Information for parents and supporters

When your child goes to university, it’s a big step - for both of you. It’s an exciting time that will bring about so much change, and it’s natural to feel a mix of pride, anxiety, and uncertainty. Your child will be spreading their wings and becoming more independent. They might be leaving home for the first time, and you won’t be caring for them on a daily basis. There’s a loss on both sides, but also so many opportunities for joy and growth.

It’s important that you give them their freedom and encourage independence while providing support. By trusting their ability to navigate this new chapter, you’ll help them thrive while building a new kind of relationship as they transition into adulthood.

Remember, this journey is as much yours as it is theirs - embrace it with pride and confidence.

Accommodation

Another important decision for your child to make is where they want to live. Living in halls is often a student’s first experience of communal living. Be prepared for them to meet and adapt to different personalities and lifestyles and help them navigate life in shared spaces, if they decide to stay at home.

• Living at home: Although your child has decided to remain at home during their studies, this is still a crucial stage in their development as a young adult and it's likely they'll still be seeking more independence.
• Living in halls: At Middlesex, we have student halls close to our campus in Hendon, north west London.
• Rented accommodation: Your child can also search for private accommodation using Middlesex StudentPad to find local rooms, flats, and houses for rent.

See further advice for parents of children living at home or away.

Preparing for the transition to university

The months leading up to university will be filled with anticipation and preparation. Here’s how you can help:

• Life skills: if possible, teach your child a few essential life skills like cooking, budgeting and doing laundry so they feel confident managing on their own.
• Logistics: Help with loan applications and other paperwork, support them to find accommodation and help with packing essentials - without taking over.
• Communication: Chat about what to expect at university, including challenges they might face, and reassure them that it’s okay to seek help if needed. Keep conversations light.

See our info on enrolment, including how it works and support for common questions.

Supporting academic success

Studying at university can be a big adjustment from school. By familiarising yourself with how university teaching works, you can better relate to their experience and support them in those early days.  

The main difference to schools is that, while there’s plenty of teaching and instruction, students are also expected to undertake significant independent study, like reading and research projects. We prepare them for the world of work which means using their initiative, thinking and working independently and having their own ideas. It can take a while for new students to adjust and to grasp the fact that they won’t be spoon-fed.

• Study time: It’s important that they understand not all of their learning will be taught, monitored and supervised, but will involve personal study time.
• Encourage time management: It’s also crucial to stay on top of deadlines and balance coursework with other activities.
• Resources: Middlesex offers academic support services like tutoring, writing workshops, and study skills sessions. We know these resources help hundreds of students every year, so encourage your child to take advantage of these if needed.

See more about undergraduate study at Middlesex.

Financial guidance

Finances are a crucial part of university life. Here’s how to guide your child:

• Teach budgeting: Help them create a simple budget to manage their student loan, part-time earnings, and any additional support you’re providing.
• Explain student loans: Make sure they understand how tuition fees, maintenance loans, and repayment systems work. Is everything set up to work?
• Provide financial support wisely: If you’re offering added financial help, ensure that it’s structured in a way that encourages responsibility rather than dependency.

See the funding options we offer at Middlesex.

Staying involved (but not too involved)

University life can come with its challenges and for young people navigating a new chapter in their life it can sometimes feel overwhelming. Striking the right balance between involvement and independence is key:

• Respect boundaries: Understand that your child may not share everything with you, and that’s okay.
• Stay updated: Having said that, make sure they know you're only a phone call away if they need advice Ask general questions about their experiences and progress but avoid prying into every detail of their life.
• Offer support when needed: If you notice signs of distress, gently offer guidance and remind them of available resources.

We offer dedicated student support services at Middlesex.