Family and Friends

Parents

Introduction to university life

The transition to university life can be challenging for both students and parents. If your child is living independently for the first time you may be concerned about their wellbeing. There are steps you can take to help support your son/daughter at this time:

  • Prepare them for student life with basic skills such as budgeting and cooking
  • Encourage independence by directing them to the support available
  • Urge them to register with a GP
  • Stay in contact but let them settle into their new life too
  • Encourage them to become involved in campus life

Specific Support

The transition may be more difficult if your son/daughter already has specialist learning difficulties, has experienced mental health problems or other form of disability. Due to confidentiality we cannot disclose any information at all to you about your son or daughter. If however you are very worried you can ring and give us information, though we cannot then discuss how we are going to respond to it. We can also reassure you that support is available and we would urge you to speak to your son or daughter and encourage them to contact us.

New Concerns

Occasionally some students experience problems with their wellbeing and you may notice a change in their appearance or/and behaviour. The following are some indicators that may warrant concern:

  • Change in academic performance
  • Poor attendance
  • Change in mood
  • Poor personal hygiene
  • Social withdrawal
  • Emotional distress
  • Drug or alcohol problems
  • Change in behaviour outside of university
  • Problems in accommodation
  • Unreasonable demands
  • Statements of loneliness
  • Thoughts or statements of death or suicide

If you have any concerns regarding a student it is understandable that you may wish to contact student wellbeing services yourself, you can give us information but we are unable to give any information to you due to confidentiality reasons. It is best however if you can please encourage the student to contact us directly. We are able to offer a wide range of services to help with financial advice, mental health, disability, specialist learning difficulties and medical issues.