Preparing to leave home
There can be a lot for your son/daughter to remember to do in the interim period between receiving exam results and arriving at University. We've put together the following checklists to help.
Post exam results
- Has your son/daughter had their place confirmed via UCAS and received registration information, tuition fee information and accommodation information from the University?
- Does your son/daughter know the date they are expected to arrive in University accommodation ahead of Freshers' Week? Have they got details of what they will be expected to do during Freshers' Week?
- Does your son/daughter have adequate insurance to cover their possessions? Check that any insurance included as standard in their accommodation contract is sufficient – some parental home insurance can cover students in halls. Further information is available from the Accommodation Office website.
- Does your son/daughter need to buy a TV license? If they are taking their own set with them and are living in a single occupant residency (including a room in a student Hall or house) they will need their own license.
- Does your son/daughter need to arrange for a postal or proxy vote whilst away at University?
- Ensure that your son/daughter's finances are sorted before they leave for University. Have they set up a student bank account and do they know how they are going to budget the money available to them? If your son/daughter's student loan is unlikely to clear in the first week of term (for example if the student finance deadline was missed), they may need some spare cash
- Does your son or daughter know how they are going to get to and from the university? If they are likely to drive, then they may need to reserve a parking space at their hall or student house; if they travel by train a railcard can be very handy.
- Does your son/daughter have the 'life skills' that they need to get by in the first few weeks – are they familiar with the operation of a washing machine? Can they cook a few simple dishes?
- Does your son/daughter have special access requirements or medical needs that will need special attention? Is the University aware of these?
The University’s Student Funding Office is available to help with any student funding queries.
Things to take
Many students find it helpful to start writing a packing list early so additions can be made throughout the summer. The University's Accommodation Office has a comprehensive list of what facilities are provided in University accommodation.
Buying a computer
For information about what type of computer to buy, please read IT Services' advice for students on purchasing a computer.