Parents’ and Supporters’ guide
Posted on August 8th, 2008 by Matt.
I went over to a university today for a Campus Tour, as I thought I should get on with something having left everything back at halls. It was a very nice tour, and they even gave us a “goody bag” containing some badges, a pen, the prospectus, and some smaller booklets. I also met a 16-year-old girl who had just finished her GCSEs and was effectively going to some visit days to start shortlisting potential universities – a brilliant idea, start early and find out as much as possible!
I’ve been reading the guide aimed at parents, because they usually summarise all of the useful information from everywhere else into a much smaller size. A few things stuck out at me, and I’ll point them out below, as well as expland on them.
Some young people are more independent than others, but your son or daughter will settle into university life more easily if they have certain basic practical skills, such as being able to do their own laundry, clean their room and cook a few basic meals.
Very true. Amongst that, other key points include being able to read a map (namely the campus one), budget effectively (rent does not pay itself), remember things (like the code for the front door), wash dishes (no university has fairies that can be booked out), iron (unless you like wearing creased clothes), and – most importantly – make a decent cup of tea (this, of course, being essential when it comes to meeting new housemates).
Buying a Young Persons 16-25 Railcard (?24 for 2008) will save a lot of money if your son or daughter will be travelling by train. It provides discounts of one-third on most rail travel in britain.
Not only that, but I even know of one route that does 50% off for students! Don’t forget that almost every medical school is close enough to a principal railway station to make it a viable option for going home. Purchasing tickets in advance with a railcard is an excellent way to save money – personally, I can travel first class (return) for ?40 on a journey that would cost me in excess of ?200 for standard open tickets)!
The University holds undergraduate open days in the summer and autumn of each year, providing a real taste of what life is like at the University
You can check our Online Diary to find out when all of these are taking place. And don’t forget to check the invidual websites too, as some of them will even let you stay in halls the night before the open day! I really recommend you go to at least one, just so that you get a good insight into the medical course. But, personally, I wouldn’t choose a university without looking at it first!
Matt says: Read as much information as you can get your hands on, even the unlikely stuff!
Tags: Open days, Southampton
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