Settling in
During the first few weeks of University, a range of events are held to help your son/daughter settle into University life quickly. Most departments hold registration and welcome events in the first week and your son/daughter will be invited to attend a welcome talk from the Dean of their faculty. All Halls of residence/student houses have JCR (Junior Common Room) committees who organise a social programme to help new students settle in, and those living out of Halls will be invited to events by Orbital, the society for Freshers out of Halls.
The Students' Union organises Fresh, where your son/daughter can sign up to join a range of University societies; information is also available about community and volunteering opportunities.
Whilst most students settle in very quickly, we appreciate that many will find the transition to a new way of life more difficult, and the support provided by parents is important. Talking over their concerns can be reassuring; encourage them to speak to their senior resident/personal tutor or the Students' Union, who are very much used to dealing with initial problems and worries. All University accommodation has an in-room data point, so it is very easy to stay in touch, but it is worthwhile discussing communication with your son/daughter before they leave; too much communication can sometimes make homesickness worse.
Some students will take to University life very quickly, so don’t be surprised if you don’t hear from your son/daughter as often as you initially expect; many will be enjoying new found independence and busy making new friends, or perhaps even making headway on a long reading list!
Many parents and carers initially experience what has been termed by psychologists 'empty nest syndrome'. Adjusting to not having your son/daughter around can be difficult but after the initial transition, many find that the change can be positive.