodation, that this includes basic cooking equipment.

Try to teach them a few cooking skills and some knowledge of nutrition before leaving home.

Things to take

Items that they need at university or college may include, for example, course books/equipment, TV, stereo, bed linen, cooking equipment and toiletries.

Help them to start writing a list of things to take well in advance to avoid forgetting something.

Electoral register

It may be the first year that they are eligible to vote or they may have voted before. Either way, your son or daughter is usually able to register to vote at both their home address and their term-time address. Visit www.aboutmyvote.co.uk for more information.